Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Plastic Surgeon

Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Plastic Surgeon

Questions to Ask Your Eyelid Plastic Surgeon | Chantilly | LeesburgEyelid surgery is a sensitive procedure, even though it is relatively minor, because it is involves the eyes. Therefore, the patient should ask questions and learn as much as possible about the eyelid plastic surgeon and the practice before making a final decision. A dedicated surgeon will provide clear and detailed answers to all questions and resolve any concerns and doubts of the patient to their satisfaction.

Well-informed patients will typically be better prepared for the eyelid surgery and will benefit in terms of overall results. Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) provides eyelid surgery to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.

How long have you trained and worked in the field of plastic surgery?

The patient should have an idea about how many years of medical training and experience the surgeon has, and out of that, how many years have been devoted exclusively to plastic surgery training. Surgeons with adequate training and experience will be better equipped to handle any unexpected situations, and will be able to create customized outcomes in a less invasive manner.

Do you have a board certification?

The surgeon should ideally be board certified in plastic surgeon or more specifically in facial plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that a surgeon would invest in high quality standards and best practices, pursue continuing education, adopt advanced surgical techniques, and follow the latest safety protocols. Board certified surgeons would have gone through a certain minimum number of years of training in plastic surgery, and would typically enjoy higher success rates in most procedures.

Where would you perform the eyelid surgery procedure?

Eyelid surgery may be performed at a hospital, an ambulatory surgical center, or a private surgical suite. Each option has its own benefits and limitations. If the surgeon has staff privileges at a local hospital, it will ensure that the patient has access to hospitalization in the rare event of an emergency. The patient should also ask whether the eyelid procedure would be performed using general or local anesthesia and sedation.

What would be the estimated cost of the procedure?

Eyelid surgery is usually considered an elective procedure, and the insurance coverage may not be available. Therefore, the patient should frankly inquire about the estimated costs of the surgery, including the pre- and post-operative expenses. The surgeon’s office may also be able to guide or assist the patient about the insurance aspects and financing options.

What are the potential risks and complications?

While eyelid surgery is a safe procedure, it will still involve the typical risks associated with any surgery. Additionally, the upper and lower eyelids are very delicate areas, and side effects may occur in exceptional cases. The patient should be fully aware of the risks in order to make a well-considered choice.

Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery and various other procedures.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery | Chantilly | Leesburg | FairfaxIn the weeks preceding eyelid surgery, the patient will have to do some amount of preparation. Sagacious preparation will help to ensure a safer and more effective procedure with a healthy and aesthetic outcome. At the time of pre-op consultation, the surgeon will guide the patient about the steps involved in preparation.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and other innovative and advanced cosmetic procedures. Patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive eyelid surgery from Dr. V.  

Weeks before the Surgery

In the days and weeks leading up to the eyelid surgery, the patient will have to refrain from smoking and stay committed to it even after the surgery for a few weeks. Alcohol consumption should be reduced a few days prior to the eyelid surgery, if not completely stopped. Smoking, in particular, can interfere with the oxygen flow in the blood and delay the healing. The patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s advice about smoking and drinking.

Any usage of oral supplements of vitamin E must be stopped in the weeks prior to the eyelid procedure. Certain herbal supplements such as ginseng should also be avoided in the pre-surgical phase because it may increase the risk of bleeding. Any blood thinning drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen will also have to be stopped for at least two weeks before the surgery.

The schedule of prescription medications may also have to be altered in consultation with the doctor. Safe alternatives to some of the drugs and supplements may be allowed. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

Arrangements before the Surgery

Prior to the surgery, the patient can take a few simple steps to ensure a more comfortable recovery time. They may stock up the following items at home in advance:

  • Ice cubes
  • Clean washcloths
  • Clean bowl for cold water
  • Plastic bags to make ice packs
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Bottle of artificial tears
  • Extra pillows to keep the head elevated
  • Groceries for the week

The patient should arrange for someone responsible to drive them back home after the eyelid surgery is over. They should also have some friend or relatively to stay with them for assistance for the first one or two days or arrange for professional aftercare. On the night before the surgery, the patient will be required to stop eating or drinking for at least eight hours prior to the surgery time.

The Day of Surgery

The following simple tips will help on the day of the surgery:

  • Thoroughly wash hair and eyebrows
  • Do not wear cosmetics or makeup
  • Leave jewelry, false eyelashes, contact lenses at home
  • Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes

Essential medications on the day of surgery may be taken in consultation with the surgeon.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation

Your Eyelid Surgery Consultation | Chantilly Plastic Surgery | FairfaxWhen an individual has made up their mind to receive eyelid surgery, their first step should be to schedule a consultation with the surgeon of their choice. The pre-operative consultation will be an important part of the procedure, and the patient should actively engage with the surgeon to help them create an appropriate surgical plan.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and other cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations. A comprehensive consultation will pave the way for a successful eyelid surgery with Dr. V.

Patient Education

The surgeon will use the consultation opportunity to educate the patient about the eyelid surgery procedure and explain different treatment options and techniques. The pros and cons of various techniques and the procedure costs will also be discussed. The patient should feel free to ask questions during the consultation and clarify any doubts and concerns before they are ready to go ahead with the surgery.

Surgical Goal Setting

The surgeon will encourage the patient to share their personal cosmetic goals and desires related to the eye appearance. The surgeon would like to understand what exactly about their eye appearance may be bothering the patient. The patient’s inputs will be used to create a custom eyelid surgery plan. Sometimes additional procedures as brow lift or dermal fillers may be added to the plan.

Health Evaluation

The patient’s health records will be reviewed to determine their candidacy for eyelid surgery. The surgeon will also examine the eye anatomy, skin type and elasticity in the eye area, and look for any untreated eye infection. The patient will be required to furnish information about their smoking or drinking habits and any prescription or non-prescription drugs that they may be currently taking.

The surgeon should also be informed if the patient has undergone a previous eye procedure, including LASIK. Sometimes medical clearance from the patient’s general physician may be sought or additional diagnostic tests may be ordered. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

Surgeon’s Instructions

The surgeon will provide detailed instructions for pre-op preparation and post-op recovery. Patients with a history of smoking will be asked to stop smoking for a specified time period before the eyelid surgery. Some of their current medications may be stopped or the schedule may be altered. These will include blood thinners and herbal supplements.

The surgeon will advise the patient to make advance arrangements for transportation to return home after the eyelid surgery. Working individuals may inform at their workplace or apply for leave well in time for at least one week for recovery. The patient may also arrange for aftercare for the first two to three days following the procedure.

The surgeon may also present eyelid surgery before and after photos to help the patient form realistic expectations from the procedure. Many of these pictures are on the website which offer vivid detail of this type of surgery. Now someone can make a critical decision since they know exactly how this surgery will turn out on them.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Eyelid Surgery Risks and Safety

Eyelid Surgery Risks and Safety | Chantilly | Arlington | ManassasThe incidence of serious complications in eyelid surgery is very low, but some degree of risk is always inherent to the procedure. In any case, eyes are the most sensitive external area of the body, and any surgery related to the eyes should only be performed by someone with expertise in facial surgeries.

To ensure safe and predictable outcomes, the patient should cooperate and diligently follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-surgical instructions.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery and various other procedures for the breast, body and face. Patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive eyelid surgery from Dr. V.

Severe Complications

Major complications will only occur in the rarest of circumstances. They may include hematoma, ectropian, and retinal detachment. Ectropian refers to a droopy effect that causes the lower eyelid to become inverted. This condition may have to be corrected with a revision surgery.

Fluid collection under the skin in the incision areas or hematoma may occur in case of eyelid surgery. This risk increases if both upper and lower eyelid surgery are performed together in conjunction with additional procedures such as facelift or brow lift. Temporary drain tubes may be placed in the incision areas for a few days to minimize this risk.

Retinal detachment may occur in extremely rare cases. In this situation, the retina gets separated from the outer layers of the eye. Holes or tears in the retina may lead to this occurrence. This condition can be corrected with additional surgery performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Other Risks

Some of the less serious complications that may occur following eyelid surgery will include:

  • Infection
  • Excessive tearing
  • Poor reaction to anesthesia
  • Dry eyes
  • Burning of the eyes
  • Visible scarring
  • Formation of whiteheads after suture removal
  • Difficulty in keeping the eyes closed while sleeping
  • Blurred or double vision

These conditions will usually clear up on their own in a few days, and are in any case easily treatable. However, in rare situations, a complication may become permanent. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.  

Common Side Effects

Post-surgical Discomfort

Irritation, soreness and mild pain may occur in the first few days after eyelid surgery. As the effect of anesthesia wears off, the treated eyelids will feel tight and sore. Pain medications will be prescribed by the surgeon to keep the patient comfortable.

Swelling

Some degree of swelling and mild redness will occur in the incision areas following eyelid surgery. Ice therapy or cold compresses can be applied in the first two or three days to mitigate swelling.

Scarring

A little scarring is unavoidable, but an experienced surgeon will ensure that the scars are well-concealed. The scars will become more inconspicuous with the passage of time.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Steps | Chantilly | Fairfax | ArlingtonEyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure to reduce wrinkles and lines around the eyelids and rejuvenate the upper face appearance. A few key steps are involved in this procedure, which may vary a little depending on the extent of correction required in lower, upper or both eyelids.

Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing eyelid surgery to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding locations.

Anesthesia

Eyelid surgery is usually performed with the patient under mild sedation and local anesthesia. If the patient has higher anxiety levels or the surgery is combined with other facial procedures such as facelift or brow lift, general anesthesia may be applied. The surgeon will assess the patient’s health and review medical records to determine suitability for anesthesia and review any history of drug allergies.

Lower Eyelid Surgery

Following anesthesia, the surgeon will begin the lower blepharoplasty procedure by placing small incisions in discreet sites around the lower eyelids. To create hidden incisions, the surgeon may use the natural skin creases below the lower eyelashes. Through the incisions, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin, and tighten the weak underlying muscles.

Facial filler injections or facial fat transfer procedure may be additionally used if the hollows below the lower eyelids are significant. Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions with fine sutures.

Upper Eyelid Surgery

The incisions will be placed in the natural creases of upper lids in case of upper eyelid surgery. The surgeon will trim away loose skin through the incisions to get rid of the droopy effect of the upper lids and correct any partial vision obstruction. If the underlying muscles are weak, these may also be tightened through the incisions.

Following the removal of loose skin, the remaining skin will be lifted and reattached for a smoother, more youthful upper eyelid appearance. Thereafter, the surgeon will close the incisions with fine sutures. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for eyelid surgery.

Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty

In some cases, the patient’s sole concern may be the appearance of excess fat deposits around the eyelids, while the eyelid skin may still have elasticity and suppleness. In such case, transconjunctival eyelid surgery may be performed. This procedure will be less invasive and recommended in cases where the under eye bags are less prominent.

Following anesthesia, several tiny incisions inside the lower eyelid will be placed. The surgeon will remove excess fat pockets through the incisions to create an enhanced look of the lower eyelids. The procedure will not involve skin excision or muscle tightening. Scarring will not be visible from the outside because the incisions in this procedure are placed inside the eyelid.

Following the eyelid surgery, the patient will have to go through a recovery phase lasting for about one week. During this period, the patient should follow the surgeon’s post-op care instructions for the safest and most desirable results.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

About the New Juvederm Volbella – Lip Injections

Juvederm Volbella – Lip Injections | Chantilly Plastic SurgeryVolbella is the latest addition to the Juvederm family of hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers from Allergan, Inc. Juvederm Volbella received the FDA’s approval on June 1st, 2016. Unlike most other facial cosmetic fillers, Volbella is primarily designed to enhance lip volume, improve lip contour, and help smooth the pesky upper lip lines that are a common concern for many people.

Volbella attracts less moisture after the injectable gel is administered, resulting in much reduced bruising and swelling. Furthermore, the results are longer lasting that most other facial soft tissue fillers at 12 to 14 months. Vobella’s unique Vycross molecular cross-linking technology increases its sustainability and slows down the degradation

Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Trang Vo-Nguyen (Dr. V) provides Juvederm Volbella to patients in Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and surrounding communities.

Areas of Correction

Juvederm Volbella filler gel can boost the lip volume, mitigate upper and lower lip lines, which are also called smoker’s lines, improve superficial smile lines, and also treat the oral commissure to help with downward turn of the mouth. Some patients may require more pervasive facial anti-aging results in different areas of the face.

In such cases, Volbella treatment may be combined with Juvederm Voluma or Juvederm Ultra, depending on the extent of volume loss to be corrected. Volbella is highly effective for the mouth area, and helps improve the more superficially etched in lines that are in a static condition. When Volbella treatment is combined with Botox or other dermal fillers from Allergan, the patient may also be eligible for attractive incentives from the manufacturer.

Post-Treatment Care

One of the advantages with Volbella is that the post-treatment downtime involved is considerably lower than other injectable fillers. This is possible because Volbella attracts less water than any other dermal filler, which minimizes the swelling and bruising.

Initial mild discomfort can be addressed with an ice pack, which will also help to lessen swelling. The patient may be required to visit the treatment provider for a follow-up appointment in two weeks.

Candidacy

People who are unhappy with the loss of lip volume or the appearance of upper lip lines or downward turned mouth may be the right candidates for Juvederm Volbella. The dermal filler is based on hyaluronic acid, which is fully biocompatible and requires no prior skin allergy tests to determine candidacy.

Comparison with Juvederm Ultra and Restylane

Volbella is longer lasting than Juvederm and Restylane because its mixture of high and low molecular weight in the hyaluronic acid makeup. Volbella is easier to mold, which gives it a higher degree of range in the balance of cohesiveness and elasticity.

It is smoother and easier to inject because it is less viscous, and causes less swelling and less reactionary inflammation because it draws less water than Juvederm Ultra and Restylane. Dr. V receives patients from Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Loudoun County, Fairfax, Prince William, Fauquier, Arlington, Middleburg, Leesburg, Manassas, Warrenton, and nearby areas for Volbella filler treatment.

For more infomation please contact Dr. V. Dr. Trang Thuy Vo-Nguyen, known to her patients as “Dr. V,” is a board certified facial plastic surgeon providing the latest surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures in Northern Virginia, Leesburg, Loudoun, Fairfax, Warrenton, Fauquier, Arlington, Manassas, Middleburg, Prince William, and other areas. https://thevirginiainstitute.com/contact-us/

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THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022

THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022
Purchase any combination of treatments

Filler ・ Sculptra ・ Injectables ・ Laser

to receive an exclusive Louis Vuitton gift.

Starting minimum purchase at $5,000

Limited Time

THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022

THE FALL CAPSULE COLLECTION 2022
Purchase any combination of treatments

Filler ・ Sculptra ・ Injectables ・ Laser

to receive an exclusive Louis Vuitton gift.

Starting minimum purchase at $5,000

Dr V Facial Plastics