Download Essential Guide to Double Eyelid Surgery

Essential Guide to Double
Eyelid Surgery
Everything you need to know about the surgery, recovery period
and our process for supporting you along the way.
604.733.1669
[email protected]
www.8west.ca
100-1537 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6J 1T5
The Essential Guide to Double
Eyelid Surgery
Welcome to 8 West Cosmetic Surgery. We look forward to meeting you and having the opportunity to
discuss your needs and objectives. This package outlines important information about what to expect
from Double Eyelid Surgery and the recovery period, how to prepare for the consult and how to find
our practice.
Table of Contents
The 8 Stage Cycle of Responsible Care
Your Surgeon
.............................................................................................................................
1
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2
About Double Eyelid Surgery ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Incisional (Permanent) Vs. Suture Technique ................................................................................................................ 4
What to Expect During the Surgery ...................................................................................................................................................
Choosing Your New Crease Shape .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Choosing Your New Crease Height .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Recovering From Double Eyelid Surgery
What to Expect At Your Consult
...........................................................................................................................
8
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9
How To Prepare For Your Consult ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Map of the Area/How to Reach Our Office ................................................................................................................ 12
Our Services
Table of Contents • About our Practice
...................................................................................................................................................................................................................
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We have a unique process for ensuring
each patient has a positive, safe &
satisfying cosmetic surgery experience.
1. SPECIALIZED
Our plastic and facial plastic surgeons are true experts in their
fields, practice cosmetic surgery in their areas of board certification,
and focus on either the face or the body.
2. EDUCATE
Our website provides a comprehensive source of information and
our knowledgeable patient care experts have many resources to
share with you.
3. SIMPLIFY
We make the experience of cosmetic surgery simple – from our
easy to access ground floor location and street level parking, to our
virtual consultation which makes it possible for out of town patients
to meet their surgeon online before making a trip to Vancouver.
Patient Focus
Our team of patient care experts are dedicated to making
the cosmetic surgery experience positive, safe and
satisfying. The 8 Stage of the Cycle of Responsible
Care acts as a set of governing principles as we guide
the patient along their journey. We provide support at
every stage, from the moment you begin researching your
options, to the recovery period and beyond.
4. PRIVACY
Our office has a secure, confidential entrance and there are no
busy elevators. We don’t publish before and after photos on our
website, however extensive examples are available for viewing during the consultation.
5. CONSULT
The consultation is designed to encourage an open dialogue between your and surgeon. You will have ample time to discuss your
objectives and questions and view computer imaging.
6. INFORM
Your surgeon will also educate you on the potential risks and
complications of surgery so that you can be well informed prior to
making your decision.
7. PREPARE
Your patient care expert will ensue that you are well prepared and
can effectively plan for time off work and activities as you recover.
8. CONTINUING CARE
We will schedule regular follow up visits with you so that we can
stay in touch and monitor your progress.
The 8 Stage Cycle or Responsible Care
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1
About Your
Surgeon
About Dr. Thomas Buonassisi
Dr. Buonassisi is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who focuses his practice on the nose,
face, neck, eyes and ears. The American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
is the only medical board in North America that certifies physicians exclusively in cosmetic
and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face and neck. Board Certification by the ABFPRS is
viewed as the premier credential in Facial Plastic Surgery. The certification process is rigorous
and requires surgeons to have extensive training and experience in facial plastic surgery.
Board Certifications &
Credentials
• American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
• Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Canada
Trust Your Face to a Facial
Plastic Surgeon
• Dr. Buonassisi is a true expert in facial surgery and has
extensive training and experience in cosmetic surgery of the
face, head, neck, nose and eyelids
• Dr. Buonassisi is a staff surgeon at Lions Gate Hospital and
has full surgical and admitting privileges
Your Surgeon
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2
Born with “double eyelid”
Born with “single eyelid”
Roughly 50% of Asians are born with upper eyelid creases
(double eyelid creases). This means that in a family, it is
common for one sibling to have creases while the other
does not. Many patients request double eyelid surgery
so that their eyes can look more like their other family
members - more open and less puffy.
About Double Eyelid Surgery
WHY DOUBLE EYELID SURGERY
•
•
Approximately 50% of Asians, are born
with a supratarsal fold (aka double
eyelid crease)
People without the double eyelid crease
(or who have a single fold) sometimes
feel that their eyes look heavy or puffy
EXPECTED RESULTS OF SURGERY
IS DOUBLE EYELID RIGHT FOR YOU? YOU MAY BE A
CANDIDATE IF:
You Have No Creases
You were born with single eyelid creases and desire a more open-eyed
appearance. Dr. Buonassisi can create a new crease, natural looking
crease with the desired height and shape.
You Have No Creases And Your Eyes Look Puffy & Heavy
•
Creation of a natural looking, permanent
upper eyelid crease
•
Natural looking crease: the crease is
visible when the eyelid is open, but not
when it is closed
•
Larger, more open appearing eyes
You Already Have Creases But They Are Hard to See
•
More exposed upper eyelashes
•
Less upper eyelid puffiness
If you already have double eyelid creases but they are hard to see or
disappear when you are tired, Dr. Buonassisi can make the creases
more prominent, change their position or remove extra skin and fat if
necessary to create a more open-eyed and less puffy appearance.
About Double Eyelid Surgery
Some patients have extra skin and fat in the upper eyelids that they
wish to have removed during the double eyelid procedure. If this is the
case, Dr. Buonassisi carefully reshapes the eyelid features to create a
more open-eyed, less puffy appearance.
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Q. What Looks Natural?
A. When the eyes are closed, the crease should disappear.
Cosmetic Surgery Insight: The most natural looking results are achieved with the Permanent (Incisonal) Technique.
Natural = Creases are visible
when the eyes are open
Natural = Creases disappear
when the eyes are closed
Incisional (Permanent) Vs. Suture Technique
INTERVIEW WITH DR. BUONASSISI
PERMANENT (INCISIONAL) TECHNIQUE
Pros
Cons
•
The new crease is permanent
•
Results Irreversible
•
The surgeon has more control
and precision with crease
height an shape
•
Usually more expensive
•
Longer healing time
•
The surgeon can address
upper eyelid fat deposits,
excess muscle, and extra
upper eyelid skin
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, Double Eyelid
Surgery Expert
SUTURE TECHNIQUE
What is the Difference Between the “Permanent
(Incisional) Technique” and the “Suture Techique”?
Cons:
Pros
•
Reversible
•
Usually less expensive
•
Shorter healing time
•
Less natural looking results the crease is visible when the
eyes are closed
•
The new crease may “fall out”
of one or both eyes over time
•
The surgeon is unable to
address redundant skin, fat,
or muscle
•
Sutures remain in the eyelid
permanently and can cause
irritation
Incisional (Permanent) Vs. Suture Technique
www.8west.ca
“The major difference is whether the surgeon uses an
incision or a suture. Every patient is different, with different
anatomy and different objectives of surgery, so there is no
easy answer as to which surgery is better.
Having said this, the preferred technique of the most
experienced surgeons is the Incisional Technique. While
the Incisional Technique is more technically difficult
to perform, it produces a more stable result. I prefer it
because it gives me more flexibility to create the most
appropriate cosmetic outcome. For example, through the
incision, I have access to the eyelid anatomy, which means
I have more control to create a crease of the height and
shape that is most appropriate for the patient’s features. I
also have the option to remove excess skin and fat, which
is particularly important in patients who have puffy looking
eyelids.”
4
The surgery itself is associated with very little to no discomfort. Patients have the
option of taking a mild oral sedative, and many doze off during the procedure.
What to Expect During the Surgery
Go Home the Same Day
The surgery takes roughly 1.5 - 2 hours, and
many patients relax or doze off during the
procedure. After the surgery is complete, the
patient rests for about 30 minutes, then can
return home
HOW THE SURGERY IS PERFORMED
Local Anesthetic
Dr. Buonassisi injects local anesthetic into the eyelids so that no
discomfort is felt during the surgery. Patients have the option of
taking a mild oral sedative so that they are relaxed during the
surgery.
Creating The New Crease
CREATING THE NEW CREASE
With the Permanent (Incisional) Technique,
Dr. Buonassisi makes a fine incision in the
upper eyelid precisely crafted to achieve the
height and shape that the patient desires.
In some patients, he removes access skin
and fat. He then uses a special suturing
technique to permanently attach the skin to
the underlying lid muscle to create a natural,
functional, permanent upper eyelid crease.
The sutures are removed one week after
surgery.
What to Expect During the Surgery
During your surgical consultation, you and Dr. Buonassisi will
agree on a height and shape for your new crease. Before the
surgery, Dr. Buonassisi will make careful measurements and pen
markings on the eyelids so that he can create the appropriate
crease. Small and precise incisions are made in the eyelids,
which the patient does not feel.
Removing Extra Skin & Fat
Some patients have extra skin and fat in the upper eyelids that
they wish to have removed during the double eyelid procedure.
If this is the case, Dr. Buonassisi carefully reshapes these eyelid
features.
Creating The New, Permanent Crease
Dr. Buonassisi utilizes a special suturing technique to
permanently attach the skin to the underlying lid muscle to
create a natural, functional, permanent upper eyelid crease. The
sutures are removed one week after surgery.
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Choosing Your New Height &
Crease Shape.
During your consultation, you and
Dr. Buonassisi will agree on a height
and shape for your new crease.
These decisions will determine how
dramatic or subtle the changes to
your eyes will be.
Step 1:
Choose Your New
Crease Shape
Inside Fold
Outside Fold
The crease runs parallel to the lash line and tapers inside the
epicanthal fold on the insider corner of the eye.This is the
most common naturally occurring fold, and as a result is the
most popular.
The crease runs parallel to the lash line along the entire eyelid
and ends above (“Outside”) the epicanthal fold. This crease
shape is uncommon in Asians but is occasionally requested
because it creates the most open-eyed appearance.
Choose Your New Crease Shape
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Step 2:
Choose Your New
Crease Height
Small Crease
Medium Crease
High Crease
The crease is created roughly 6 - 8 mm
above the eyelash line and a minimal amount
of skin above is removed. This is the most
naturally occuring crease height and therefore
results in the most natural appearance when
created surgically.
The crease is created roughly 7 - 9 mm
above the eyelash line and a moderate
amount of skin above is removed. This results
in a more open eyed appearance with a more
prominent, obvious crease.
The crease is created roughly 8-10 mm above
the eyelash line and a significant amount of
skin above is removed. High creases do not
occur naturally in Asians and as a result look
least natural.
Choose Your New Crease Height
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The Recovery
Period
Recovering from Double Eyelid Surgery
As you resume your normal daily activities, you must continue proper care and healing.
RETURNING TO ACTIVITIES
•
Most people take 1 - 2 weeks off work
•
You can return to light activities, such
as reading and working on a computer,
the day after surgery
•
You can return to moderate activities,
such as a long walk, after one week
•
You can return to full activities after two
weeks
A Tip for Disguising Swelling
Many people wear glasses (prescription or
fashion) for the first couple weeks following
surgery to disguise swelling.
Recovering from Double Eyelid Surgery
SWELLING & BRUISING
•
Some people experience bruising and some do not - it really
depends on each person and how they heal
•
Sutures are removed 1 week after surgery at which time your eyes
will still be swollen
•
Many people return to work after 1 week but understand that their
eyes may still have some visible signs of swelling
•
Most swelling is gone after 2 weeks but can persist for up to three
weeks
•
Your new creases will appear to be too high in the beginning, and
will take their final shape over the next few months as swelling goes
away
•
You will be provided with detailed pre and post operative
instructions to help make your recovery as safe and stress free as
possible - the directions are easy to follow and involve a simple
daily eye care routine
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What to Expect
at Your Consult
What to Expect at Your Consult
We are committed to making your surgical experience
as care-free as possible and to providing comprehensive
Pre & Post Surgical Support. Please count on us for
the following:
YOUR VISIT
Positive cosmetic surgery outcomes are
highly dependent on several factors. Without
question, the surgeon’s skill and experience is
critical. What is often overlooked, however, is
the importance of the surgical consult, which is
when a communicative dialogue needs to take
place between the surgeon and the patient so
that expectations can be properly managed.
Your visit to our office will be approximately 1 hour long and will
include the following:
1. Patient Intake
Dr. Buonassisi will discuss your medical history, including
any medications you may be taking. This is important as this
information helps him evaluate the safest approach for your
surgery.
2. Photography
We take photos of you from several angles. These photos are extremely important as they
track your results should you decide to book surgery.
3. Surgical Consultation
This part of your consultation is of paramount importance. Dr. Buonassisi will discuss with you
your objectives from surgery. He will assess your candidacy for surgery, and decide if your
expectations are realistic and healthy.
What to Expect at Your Consult
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4. Surgical Plan
Dr. Buonassisi will recommend a surgical plan for best achieving realistic
results that are appropriate and safe. The surgical plan outlines what
surgery he will perform, where the incisions will be placed, and what kind
of anesthetic will be used. He will explain the risks and benefits of the
surgery.
5. Transparent Quote
You will be presented with a detailed quote which clearly outlines
the total costs of the procedure. You will have the opportunity
to review the quote for as long as like, and your Patient Care
Coordinator will be able to answer all of your questions.
Your relationship with 8-West Cosmetic Surgery
doesn’t end after surgery. We want our patients
to feel like they are a part of our family. A series
of after care appointments will be scheduled
for you. The objective of these appointments
is to monitor your progress as you heal, and
ensure you have the opportunity to have all your
questions answered along the way.
6. Schedule Surgery
Should you decide to go ahead with surgery, your Patient Care
Coordinator will book it for you and take a $500 deposit. The
remainder of the fees are due 2 weeks prior to your surgery date.
7. Preparing for Surgery & Recovery
Your patient care coordinator will ensure you understand how to prepare and recover from surgery
and will provide detailed instructions for doing so. It is very important that you follow these instructions
carefully and we encourage you to call us at anytime if you are unsure.
What to Expect at Your Consult
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How to Prepare
for Your Consult
How to Prepare for Your Consult
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Questions to Ask
•
What surgery do you recommend for me?
•
Where will the incisions be placed?
•
Will there be scars? If so, how visible will
they be?
•
What kind of anesthetic will be used?
•
Where is the surgery performed?
•
How long will I need to take off work?
•
Will you provide pre and post surgery
instructions?
Things to Bring
No website, brochure or phone call can compare to the experience of
having a surgical consultation with an expert surgeon. Your time with Dr.
Buonassisi is your opportunity to communicate your desired outcome
from surgery, hear Dr. Buonassisi’s expert opinion on the best surgical
approach for you, and ask all your questions. We recommend that you
plan ahead, research the procedure you are interested in, and come
prepared with questions.
CHECKLIST
The desire to improve one’s appearance is natural. Almost everyone
has something that they would like to change. Cosmetic surgery, when
performed by a skilled and board certified surgeon, is safe and typically
creates high satisfaction in healthy patients. It is important, however
that you consider your motivations for surgery. Take some time alone to
complete the following checklist as you explore your motivations.
Photos of yourself or other people can be used
as a discussion tool as you communicate features
that you like and don’t like to your surgeon. Feel
free to bring photos to your consult.
I am choosing to enhance my appearance because I want to. No
one is influencing or pressuring me.
•
I am realistic about the results I want to achieve. I understand that
cosmetic surgery will not yield radical results.
For double eyelid surgery, begin by
researching the internet and finding
pictures of people with eyelid creases
that you like and don’t like - while Dr.
Buonassisi can not recreate another
person’s eyes for you, your example
photos will help as you discuss what
degree of change you desire
I understand that the results of my surgery may be permanent.
There are both benefits and risks to surgery.
I am healthy and stable emotionally and physically. Although there is
something I want to change, I am in general happy with myself.
I can afford the costs of surgery, including non-monetary costs
such as recovery time/time off work.
How to Prepare for Your Consult
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Map of the Area
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
•
Arrive early and enjoy our comfortable reception area
•
Parking is located directly in front of our street level entrance - remember
to bring coins for the parking meters, and if you forget, we’d be happy to
provide some - please let us know!
•
We have a secure entrance, which means you will need to ring the doorbell
to gain access - the doorbell is located to the left of the front doors, at
about waist height. Please ring the bell and we will let you inside.
REACHING OUR OFFICE
Suite 100 - 1537 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6J 1T5
604 733 1669
Reaching us by Car
Google driving directions has made it extremely
easy to obtain street by street directions that
account for some of the one-way streets in the
area. Please use this Google tool for the most
complete and clear directions to our practice
from your particular starting point. You may
access this tool direction from our website by
clicking on the menu item “Contact Us”, and
then “Location & Directions”. Alternatively, you
can access google driving directions directly by
going to http://maps.google.com/maps.
Reaching us On Foot
If you are coming by transit, you can typically
disembark near the corner of Granville Street
and West Broadway. It takes less than five
minutes to walk to our office from this main
crossing. As you walk down West 8th towards
Fir Street, you will spot Tao Hair Salon on your
right hand side, then our practice just after that,
also on the right.
Map of the Area
www.8west.ca
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Our Services - Facial Surgery
Trust Your Face to a Board Certified
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Thomas Buonassisi
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Buonassisi is a sub-specialist cosmetic facial surgeon and has been in practice for over
ten years. He is a highly regarded rhinoplasty, face/necklift and eyelid expert who specializes
in the most advanced and trusted surgical methods. He uses computer imaging during
consultations to maximize communication with his patients.
Reshape or Rejuvenate Facial Features
COMPLETE FOCUS ON THE NOSE, EYES, FACE & NECK
Nose Reshaping
Eye Rejuvenation
Face & Neck Contouring
• Reduction Rhinoplasty
• Eyelid Blepharoplasty
• Double Chin Surgery
• Augment Rhinoplasty
• Brow Lift
• Neck Liposuction
• Revision Rhinoplasty
• Cheek Lift
• Buccal Fat Removal
• Facial Implants (Chin, Cheek & Nose)
Face Rejuvenation
Eye Reshaping
Ears
• Face Lift
• Double Eyelid Surgery
• Otoplasty
• Mini Face Lift
• Brow Reshape
• Earlobe Rejuvenation
• Neck Lift
• Ptosis Repair
• Torn Earlobe Repair
• Mini Neck Lift
Our Services - Facial Cosmetic Surgery
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Our Services - Body Surgery
Trust Your Body to a Board Certified
Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Robyn Watts
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Watts is a sub-specialist cosmetic body surgeon with expert level training in breast and abdominal
surgery. She specializes in the most advanced techniques for breast and abdominal reshaping and
understands the unique needs of female patients who may be experiencing age related and post
pregnancy body changes.
Enhance or Rejuvenate Body Features
COMPLETE FOCUS ON THE BREASTS, BODY & ABDOMEN
Breast Enhancement
Breast Lift
Body Contour Surgery
• Saline breast implants
• Short and extended incision methods
• Silicone breast implants
Breast Reduction
• Liposuction of the thighs, flanks,
abdomen and other areas
• Short and extended incision methods
Tummy Rejuvenation
Male Surgery
• Mini Tummy Tuck
• Gynecomastia (breast reduction)
• Complete Tummy Tuck
• Extended Tummy Tuck
Our Services - Body Cosmetic Surgery
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Thank you
At 8-West Cosmetic Surgery in Vancouver, we are committed to providing information and
assistance to women and men considering cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, face
lift, and eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, breast lift/reduction and tummy tuck.
We look forward to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals.
604.733.1669
[email protected]
www.8west.ca
100-1537 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Canada V6J 1T5