Dr. Novick offers an extensive Eye Exam. Dr. Novick is trained to treat most ophthalmic medical conditions and is fellowship trained in cornea and refractive surgeries. Dr. Novick performs the following general procedures:
Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery
The area surrounding the eyes is one of the first to show the signs of aging. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, corrects sagging upper eyelids and bags that form just below the eyes. Eyelid surgery can wash away years of aging, giving your eyes a smoother, more natural and youthful appearance.
The Surgery
The surgeon begins by making incisions along the natural creases of the upper lid, and/or directly under the lower eyelashes. The skin is then separated from the underlying tissue and the excess fat, skin, and muscle are extracted. The surgeon then replaces and stitches the skin, leaving it smooth and tight. Blepharoplasty lasts anywhere from one to three hours and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Alternative Approaches
In some cases, a surgeon may opt for transconjunctival blepharoplasty. The surgeon makes several incisions on the lower eyelid and removes pockets of fat, but no skin. This procedure is ideal for patients with less pronounced bags under the eyes, and leaves no visible scar.
After Surgery
Following surgery, the eyelids are rubbed lightly with ointment and bandaged. The eyes will feel tight and sore, although medication alleviates much of this discomfort. The head should be kept elevated for several days. Application of a cold compress minimizes swelling and bruising. The sutures are removed within a week of the surgery. Most patients can return to work in seven to ten days, but must take care to protect the eyes from harmful contact and irritants.
Health Concerns
As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, complications are rare, but may include a reaction to the anesthesia and/or infection. More minor complications may include temporarily blurred vision, and/or a slight disparity in the healing and/or scarring of the two eyes. Once the sutures are removed, tiny whiteheads may appear around the eyelids, but can be removed easily by your surgeon. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.
Botox
No matter how well skin is preserved and pampered, everyone eventually develops facial wrinkles. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to remove the lines that accompany aging. Botox is perhaps the easiest of all these options. Botox is an extremely quick approach to soften or remove the natural wrinkles between the eyes (frown lines), on the forehead, at the sides of the eyes (crow's feet), or at the base of the nose (glabellar frown lines).
What is Botox?
Botox is a purified protein toxin that is derived from a specific form of bacteria. It was originally utilized as a remedy for neck and facial spasms, but in the last decade it has been used effectively to remove facial wrinkles.
How Botox is used?
Each day, the muscles between the eyes (frown lines) or on the outside of the eyes (crow's feet) contract many times. Over time, these muscle contractions create virtual "creases" or wrinkles in the skin. To remove these wrinkles, Botox is injected through a very small needle into the muscles that cause these contractions. The Botox essentially impedes the nerve impulse from reaching these muscles. Gradually, the muscles relax and the facial wrinkles soften or disappear. Patients may experience a slight discomfort when the needle is inserted and the Botox injected, but this only lasts approximately 5-7 seconds. The entire treatment is performed in the physician's office and lasts 10 to 15 minutes.
Once the Botox Treatment is complete.
In the majority of cases, patients return to their normal routines the same day. The muscles relax within a few days of the Botox injection, causing wrinkles to either lessen or to disappear completely. The muscles remain in a relaxed state for 3 to 5 months. Further treatment is necessary to erase returning wrinkles. After several treatments, the length of time that Botox is effective can increase, sometimes lasting up to 8 months.
Health Concerns
Botox has been used to diminish facial wrinkles for a number of years and exhibits very few side effects. Although it causes a temporary paralysis of the muscle, it does not affect the nerve, so no numbness in the face occurs. Immediately after the treatment, Botox can spread slightly and possibly lead to a temporary drooping of surrounding muscles. As such, patients should avoid rubbing the treated area for 10-15 hours following surgery. If drooping does occur, the surrounding muscles typically return to normal within a couple of weeks. In very rare instances, a blood vessel may burst, causing a temporary black and blue area. Patients who are pregnant or have been diagnosed with a neurological disease should refrain from having this procedure performed.
Contact Lens Fitting and Dispensing
Dr. Novick's office and staff are fully equipped to perform custom contact lens fitting for most refractive conditions. Please feel free to contact our office for further information.
Other Procedures
For information on other eye or eye related procedures, please contact Dr. Novick's office.
