Change Your Life with Hyperhidrosis Treatment

Hyperhidrosis, aka excessive sweating, is a common problem that may have physical, emotional and psychological consequences. It affects an estimated 15.3 million people in the United States, according to the Archives of Dermatological Research. Fortunately, many hyperhidrosis treatment options are available to help people put excessive sweating in the past.

How Is Hyperhidrosis Treated?

Surgery is one of the most common hyperhidrosis treatments. It often provides an effective way to address hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet. Plus, hyperhidrosis surgery offers permanent results.

Several hyperhidrosis surgeries have been shown to deliver safe, long-lasting results. These procedures include:

  • Excision: Addresses malfunctioning underarm sweat glands. Excision involves the removal of underarm sweat glands under local anesthesia. It is performed as an outpatient procedure.
  • Curettage: Involves scraping out malfunctioning sweat glands. Like excision, curettage is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
  • Liposuction: Liquefies sweat glands and removes them from the underarms. Liposuction also enables a patient to eliminate excess fat from the body. It is typically performed as an inpatient procedure.
  • Thoracic Sympathectomy: Blocks chest cavity nerves that cause excess sweating. Thoracic sympathectomy is used to treat severe hyperhidrosis. It is a minimally invasive surgery performed at an outpatient clinic.

A thoracic surgeon helps a patient determine if surgery is the best option to treat hyperhidrosis. Then, he or she educates a patient about the different hyperhidrosis procedures and develops a custom treatment plan that enables this individual to alleviate excessive sweating.

Which Hyperhidrosis Treatment Delivers the Best Results?

There is no one-size-fits-all hyperhidrosis treatment that works perfectly for all patients, at all times. Instead, a thoracic surgeon evaluates a patient, learns about this individual’s hyperhidrosis symptoms and tailors a treatment plan accordingly.

During a hyperhidrosis treatment evaluation, a thoracic surgeon asks a patient questions about his or her symptoms. A surgeon allocates the necessary time and resources to learn about a patient and conducts a full patient assessment. He or she may also request various tests to evaluate a patient and provide an accurate diagnosis.

A thoracic surgeon strives to provide a hyperhidrosis treatment to address excessive sweating in different parts of the body. The treatment may address one or more of the following areas:

  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Armpits
  • Face

For those who are dealing with hyperhidrosis, a thoracic surgeon may recommend an excision, curettage or liposuction treatment. Each of these treatments delivers proven results and helps patients address hyperhidrosis symptoms for years to come.

On the other hand, patients who are dealing with severe hyperhidrosis may require thoracic sympathectomy. During this procedure, a thoracic surgeon makes two small incisions on the sides of a patient’s chest. The surgeon then insufflates the chest cavity with carbon dioxide and inserts a fiber optic camera into the chest; the fiber optic camera provides live video onto a monitor in the operating room. Next, the surgeon cuts the sympathetic nerves that cause excessive sweating; these nerves are cut between the third and fourth ribs. Finally, the surgeon removes the carbon dioxide and fiber optic camera from the patient’s chest and closes the incisions.

Thoracic sympathectomy is virtually painless and requires minimal recovery time. Most patients can return home the same day as treatment and return to everyday activities and work within about one week, though patients may need to wait three to four weeks before they participate in strenuous activity or exercise.

The results of thoracic sympathectomy are immediate. In rare instances, patients experience sweating in other parts of the body previously unaffected by hyperhidrosis, including the abdomen, back and legs. This compensatory sweating is usually less severe than past hyperhidrosis symptoms.

Is Hyperhidrosis Surgery a Viable Option?

Hyperhidrosis surgery is an excellent option for those who are dealing with excessive sweating and find that Botox, medications and other treatments fail to deliver the desired results. It has been shown to help patients address several types of hyperhidrosis, including:

  • Palmar Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the palms. Palmar hyperhidrosis is the most common form of hyperhidrosis, and thoracic sympathectomy has a 90% success rate for treating patients who struggle with this form of hyperhidrosis.
  • Axillary Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the feet. Axillary hyperhidrosis may cause chronic foot odor and fungal infections.
  • Facial Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating of the head. Facial hyperhidrosis may cause blushing of the face, along with compensatory sweating in the abdomen and lower limbs.
  • Groin Hyperhidrosis: Excessive sweating in the groin area. Groin hyperhidrosis is uncomfortable and may cause fungal infections.

For those who are considering hyperhidrosis treatment, it is important to meet with an expert thoracic surgeon. That way, a patient can receive a full evaluation and determine the best way to permanently treat his or her excessive sweating.

What to Expect During a Hyperhidrosis Treatment Consultation

A thoracic surgeon strives to make a hyperhidrosis treatment consultation a comfortable experience. At this time, a surgeon asks a patient about his or her medical history and hyperhidrosis symptoms. Also, the surgeon may request a physical exam.

Additionally, a thoracic surgeon may request lab and sweat tests during a patient consultation. Blood, urine and other lab tests enable a surgeon to find out if a patient’s excessive sweating is caused by an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or another medical condition. Comparatively, sweat tests allow a surgeon to pinpoint the areas of sweating and evaluate the severity of a patient’s symptoms.

A hyperhidrosis treatment consultation provides a valuable learning opportunity for a patient, too. During the consultation, a patient can ask hyperhidrosis treatment questions and receive instant responses. As such, a thoracic surgeon and patient can work together to achieve the best-possible treatment results.

Once a thoracic surgeon and patient develop a treatment plan, they will put this plan into action. A surgeon will provide tips to help a patient prepare for treatment. Best of all, a patient can always reach out to his or her surgeon for support throughout the treatment process.

Choose La Peer Health Systems for Hyperhidrosis Treatment

La Peer Health Systems is proud to employ some of the top thoracic surgeons in Los Angeles. Our team works diligently to provide each hyperhidrosis patient with a personalized treatment tailored to his or her symptoms. To find out more about our hyperhidrosis treatment options, please call us today at 855-360-9119 to schedule a consultation. Or, check out our hyperhidrosis treatment group on Facebook.

Look and Feel Ready for Summer with Cosmetic Foot Surgery

Summer may be the perfect time for cosmetic foot surgery, and for good reason. Cosmetic foot surgery helps people improve their balance and mobility. At the same time, cosmetic foot surgery helps people improve the aesthetic appeal of the feet – something that makes the treatment a great option for those who wear flip-flops and sandals throughout summertime.

Cosmetic Foot Surgery: Here’s What You Need to Know

Although many people associate cosmetic surgery with the nose, eyes or stomach, cosmetic foot surgery allows patients to quickly enhance foot function and aesthetic appeal. The surgery simultaneously alters the foot’s appearance and treats foot issues. Plus, it often helps people treat impending structural issues and arthritic joints in the toes and feet.

There are several types of cosmetic foot surgeries, too. These include:

  • Toe Shortening: Some people have a long second or third toe that makes it tough to wear shoes. Or, a long toe may cause calluses or toe joint dislocation. With toe shortening, a patient can address these issues without delay. Toe shortening is a fast, effective and safe procedure, and it requires little to no downtime.
  • Bunions: Bunions are bony bumps that develop at the joint of the base of the big toe. They are some of the most common foot problems for people and may make it tough to walk or find comfortable footwear. Fortunately, a bunionectomy can be used to treat bunions. It is a form of cosmetic foot surgery that involves the removal of a bunion, along with realignment of the big toe.
  • Hammertoes: Hammertoes cause toes to curl incorrectly. They can affect a person’s balance and may cause severe foot pain. Cosmetic foot surgery is available to treat hammertoes. This procedure relaxes the tissue in the foot and helps a patient put his or her toes back into the proper positions. The surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients can walk in a protective boot the same day as treatment.
  • Bone Spurs: Bone spurs may develop along the edges of bone or cartilage in the foot. They create pressure that causes foot pain, as well as corns, blisters and calluses. Thanks to cosmetic foot surgery, a podiatrist can remove bone or cartilage that cause bone spurs in the foot.

Clearly, there are many reasons to consider cosmetic foot surgery. If an individual weighs the pros and cons of cosmetic foot surgery, he or she can make an informed treatment decision.

What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Foot Surgery?

There are both functional and aesthetic benefits associated with cosmetic foot surgery. The primary benefits of cosmetic foot surgery include:

  • Reduced Foot Pain: Cosmetic foot surgery helps patients alleviate pain caused by bone spurs, hammertoes, bunions and other foot disorders.
  • Increased Self-Confidence: Cosmetic foot surgery helps patients improve the overall appearance of the feet. Therefore, patients won’t have to worry about how their feet will look in flip-flops or sandals after treatment.
  • Improved Balance: Cosmetic foot surgery enables patients to shorten or lengthen the toes. As a result, the surgery can help patients improve their balance.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Cosmetic foot surgery can be used to treat hammertoes – foot issues that make it virtually impossible to wear shoes comfortably.
  • Cost Savings: Cosmetic foot surgery involves a one-time charge for treatment, and it may eliminate the need to purchase expensive shoe inserts and pads.

Like any surgery, there are risks associated with cosmetic foot treatments as well. The foot is intricate and complex, and as such, cosmetic foot surgery should be performed by an expert podiatrist. With support from an expert podiatrist, a patient can minimize risk and achieve the optimal treatment results.

Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Foot Surgery?

Cosmetic foot surgery is not right for everyone, and a podiatrist requests a patient consultation before treatment. This consultation allows a podiatrist to learn about a patient’s foot problems and determine if surgery can help this individual achieve his or her desired results.

A podiatrist requests a patient’s medical history as part of the patient evaluation process. Also, he or she may require various tests to properly diagnose a patient’s foot problems.

In some instances, existing medical conditions or medications may complicate cosmetic foot surgery and recovery. However, if a podiatrist determines a patient is a good candidate for cosmetic foot surgery, he or she next outlines all aspects of the treatment. That way, a patient can establish realistic cosmetic foot surgery expectations.

What to Expect During a Cosmetic Foot Procedure

The length of time required to perform cosmetic foot surgery varies based on the patient and his or her foot disorder. A podiatrist can usually offer an estimate of how long the procedure will take. He or she also provides instructions to help a patient prepare for treatment.

Additionally, the recovery time following a cosmetic foot procedure depends on the patient and his or her treatment area. Total recovery may require several weeks, and a patient may need to limit his or her activity during this period. A podiatrist will provide aftercare instructions for cosmetic food surgery, as well as request follow-up appointments to ensure a patient’s recovery stays on track.

If a patient has questions at any point during cosmetic foot surgery recovery, a podiatrist is happy to respond to them. A podiatrist strives to provide as much assistance as possible throughout the cosmetic foot surgery recovery period. By doing so, a podiatrist helps a patient enjoy safe, effective treatment results.

Select La Peer Health Systems for Cosmetic Foot Surgery

When it comes to cosmetic foot surgery, it is beneficial to have an expert podiatrist perform this procedure. At La Peer Health Systems, our podiatry department includes highly-trained doctors, nurses and support staff who do everything possible to provide exceptional patient care. Our podiatry team understands that foot disorders can affect the quality of a person’s life and wants to do whatever it can to help patients correct these problems as quickly as possible. Best of all, our podiatry department offers custom treatment plans that are tailored to a patient’s cosmetic foot surgery needs. Each cosmetic foot surgery treatment plan is designed to help a patient achieve the best-possible results – without exception.

For those who are considering summertime cosmetic foot surgery, our podiatry department is ready to respond to your concerns and questions. To schedule a cosmetic foot surgery consultation, please contact us today at 855-360-9119.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men, yet many men fail to identify prostate cancer in its early stages. However, men who know the symptoms of prostate cancer may be better equipped than others to identify the disease and prevent it from spreading throughout the body.

There are many warning signs of prostate cancer in men. Common prostate cancer warning signs include:

  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)
  • Slow or weak urinary stream
  • Weak or interrupted flow of urine
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Rectum pain or pressure
  • Pain in the back, chest or hips
  • Numbness or weakness in the feet or legs

If a man experiences one or more of the aforementioned symptoms, it is important to consult with an expert urologist right away. That way, a man can receive a proper prostate cancer diagnosis and determine the best treatment option.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Prostate cancer screening is essential. Because the earlier a man identifies prostate cancer, the sooner he can treat this issue.

A urologist performs several tests to analyze a patient and provide an accurate prostate cancer diagnosis. These tests include:

  • Physical Exam: A urologist conducts a physical exam to learn about a patient’s current health. During a physical exam, a urologist also reviews a patient’s medical history and learns about a patient’s symptoms.
  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A urologist uses a DRE to identify prostate cancer. To perform a DRE, a urologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum, and he or she feels for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate. A DRE often helps a urologist determine if cancer is present on one or both sides of the prostate. If cancer is present on both sides of the prostate, this indicates the cancer likely has spread to nearby tissue.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: A urologist performs a PSA blood test primarily to screen for prostate cancer in men who display no symptoms. If prostate cancer develops, a man’s PSA level usually rises above 4. Men who have a PSA level between 4 and 10 have about a 25% chance of having prostate cancer, and the risk of having prostate cancer rises to 50% in men who have a PSA level that exceeds 10, the American Cancer Society (ACS) notes. On the other hand, men who have a PSA level below 4 may still have or develop prostate cancer.
  • Transrectual Ultrasound (TRUS): A urologist uses a TRUS to examine the prostate of a man who has a high PSA level or an abnormal DRE result. During a TRUS, a small probe that is approximately the width of a finger is lubricated and inserted into the rectum. Next, the probe produces sound waves that enter the prostate and create echoes. The probe detects the echoes, and a computer uses the echoes to produce a black and white image of the prostate.
  • Prostate Biopsy: A urologist typically performs a prostate biopsy if a PSA blood test or DRE indicates a man may have prostate cancer. During a prostate biopsy, a urologist removes small samples of a patient’s prostate and examines them under a microscope.

After comprehensive testing is completed, a urologist uses the Gleason system to assign a score to a patient’s prostate cancer. If prostate cancer has a Gleason score of 6 or less, it is considered well-differentiated or low-grade. Comparatively, prostate cancer with a Gleason score of 7 is moderately differentiated or intermediate-grade. Or, if prostate cancer has a Gleason score of 8 to 10, it is poorly differentiated or high-grade.

A patient’s Gleason score may dictate a urologist’s treatment recommendations. As such, a urologist allocates significant time and resources to perform in-depth testing and determine the correct Gleason score. He or she then offers personalized prostate cancer treatment recommendations.

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

There are many safe, effective prostate cancer treatments. These include:

  • Active Surveillance: Involves monitoring prostate cancer closely. During active surveillance, a patient may receive a PSA blood test and DRE every six months, as well as an annual prostate biopsy.
  • Surgery: Involves the removal of the entire prostate gland and surrounding tissue (radical prostatectomy).
  • Radiation Therapy: Involves the use of high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.
  • Cryotherapy: Involves the use of cold temperatures to freeze and eliminate prostate cancer cells.
  • Hormone Therapy: Involves reducing the number of male hormones (androgens) in the body or trying to stop these hormones from causing prostate cancer cells to grow.
  • Chemotherapy: Involves the use of anti-cancer drugs that are injected into a vein or given by mouth; chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
  • Vaccination: Involves the use of the Sipuleuchel-T (Provenge) vaccine to boost the immune system and help it destroy prostate cancer cells.
  • Bone-Directed Treatment: Involves the use of bisphosphonates and other drugs to address cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastasis) and related problems.

A urologist requests a full patient evaluation before offering a prostate cancer treatment recommendation. He or she is also happy to respond to a patient’s prostate cancer treatment concerns and questions and help this individual make an informed decision.

Is Prostate Cancer Preventable?

Prostate cancer is not preventable, and it can affect any man, at any time. Fortunately, men who identify prostate cancer early may be able to overcome this issue faster than others, which is reflected in recent ACS data.

ACS reports four out of five prostate cancers are found during the local stage, i.e. when the cancer is located exclusively in the prostate. Meanwhile, the relative five-year survival rate of patients with local prostate stage cancer is nearly 100%. Conversely, the relative five-year survival rate of patients with distant stage prostate cancer, i.e. prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes, bones or other organs, is roughly 29%.

For those who believe they may be dealing with prostate cancer, it is always better to err on the side of caution. By meeting with a urologist, a man can receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. And if prostate cancer is discovered, there is no need to worry. A patient and urologist can work together to treat prostate cancer and prevent this issue from recurring.

Choose La Peer Health Systems for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, and approximately one in 41 men die from prostate cancer, ACS indicates. Yet most men who receive a prostate cancer diagnose can successfully treat the disease. In fact, ACS points out more than 2.9 million men have received a prostate cancer diagnosis and are still alive today.

Ultimately, prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is treatable. If a man detects prostate cancer in its early stages, he can often address the cancer before it spreads throughout the body. Thus, if a man is concerned about prostate cancer, it is paramount to schedule a urological consultation as soon as possible.

When it comes to prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, there may be no better option than the Department of Urology at La Peer Health Systems. Our team of courteous, highly trained urologists works with patients to perform clinical and research testing. We also strive to provide a prostate cancer treatment that is minimally invasive and delivers proven results. To schedule a prostate cancer screening with our team of expert urologists, please contact us today at 855.360.9119.

What Patients Can Expect at Their Urology Appointment

A urology appointment is crucial for individuals who are dealing with issues related to the urinary tract, bladder or male reproductive system. If a primary care physician (PCP) believes an individual requires treatment for urological conditions or diseases, he or she may refer this patient to a urologist for additional support. Urologists specialize in urological conditions and diseases. As such, they possess the skills and know-how to diagnose and treat problems that affect the urinary tract, bladder and male reproductive system.

Meeting with a urologist may seem stressful at first, but there is no need to worry. A urologist allocates time and resources to understand a patient’s symptoms and explains urological conditions, disorders and treatments in easy-to-understand terms. Then, a urologist offers an expert treatment plan.

Prior to meeting with a urologist, a patient needs to complete paperwork. A urologist requires a patient to provide details about his or her medical history and any current health issues. Additionally, a urologist asks a patient to provide a list of current over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. This information helps a urologist perform a complete review of a patient and provide proper diagnosis and treatment.

Questionnaires and surveys may also be used as part of the initial patient assessment process. For example, urologists sometimes use the International Prostate Symptom Score, a questionnaire that enables patients to provide insights into the severity of any urological problems. Meanwhile, a Urological Distress Inventory is commonly used to diagnose and address female incontinence, and a Sexual Health Inventory for Men often helps urologists analyze the erectile function of male patients.

Next, a urologist performs a physical examination, discusses a patient’s urological problems and provides treatment recommendations. A urologist may request additional tests that will be performed at the time of the current appointment or during a subsequent visit. These tests may include:

  • Blood Count Test: Evaluates a patient’s overall health and detects anemia, infection, leukemia and other health disorders.
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood; the PSA level often is elevated in men who experience prostate cancer.
  • Testosterone Level Test: Monitors the amount of testosterone in the blood; a low testosterone level in men may be a sign of hypogonadism or genetic disorders, while a high testosterone level in women may lead to infertility, development of body and facial hair or irregular menstrual periods.
  • Cystoscopy: Involves the use of an endoscopic instrument to visualize the lining of the bladder and urethra. A cystoscopy typically is performed at a urologist’s office.

After a urologist examines a patient’s test results, he or she offers a customized treatment plan. No two patients are exactly the same, and a urologist always tailors a treatment plan to address a patient’s symptoms. A urologist tracks a patient’s progress over the course of many weeks and months, and a treatment plan may be modified over time to ensure optimal results.

What Conditions and Diseases Does a Urologist Treat?

A urologist treats a variety of conditions and diseases, and these include:

  • Prostate Cancer: Occurs in the prostate, a male gland that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and a urologist administers a prostate cancer screening test to diagnose this disorder.
  • Kidney Cancer: Causes unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and blood in the urine. There is no surefire cause of kidney cancer, but research indicates there are several risk factors associated with this disorder, include smoking, obesity and high blood pressure.
  • Kidney Stones: Form inside the kidneys and consist of hard deposits of minerals. There are many causes of kidney stones, and the stones may affect any part of the urinary tract.
  • Bladder Stones: Occur due to a build-up of minerals in the bladder. Studies show older men are more susceptible than others to bladder stones.
  • Kidney Infection: Begins in the urethra or bladder and affects one or both of the kidneys. A kidney infection requires immediate medical attention, and failure to address this issue may be fatal.
  • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Occur due to infections that affect the bladder, kidneys or urethra. Research indicates recurrent UTIs are common and may affect a woman over the course of several years.
  • Bladder Cancer: Begins in the cells that line the inside of the bladder. In many cases, bladder cancer can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
  • Testicular Cancer: Affects the male hormones and sperm. Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles and commonly affects men between the ages of 15 and 35.
  • Testicular Tumors: Affect men of all ages, but most frequently impact men between the ages of 20 and 34.
  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Impacts men who cannot maintain an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. ED makes it difficult for men to get an erection and may cause reduced sexual desire.
  • Urinary Incontinence: Refers to the loss of bladder control. Urinary incontinence severity varies from occasional urine leakage to experiencing uncontrollable urges to urinate.

A urologist understands the aforementioned conditions and diseases and offers safe, effective urological procedures. Common urological procedures include:

  • Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversals: A vasectomy sterilizes a man and requires the closure or blockage of tubes that carry sperm to prevent sperm from entering the seminal stream; comparatively, a vasectomy reversal is used to correct a prior vasectomy procedure.
  • Surgical Removal of Kidney Stones: With surgery, a patient can address a wide range of kidney stones, including calcium stones, cysteine stones, struvite stones and uric stones. Surgery is used to treat patients who experience a kidney stone that is too big to pass on its own, continues to grow, blocks the flow of urine or causes severe pain.
  • Incontinence Surgery: Incontinence surgery allows patients to treat stress incontinence, urge incontinence (overactive bladder), overflow incontinence or mixed urinary incontinence. Most incontinence surgery options have high rates of success, and a urologist may recommend incontinence surgery if non-surgical treatments have failed to address urinary incontinence.
  • Prostate Biopsy: During a prostate biopsy, a urologist removes a small sample of tissue from the prostate to test for cancer. A prostate biopsy may be requested if a blood test or digital rectal exam indicates a patient may be suffering from prostate cancer.

Prior to performing any of the aforementioned procedures, a urologist meets with a patient and responds to any concerns or questions. A urologist explains the ins and outs of a urological procedure and helps a patient make an informed decision. As a result, a urologist and patient work together to achieve the best-possible results.

Contact the Urologists at La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles Today

The urologists at La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles are devoted to patients and help patients in any way they can. Our urologists work with patients to alleviate urological conditions and diseases and provide comprehensive support at all times.

In addition to the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions and diseases, our urologists perform urological procedures. To find out more about how the urologists at La Peer can help you address bladder, urinary tract or male reproductive system problems, please contact us today at (855) 360-9119 to schedule a consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery helps an individual improve the appearance of the eyelids. But eyelid surgery is not recommended for everyone, and the ideal candidates for eyelid surgery include:

  • Individuals who have no prior medical conditions that otherwise may slow down the healing process following surgery
  • Individuals who have not experienced any serious eye conditions
  • Non-smokers

Not all eyelid surgeries are identical, either. In fact, eyelid surgery is commonly used to address several conditions. These include:

  • Loose or sagging skin that disrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid, creates folds or impairs an individual’s vision
  • Under-eye bags
  • Fatty deposits that make the eyelids appear puffy
  • Drooping of the lower eyelids that reveals white below the iris
  • Excess skin and fine wrinkles that form on the lower eyelid

In addition to treating the aforementioned conditions, eyelid surgery often helps patients overcome bulging or protruding eyes. This problem frequently occurs due to Graves’ disease, a condition that causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. Bulging eyes may make it tough for an individual to close the eyes correctly. Or, in certain instances, people who deal with bulging eyes blink less frequently than others, experience double vision or have trouble focusing on objects. And if the bulging is prolonged, the optic nerve may be stretched, which further inhibits an individual’s vision.

If an individual experiences bulging eyes or any other eyelid condition, there is no need to wait to address this problem. By scheduling a consultation with an oculoplastic surgeon, an individual can learn about various eyelid surgery options. Then, he or she can evaluate these options and select a surgical procedure designed to deliver the optimal results.

What Eyelid Procedures Are Available?

There are many eyelid surgery options available to help individuals enhance the appearance of the eyelids. Some of the most common eyelid procedures include:

  • Lower Blepharoplasty: Involves repositioning or removing excess sagging skin or fat via a small, hidden incision in the inner part of the eyelid.
  • Upper Blepharoplasty: Requires the removal of excess sagging skin or fat via a small, hidden incision in the eyelid crease.
  • Eyelid Malposition: Helps correct an inward- or outward-turning eyelid; depending on the severity of a patient’s condition, an oculoplastic surgeon may use both invasive and non-invasive techniques during an eyelid malposition procedure.
  • Eyelid Retraction: Addresses an eyelid that is either too high or too low due to Graves’ disease, botched surgery or eyelid trauma. In some instances, patients receive eyelid retraction after a lower blepharoplasty due to the formation of scar tissue.

Eyelid procedures are also available to treat eyelid tumors. For instance, basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that causes 90 percent of eyelid tumors. Basal cell carcinoma tumors on the eyelids are treatable, and these tumors can be removed by an oculoplastic surgeon. A patient may require reconstructive surgery after basal cell carcinoma tumor removal as well.

Meanwhile, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma lesions sometimes form on the eyelids. They are less common than basal cell carcinoma tumors and require surgery for safe, effective removal.

The eyelids are sensitive, and as such, eyelid surgery is a complex procedure. At La Peer Health Systems in Los Angeles, our team of expert oculoplastic surgeons helps individuals determine whether eyelid surgery is a viable treatment option. If patients qualify for eyelid surgery, our surgeons will teach them about the different types of eyelid procedures, how they work and their benefits.

What Should You Expect During an Eyelid Surgery Consultation?

The goal of an eyelid surgery consultation is to help an individual identify the right procedure to help him or her achieve the best-possible treatment results. As part of a patient consultation, an oculoplastic surgeon learns about a patient’s surgical goals, medical history and current prescription medications. He or she also performs a patient evaluation, examines a patient’s eyelids and recommends treatment options.

An eyelid surgery consultation is a learning experience for both a patient and an oculoplastic surgeon. At this time, a patient and surgeon can learn from one another and work together to determine the best course of action.

What Should You Expect Before, During and After an Eyelid Surgery Procedure?

Eyelid surgery is proven to be simple and effective. It involves the following steps:

  1. Use of anesthesia. An oculoplastic surgeon administers anesthesia to help a patient reduce pain during eyelid surgery. Generally, a patient receives intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, and an oculoplastic surgeon recommends the best choice prior to treatment.
  2. Incision to the eyelid. An oculoplastic surgeon makes an incision to the treatment area. He or she uses incisions designed to conceal scarring within the natural structures of the eyelid. For an upper eyelid procedure, a surgeon makes an incision within the natural crease of the eyelid. Comparatively, for a lower eyelid procedure, a surgeon makes an incision below the lower lash line.
  3. Closing of the incision. An oculoplastic surgeon uses sutures or skin glue to close any incisions. If sutures are used, they are usually removed within one week of surgery.

A surgeon may apply lubricating ointment and cold compresses throughout eyelid surgery and cover a patient’s eyes with gauze after treatment. He or she also provides a patient with specific after-care instructions to reduce the risk of infection.

Following eyelid surgery, patients may experience bruising, irritation, swelling, dry eyes and discomfort. Fortunately, these symptoms typically disappear on their own within a few days of treatment.

Most patients notice the results of eyelid surgery within 10 to 14 days of treatment. A surgeon requests follow-up appointments to ensure a patient’s recovery remains on track.

Like any surgery, there are risks involved with eyelid procedures. An oculoplastic surgeon teaches patients about potential complications before surgery. If a patient ever has concerns or questions about eyelid surgery, a surgeon is ready to address them at any time.

Why Should You Choose La Peer Health Systems for Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid surgery may be performed for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons. Yet regardless of the reason for eyelid surgery, it is paramount to choose a procedure that is right for you.

La Peer Health Systems employs some of the top oculoplastic surgeons in Los Angeles, and our team wants to help patients achieve their eyelid surgery goals. Our oculoplastic surgeons dedicate time and resources to teach patients about eyelid surgery so they can make informed treatment decisions. They also help patients at each stage of treatment to ensure they can accomplish their treatment goals. To find out more about eyelid surgery, please contact us today or call 855.360.9119 to schedule a consultation with our team of oculoplastic surgeons.