Local dermatologist performs live surgery at conference via satellite

The Laser Center at Contour Dermatology in Palm Springs was the host facility for the live surgery presentation of the annual conference of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (ASDS) held recently at the JW Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert. Four dermatologists, including Dr. Timothy

Blepharoplasty or its more layperson term-eyelid surgery-removes fat and excess skin from the upper and lower eyelids. It can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags underneath the eyes, resulting in a more alert and youthful look. Dr. Jochen is an expert on this procedure and has performed hundreds of blepharoplasties.

According to Dr. Jochen, "The best candidates for this surgery are men and women who are in good physical health and have realistic expectations. Most of the blepharoplasty patients I see are age 35 or older, but if droopy or baggy eyelids run in the family, the patient may opt for surgery at a younger age."

Blepharoplasty generally is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia-which numbs the area round the eyes-along with oral or intravenous sedation. The procedure takes one to three hours. Dr. Jochen will make incisions that follow the eyelids' natural lines, in the creases of the upper lids and just below the lashes in the lower lids. Through these incisions, he removes excess fat and trims any sagging skin and muscle. The incisions are closed with very fine sutures.

"If a patient has a pocket of fat beneath the lower lids but doesn't require any skin removal, I may perform what's called a transconjunctival blepharoplasty," he said. "The incision is made inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. This procedure is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin."

Most patients feel ready to get back to their normal activities in a week to 10 days. "By then, most patients have healed enough to wear makeup to cover any bruising that may remain," said Dr. Jochen. "I also recommend wearing sunglasses and a special sunblock for eyelids, and to avoid strenuous activities for about three weeks.

"The positive results of eyelid surgery will last for years," he added. "And for many patients, the results are permanent."