“They take such good care of my eyes! Caring and compassionate from the doctors to the assistants.” Cynthia Byrne, 5-Star Google Review
Am I a Candidate For Oculoplsatic or Reconstructive Surgery?
Many patients seeking a cosmetic upgrade around their eyelids and forehead are good candidates for oculoplastic procedures. Contact our Monterey, CA, vision center today. We will review your cosmetic goals and health history to determine your candidacy. Good candidates for cosmetic ophthalmology have:
Good Overall Health
You should be in relatively good health before undergoing any cosmetic ophthalmology procedure. Being in good health lowers your risk of complications during treatment and aids recovery.
Obstructed Vision
You are typically a good candidate for cosmetic ophthalmology if droopy eyelids or a pterygium obstruct your vision. Our treatments can help remove and tighten excess skin around your eyelids that may be blocking your field of vision.
Met the Age Requirement
While some patients may come in for BOTOX Cosmetic at a younger age, good candidates for blepharoplasty should be at least over age 35.
Sufficient Tear Production
Those with insufficient tear production may not be a good candidate for some oculoplastic surgeries. Tear production helps you heal quickly and keeps your eyes protected during recovery.
Ready To Talk to an Ophthalmologist? Contact Our Monterey, CA, Practice
For over 20 years, our team of experienced ophthalmologists and orbital surgeons has provided top-quality care in California. Our team of eye-care professionals can treat virtually any eye condition. However, we know that eye care reaches beyond ocular health and vision. Our California-based practice offers both practical and cosmetic ophthalmology to ensure every patient has clear vision and confidence in their appearance.
To learn how practical or cosmetic surgery can enhance your self-esteem and take years off your appearance, contact our Monterey, Salinas, and King City, CA, vision centers today to request a consultation.
(831) 424-1150
“The practice is efficient, modern and convenient. Staff are helpful, concerned and professional. I highly recommend the practice for quality eye care.” Steve Ricks, 5-Star Google Review
What To Expect During Oculoplastic Surgery
You will visit our Salinas or Monterey, CA, surgery centers for your blepharoplasty or pterygium removal surgery. Both are outpatient procedures, so you will need someone to take you to and from your appointment.
When Should You Call Us? The Symptoms To Look Out For
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While rare, there are risks to every surgery. You should immediately call our optical center if you are experiencing pain that does not get better with medication, signs of infection, worsening vision, or an incision that has not healed or looks worse. Our ophthalmologists will see you right away so we can protect the health of your eyes. If you are noticing any signs of complications, please call us at (831) 424-1150.
Why Not See a Plastic Surgeon For My Oculoplastic Surgery?
Oculoplastic surgery is used to both rejuvenate your appearance and to treat eye disorders that can be painful or obstruct your vision. While some of these treatments can also be performed by a plastic surgeon, there are some notable differences between a plastic surgeon and an oculoplastic surgeon.
Plastic Surgeon
Plastic surgeons train as general surgeons before completing their plastic surgery fellowship. During their plastic surgery training, they learn how to rejuvenate and reconstruct every area of the body, including the face, breasts, stomach, arms, legs, and more. A plastic surgeon can help patients achieve their desired look in any area of the body.
Oculoplastic Surgeon
After medical school, oculoplastic surgeons study ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists have training beyond optometry that teaches them the intricate details of the orbital region, eye, and eyelids. An ophthalmologist also receives training in ocular surgery. After this education, they go through further training to complete a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery.
The Difference
While plastic surgeons can help patients achieve their desired aesthetic in any area of the body, oculoplastic surgeons have extensive knowledge of the complex structures of the eye, eyelids, and orbital area. Their specialized training in ophthalmology and eye surgery helps ensure patients receive the best care for both their vision and facial aesthetic.
Why Choose Us?
There are many ophthalmology practices throughout California offering these services, but patients in the Monterey Bay area and beyond frequently choose us for oculoplastics and more. Here are just a few of the reasons why Monterey County Eye Associates stands apart:
Board Certification
All of our ophthalmologists are certified by the American Board of Opthalmology. Achieving this status requires extensive testing and demonstration of excellence. When you choose our practice, you can take comfort in knowing that your surgeon has proven expertise and a commitment to providing the safest, most effective care.
Se Habla Español
La educación del paciente es importante para el éxito de cualquier procedimiento médico y queremos poder comunicarnos eficazmente con usted. Muchos miembros de nuestro personal hablan español con fluidez para que pueda comunicarse con nosotros en su idioma preferido.
Comprehensive Care
If you do not currently see an ophthalmologist for periodic checkups, or if other issues become apparent while you are visiting us for oculoplastic procedures, we can accommodate you. Whether you are interested in oculoplastic procedures or LASIK, want to explore cataract surgery, or simply need a routine checkup, our doctors serving Greater Monterey, CA, can provide the safe and sophisticated care you need.
“Excellent doctors, great staff, a very nice and comfortable facility.” Natalie Entis, 5-Star Google Review
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Oculoplastics
Is blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
If your eyelids are obstructing your vision, your insurance may contribute to the cost of blepharoplasty. During your consultation, we can determine if you have a practical need for eyelid surgery. If your vision or other aspects of your health can benefit from blepharoplasty, we can submit documentation to your insurance provider to help you take advantage of your benefits.
How long does blepharoplasty recovery take?
You will need to take at least a few days to rest immediately following a blepharoplasty procedure. Visible bruising typically lasts one to three weeks, with swelling sometimes taking up to three months to subside. Most patients feel comfortable going into public after 10 to 14 days. If you perform office work remotely, you may feel ready to resume work as soon as one to three days after surgery, but it's important not to resume any activity you don't feel ready for.
How soon after blepharoplasty can I get BOTOX Cosmetic injections?
Combining blepharoplasty and BOTOX can have a powerful rejuvenating effect, but you must wait until you have completely healed from surgery before receiving injectables near the orbital area. In general, it could take about six weeks before you can safely receive BOTOX. If you are considering combining these procedures, talk about it with your surgeon, and they can schedule follow-up appointments to determine when you can start or resume a BOTOX routine.
Can a pterygium go away on its own?
No. However, if it doesn't obstruct your vision or make you feel self-conscious, you don't necessarily need to remove it. If it would serve your best interests to remove a pterygium, local anesthesia makes the procedure itself virtually painless. Most patients can return to their normal activities—including driving, going to work, and attending school—after just a few days of downtime.
“Excellent Care! I have been going there for years and it has been great. Personal touch with professional care.” Chris P. Johnson, 5-Star Google Review