EW CATARACT
19
December 2014
"Originally performed in Asia, this
technique has the benefit of being
effective for all skin types and is easy
to master."
Platelet rich plasma injections
are also effective at stimulating
collagen to enhance facial tone and
texture. It can be injected or used
topically after microneedling,
Dr. Cockerham said. These are
unfortunately nicknamed vampire
facelift and vampire facial,
respectively, undermining the
science and efficacy to some
patients and physicians.
Despite the wonders that cos-
metic options can do for a patient's
appearance or self-esteem, surgeons
need to always caution patients
about the risks. For example,
cosmetic contact lenses may
create corneal ulcers and other
complications, Dr. Cockerham said.
Ophthalmologists may see
patients who have participated
in parties where neurotoxins and
fillers have been administered in
someone's home, Dr. Kherani said.
She recently treated a patient who
presented with bilateral lower eyelid
inflammation following a home par-
ty injection. It is always best to have
these types of injections performed
in a medical setting with the injec-
tion product obtained from a reputa-
ble medical source, she advised.
Cataract surgery and
eyelid ptosis
Another area related to cosmetic
procedures is the need for cataract
surgery when a patient has
dermatochalasis.
If a patient has dermatochala-
sis and also needs cataract surgery,
oculoplastics specialists generally
recommend doing the cataract
surgery first.
"I find patients more commonly
come to me after cataract surgery
because they can see the aging
of their eyelids and face," Dr.
Cockerham said.
Another reason to wait is
because ptosis can develop after cat-
aract surgery, said Dr. Shriver, who
will usually wait 3 months between
the procedures or up to 6 months if
ptosis develops after cataract surgery
to ensure that the lid position will
not recover.
"It depends on which both-
ers the patient the most," Dr. Lee
said. "Either way, it's best to leave 6
months in between." EW
Editors' note: The physicians have
no financial interests related to their
comments.
Contact information
Cockerham: cockerhammd@gmail.com
Kherani: eyesurgeon@shaw.ca
Lee: wlee@med.miami.edu
Shriver: erin-shriver@uiowa.edu
