Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you choose Dr. Victor for your eyelid surgery?
Dr. Victor is a board certified, fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon with over 35 years of experience in eyelid plastic surgery. As a medical eye doctor and eyelid surgeon, he has completed additional training in plastic surgery as it relates to the eyes and surrounding structures. The skin around the eye is very sensitive and requires a specially trained surgeon who can deliver a natural, symmetrical and functional result. Dr. Victor often handles difficult eyelid cases referred by other eye physicians. He is hands on with every step of the surgical process. During the initial consultation, Dr. Victor will discuss your concerns, examine your eyelids, then talk to you about his recommended treatment plan. The pre-operative appointment usually takes place one to two weeks before the actual procedure. We call it an H & P, or History and Physical, which gives Dr. Victor a chance to check your overall health prior to surgery. At the H & P you are given all necessary instructions and an opportunity to ask any additional questions you may have. Of course, Dr. Victor is the only physician that will be performing your surgery, and he also is the one to remove any sutures at the designated time after your surgery. He even calls his surgical patients that eveing after the surgery to make sure they are doing ok!
How do I know if I am a candidate for eyelid surgery?
In order to determine if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery, Dr. Victor will perform an examination and make a diagnosis of your condition. He will then discuss with you the risks, benefits, and impact that surgery would have on your appearance and/or vision. A visual field screening is performed in the office to determine the amount of vision that is blocked by droopy eyelids. The screening results are used by Dr. Victor and insurance companies to determine if the surgery is medically necessary or cosmetic.
How long is the recovery period after eyelid surgery?
The recovery period is generally less than a week. Stitches are removed 5 - 7 days after surgery. Within a week after the surgery, the majority of swelling and bruising has subsided. Ice packs or frozen bags of peas work well to reduce swelling and bruising.
What type of post surgery care is required?
Depending on the type of eyelid surgery you are having, you may be required to sleep with eye shields (provided for you) for a specific number of nights to avoid accidental disturbance to the suture area while sleeping. You may also be given a prescription for an antibiotic ointment to be put on the suture area after surgery.
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
A patient should not drive home after a procedure because of the medication given during surgery for comfort. Patients can drive the following day if desired.
Does Dr. Victor operate on both eyes at the same time?
The procedure being performed will be the determining factor as to whether or not both eyes would be operated on at the same time, Procedures for droopy eyelids such as blepharoplasty and ptosis repair generally are performed on both eyes simultaneously.
Will my surgery be covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage of the surgical procedure depends on the diagnosis, the severity of the condition and whether or not the procedure is a covered benefit under your insurance plan. In many instances, if vision is being impaired by a droopy eyelid for example, insurance will cover the procedure. A simple visual field test is performed in the office to determine the amount of vision blocked by the eyelid condition.
How long will the procedure take?
The surgical procedure time varies with the type of oculoplastic procedure being performed. Typically, most procedures last between 30 to 45 minutes. This does not include patient preparation time at the surgical center before and after surgery.
Where will the procedure be performed?
Surgery is performed at the Eye Institute at Boswell outpatient surgical center, located at 10541 W. Thunderbird Blvd, Sun City, AZ 85351.
If droopy eyelids are blocking your vision, or you have any concerns with regard to your eyelids, please call our 623-977-9000 and schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Victor.