Highlights from Dr. Sullivan’s Recent Publication in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal

January 16, 2014

Recently Dr. Sullivan contributed to the journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  In the November article, Dr. Sullivan and his co-author discussed the many plastic surgery techniques that have been used for lower eyelid surgery.  They also trace the evolution of these procedures and chronicle the significant advances that have been made in this area.  Methods have ranged from simple skin excision to fat preservation and repositioning in the lid-cheek junction and tear-trough deformities.  Many patients are frequently bothered by the appearance of their lower eyelids and the illusion of fatigue and sadness they can create . However, it is important to note that with lower lid blepharoplasty there is potential for serious functional and aesthetic complications, including dry eyes, scleral show, and ectropion. There is a steep learning curve for surgeons learning this procedure and many complain of the difficulty and reliably of obtaining excellent cosmetic results in connection with lower eyelid surgery.  Dr. Sullivan has found that an extended lower blepharoplasty can significantly improve both eyelid and midface contour, creating substantial aesthetic improvements without visible scars or an operated appearance. Finally, Dr. Sullivan and his team of authors presented the results of this extended blepharoplasty procedure in over 300 of Dr. Sullivan’s patients.

The journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has been the pre-eminent reference source for every surgeon who works in the field of and/or uses plastic surgery techniques.   Further, it is the premier source of peer-reviewed digital and print articles dedicated to, “chronicling the present and laying the experimental and clinical foundations for future advances in clinical plastic and reconstructive surgeryâ€.  The journal emphasizes and supports only the highest quality patient care and maintains strict professional and ethical standards when accepting submissions to their journal.

 To learn more about these articles please visit: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal

If you would like more information about Dr. Sullivan, his team and their work, or if you would like to know more about a specific procedure, please contact us today at 401-831-8300.  We would be happy to answer your questions, or help you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sullivan.  

            

The above 46 year old woman was concerned about a “tired appearance” that she felt was related to the puffiness and circles around her eyes. Dr. Sullivan treated her with his specialized extended blepharoplasty technique to address both the puffiness and the circles. Hidden internal incisions were used to avoid the appearance of any external scars. On the right is a 7 year follow up photograph.

                                     

The above 57 year old man was concerned about the “puffiness” and loose skin that gave the appearance of tiredness.  Lower eyelids were addressed with special emphasis on removing the puffiness and the circles between the lower eyes and the cheek. Lower eyelid suspension was done to help improve support.  On the right is a 6 month follow up photograph.

                                                                       

This 40-year-old woman expressed concerns about the puffiness and “bags†under her eyes. She was especially bothered by the “circles†under her eyes. The patient reported that people often commented that she looked “tired†and had a “sad†appearance. She also explained that even as a younger woman she had puffiness under her eyes, but said that this had become worse with age. This is often an inherited problem and characteristically shows up early in life. This specialized eyelid/blepharoplasty procedure is done via an incision hidden internally (transconjunctival). This is followed by release of the retaining ligaments and the patientâ€^™s own fat which is redraped into the areas where the circles are apparent (lid-cheek junction abnormality). The vascularized fat is sutured into the exact position where it is needed to correct the tear trough deformity or wherever “circles†are a problem. This eyelid/blepharoplasty treatment is designed specifically to treat each patientâ€^™s individual deformity on each eyelid. (The eyelids are almost always asymmetric.) This unique eyelid/blepharoplasty surgery gives a much smoother appearance in the lower lid and cheek and can give a fresher and more rested appearance to the whole face.   

The above 70 year old woman demonstrates an example of excess periorbital fat.  A transconjunctival, retroseptal approach was used, releasing and redraping periorbital fat, then suturing it below the infraorbital rim to restore volume to the midface.  Excessive fat was also removed from all three compartments.