Age, life and genetics add up to create our beautiful faces. And, the eyes are the windows to our souls, so if you are finding the windows closing, or changing shape, perhaps it's time to consider calling in a professional.
An oculoplastic procedure is a type of surgery done around the eyes. You may have this procedure to correct a medical problem or for cosmetic reasons. Oculoplastic procedures are usually done by eye doctors (ophthalmologists) who have special training in plastic or reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Julia Kang is a board-certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon who specializes in eyelids. Operating in the U.S. as well as carefully shadowing the best surgeons in South Korea, Dr. Kang has a rich experience that is invaluable to patients of all demographics and age groups. Whether it is upper or lower blepharoplasty, ptosis repair, or lid retraction repair. Dr. Kang treats each condition individually to cater to every patient’s unique needs.
In addition to surgery, Joli Oculoplastics offers non-invasive services that include Botox, Dermal filler, Morpheus8, IPL, and Forma Eye.
We asked Dr. Kang to introduce three procedures that are the most popular at her practice.
Upper Blepharoplasty
Over time, the skin, muscles and fat of the upper eyelid may sag and cause an unwanted, “tired” appearance. One of the most common procedures Dr. Kang performs, an upper blepharoplasty removes the excess skin through an incision that is hidden in the natural eyelid crease. This surgery restores a youthful and rejuvenated look to the eyes and improves the “heavy” sensation on the eyelids. Knowing the right amount of skin to remove and designing the eyelid shape is an art, and Dr. Kang provides a bespoke, customized experience that considers and complements each individual’s natural beauty and unique features.
Ptosis
Ptosis is a condition that occurs when one or both upper eyelids droop and the edge of the upper eyelid falls toward or over the pupil. Ptosis is usually caused by stretching or thinning of the tendon between the muscle that raises the eyelid and the eyelid itself. With stretching or thinning, the muscle that normally raises the eyelid has to work harder to lift it. This leads to symptoms of eyelid and forehead muscle fatigue and eyelid heaviness. Other less common causes of ptosis are nerve or muscle damage from any cause, various types of eyelid surgery, infection, muscle weakness such as myasthenia gravis, and systemic diseases such as stroke and tumors behind the eye, hypertension, thyroid disorders and diabetes. Children can be born with congenital ptosis. The muscle is abnormally stiff or poorly developed and does not function well. This condition usually lasts until it is surgically corrected. Under certain circumstances, it can be combined with the operation known as blepharoplasty when fat and skin removal is an added goal of surgery. To correct ptosis, Dr. Kang will choose where to make the incision based upon what treatment the eyelid needs and whether the patient is an appropriate candidate.
Lid Retraction
In the case of upper eyelid retraction, where one can see the “white” of the eye above the iris, the most common cause is thyroid eye disease. For lower lid retraction, the causes may include thyroid eye disease, lower lid laxity or scarring from prior surgeries (such as excess skin removal from lower blepharoplasties), skin cancers – all of which can pull the lid downward. Some people also may have naturally lower lids. Eyelid retraction can often lead to incomplete closure of the eye, causing dryness, redness and irritation. In severe cases, this can lead to corneal exposure causing abrasions, ulcers, scarring and vision loss.
Joli Oculoplastics is not your typical doctor’s office. They offer an intimate boutique medical service. The team members are bilingual in English and Korean and all are graciously welcomed.
JoliOculoplastics.com
10710 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 150
770.629.0600
With stretching or thinning, the muscle that normally raises the eyelid has to work harder to lift it.