By: Kenneth Westfield, MD

Some people think that eyelid surgery is fairly easy to perform, and as a result may underestimate the importance of being careful in their choice of a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) doctor. The fact is that eyelid surgery requires skill and precision to achieve satisfying results, just like LASIK and other Las Vegas laser eye surgery procedures we perform at Westfield Eye Center. Here are a few tips to help you evaluate blepharoplasty surgeons:

1. Choose a surgeon with options as well as credentials. Most oculoplastic surgeons specialize in a few procedures, but keep in mind that there is an important difference between a surgeon who focuses on one procedure among other approaches, and one who recommends the same procedure in every situation. Skilled surgeons generally have the flexibility to perform a range of procedures very well; by contrast, a “one size fits all” approach to surgery typically means the surgeon has limited qualifications or is preoccupied with a “pet” procedure. Find a Las Vegas eye doctor whose training and surgical options indicate that they can make recommendations that are relevant and appropriate to your needs.
2. Pay attention to the examination process. Most blepharoplasty patients want to make functional changes (restoring a better field of vision) as well as aesthetic changes (correcting a “tired” appearance), so accurate assessments are extremely important. Cursory, 5-minute assessments by a doctor during the consultation are not enough.
3. Similarly, pay attention to how the surgeon or eye doctor explains your options. Someone who cares that you make the right choice and feel comfortable about your procedure will make sure you understand your options clearly.
4. Look for someone with a long-term perspective. Eyelid surgery, like Las Vegas laser eye surgery, ought to provide results that are designed to last for years and to adapt well to the ways your physiology changes over time. Your surgeon ought to be able to explain how they will work to prevent complications like “dry eyes” that occasionally result from these procedures. Your surgeon also should monitor your results closely afterward through follow-up consultations to make sure you heal well.