Cosmetic/Eyelid Center

Over the past few years, Minnesota Eye Consultants has emerged as a leader in the medical, laser and cosmetic treatment of areas surrounding the eye. From complex medical procedures to cosmetic eyelid surgery, and facial rejuvenation, these revolutionary procedures and services improve image and appearance.

Dr. William J. Lipham, a board certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained ophthalmic and plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Minnesota Eye Consultants, has introduced a number of treatment options to patients and the referring medical community.

Dr. Jill S. Melicher is Board Certified in Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  She has completed fellowship training through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

COSMETIC SERVICES

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In lower eyelid surgery, the incision can be made internally (transconjunctival) or externally through the skin. The decision regarding which approach is best for you will be determined by the amount of skin that is present in the lower eyelid. The internal approach leaves no external incision line while the external incision is placed just below the eyelid margin to disguise its appearance. Recovery times are similar to upper eyelid surgery.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
In upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made externally in the upper eyelid crease to remove excess eyelid skin and fat. The original incision is then closed with fine, dissolvable sutures. Because the incisions are made in the eyelids’ natural contours, they are barely visible and fade with time. There is a mild amount of bruising and swelling following surgery, but this is usually gone within seven days. Patients can typically resume work within three days after the procedure.

Endoscopic Forehead Lift
A forehead lift is an option if you have a sagging brow or deep furrows between the eyes. This procedure is frequently performed in association with an upper eyelid blepharoplasty to elevate the eyebrows and reduce the amount of skin that needs to be removed from the upper eyelids. Several small incisions are made behind the hairline and an endoscope (small camera) is used for visualization to remove the muscles that produce the frown lines and reposition the eyebrows at a higher level.

BOTOX®
Active wrinkles or creases develop from making the same facial expression thousands of times. These lines are called lines of "facial expression" and are typically located at the outer eyelid area (crow’s feet) and in the forehead (frown lines). BOTOX® works by temporarily paralyzing the muscle groups that cause these lines to develop. It is best used to prevent the formation of expression lines before they become present at rest. To minimize treatment discomfort, BOTOX® injections are performed with the smallest needle possible. Benefits begin about four days after treatment and last an average of four months.

EYELID PROCEDURES

Ectropion is the medical term used to describe an abnormal lower eyelid that turns outward and no longer touches the eye. As a result, the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane that lines the eyelid) may become red and exposed. This condition usually involves one or both lower eyelids but rarely, may affect the upper eyelid(s). If the ectropion is due to laxity of the eyelid’s supporting structures, it is best treated surgically. Depending on the cause, surgery can reposition the eyelid back to its normal position against the eye.

Entropion

Entropion is a condition in which an eyelid turns inward, rubbing against the eye, making it red, irritated and sensitive to light and wind. If it is not treated, the condition can lead to excessive tearing, crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, and irritation of the eye. A serious inflammation could result in damage to the eye. There are a number of surgical techniques for successfully treating entropion and each surgeon will have a preferred method. The usual treatment for entropion involves tightening of the eyelid and its attachments to restore the lid to its normal position.

Thyroid Eye Disease

One of the most common thyroid diseases is hyperthyroidism, in which there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones. People with hyperthyroidism may experience some degree of eye difficulty. Eye problems are most commonly caused by abnormal swelling of the soft tissues surrounding the eyes, and enlargement of the muscles that move the eyes and open the eyelids.  As a result, the eyes may protrude forward, there may be retraction of the upper eyelids which forces the lids apart, there is an inability to fully close the eyelids, and an abnormally large amount of the front of the eyes is exposed. This results in wide prominent eyes, a fixed staring expression, and infrequent blinking of the eyelids.

Tear Duct

The tear drain consists of two small openings called punctum; one in your upper eyelid and the other in your lower eyelid. Each of these openings leads into a small tube called the canaliculus which, in turn, empties into the lacrimal sac between the inside corner of your eye and your nose.  The lacrimal sac leads into a canal called the nasolacrimal duct that passes through the bony structures surrounding your nose and empties tears into your nasal cavity. The most common symptoms are excessive watering, mucous discharge, eye irritation, and  painful swelling in the inner corner of your eyelids. Your surgeon may recommend a number of treatments based on the analysis of your symptoms.

Periocular Skin Cancers

The outer layer of skin is called the epidermis. Epidermal cells include flat squamous cells, round basal cells, and pigment producing melanocytes. The dermis is the deeper layer of skin and contains the hair follicles, oil and sweat glands, and blood vessels. Skin cancers can arise from any of these skin cells. A biopsy is usually required to confirm the diagnosis of skin cancer.