• Eyelid Surgery Questions
• Facial Cosmetic Surgery Questions
• Questions about Injectables
• Questions about Skin Care
• Dry eye Treatment Questions
• Questions about St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute

St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute near Tampa and Orlando – Cosmetic Surgery FAQs

Eyelid Surgery Questions

Will blepharoplasty eliminate the wrinkles around my eyes?

No, eyelid surgery is not designed to remove crow’s feet or sagging brows. Its purpose is to remove excess skin and fat from the upper and lower lid areas.

What is the difference between traditional blepharoplasty and transconjunctival blepharoplasty?

In traditional eyelid surgery, excess fat is removed through incisions made along the natural lines of your eyelids. In transconjunctival blepharoplasty, fat pockets are removed through an incision inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. Transconjunctival eyelid surgery is usually reserved for younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

When can patients return to normal activities following blepharoplasty?

Most blepharoplasty patients at St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute are able to go in public about one week to ten days after surgery, though strenuous activities such as exercise should be avoided for about three weeks.

What is ptosis?

Ptosis is the drooping of the upper eyelid or brow due to age, injury, disease, or birth defect.

What are ectropion and entropion?

In patients with ectropion, the lower eyelid turns outward and sags. In patients with entropion, the lashes turn inward and rub against the eye. Both conditions can be corrected surgically at our Tampa Bay vision care and cosmetic surgery practice.

Will insurance cover the cost of my eyelid surgery?

Insurance will only cover your eyelid surgery if its purpose is to correct a medical problem. For example, it may cover ptosis repair if sagging skin is obstructing your vision. However, it will not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery at our practice near Tampa and Orlando. Contact cosmetic surgery specialist John LiVecchi, MD, FACS for more information.

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Facial Cosmetic Surgery Questions

What problems can be corrected by a browlift?

A browlift, or forehead lift, can correct drooping brows, eliminate forehead furrows, and improve the appearance of the area surrounding the eyes.

What is the difference between open and endoscopic browlift surgery?

In open browlift surgery, the surgeon works through an incision that extends across the top of the forehead and down to the ears. In endoscopic browlift surgery, the surgeon makes three to five short scalp incisions and performs surgery with the assistance of a small camera called an endoscope, which is placed under the skin. Not all patients are good candidates for endoscopic browlift surgery.

When can patients return to normal activities following browlift surgery?

Most patients can return to normal activities within about ten days, but should avoid vigorous physical activity for several weeks.

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Questions about Injectables

How long do the effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic, Radiesse™, and Restylane® Injections last?

The effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment typically last for three to four months; effects of Radiesse ™ treatment last between one to two years; and effects of Restylane® treatments last between six and twelve months. When results fade, injections can be repeated at our Tampa Bay eye care and cosmetic surgery center.

Is BOTOX® Cosmetic safe?

Yes, BOTOX® Cosmetic has proven to be safe for most patients. The only people who should avoid BOTOX® Injections are patients with neurological disorders and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Possible side effects of BOTOX® Cosmetic injections are bruising, mild numbness, and swelling around the injection site.

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Questions about Skin Care

Is Dr. LiVecchi able to diagnose skin cancer?

Yes. Dr. LiVecchi diagnoses and treats various forms of skin cancer. If he finds that a cancer is extremely large, or has spread to other parts of your body, he can refer you to a specialist for more intensive treatment.

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Dry Eye Treatment Questions

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include itching, burning, irritation, redness, excessive tearing, and blurred vision that improves with blinking. Patients with dry eye syndrome also frequently experience increased discomfort after reading, watching TV, or working on a computer.

How do you treat dry eye syndrome?

At St. Luke’s, we typically recommend that patients use artificial tears and adopt simple lifestyle changes to combat dry eyes. If the condition persists, we may close the eyes’ tear ducts using radio waves or small silicon or collagen plugs.

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Questions about St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute

Where is St. Luke’s located?

St. Luke’s main office and private surgical center is located in Tarpon Springs, Florida. We also have locations in St. Petersburg, Spring Hill, and Bayonet Point. Patients from Tampa, Orlando, and beyond frequently visit us for cosmetic surgery.

Does St. Luke’s offer financing?

St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute offers financing through Care Credit®. For more information, visit www.carecredit.com.

What services does St. Luke’s offer?

In addition to cosmetic surgery and skin care, St. Luke’s Cataract and Laser Institute offers general ophthalmology services, refractive surgery, and treatment for cataracts, retina conditions, corneal problems, and glaucoma.

Contact our Tampa Bay cosmetic surgery specialist with additional questions about the procedures we offer.

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