Training and board certification
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate and medical school | University of Michigan, graduated with high honors |
| Residency | Ophthalmology, Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary; chief resident |
| Fellowship | Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, New York, NY |
- Associate Clinical Professor, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, with appointments in Ophthalmology, Dermatology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
- Former Director, Eye Plastics and Orbit Service and Center for Aesthetic Eyelid and Facial Surgery, New England Medical Center, Boston; former Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Member: American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association; Honorary Member, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery.
- Member, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS); has served as Vice-President, President and Laser Safety Officer.
- 2012 Henry Baylis Lectureship Award, ASOPRS, for contributions to aesthetic oculofacial surgery.
- Relocated to Nashville in 1998 and opened his own practice in 2002.
Eyelid surgery work
- Upper blepharoplasty. Incision hidden in the eyelid's natural fold (source).
- Lower blepharoplasty. Usually performed transconjunctivally (through the inside of the eyelid) to avoid visible scars; excess fat is often spread into hollow areas rather than removed, to prevent a hollow look; can also be done via a sub-lash incision (same page).
- Laser-assisted blepharoplasty. Dr. Biesman often uses a laser to reduce surgical time and recovery (same page).
- Internal brow lift/brow pexy. For patients with heavy upper eyelids and mild brow droop who are not candidates for a full brow lift, brow stabilization is performed through the upper blepharoplasty incision (same page).
- Endoscopic forehead and brow lift. Small incisions hidden behind the hairline; takes about an hour (source).
- Corrective/revision eyelid surgery. Laser treatment to reduce scar thickness, redness or textural change; combined with surgery and medical treatment when initial results are unsatisfactory (corrective).
- Medically necessary eyelid procedures. Ptosis repair, entropion/ectropion repair, functional blepharoplasty for visual field obstruction, blepharospasm/hemifacial spasm treatment, and eyelid skin cancer repair (source).
Other procedures
Injectables (Juvederm, Restylane, Botox, liquid face lift, tear trough correction, non-surgical rhinoplasty, lip augmentation), CoolSculpting fat reduction, Sofwave, Thermage and Ultherapy skin tightening, laser skin resurfacing and tattoo removal, medical-grade skin care, microneedling and chemical peels, and scar treatment for trauma, burns and acne (drbiesman.com).
Insurance and cost
"Correction of eyelid problems caused by previous cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance" (corrective). More broadly, the site states that "with increasing tightening of purse strings by insurance companies, the responsibility for payment of even those procedures performed out of medical necessity or to correct birthmarks or scarring caused by injury or surgery may fall upon the patient" (source). No procedure prices are published.
Recovery
- Bruising. Blepharoplasty: about 80% of bruising and swelling usually resolves within the first two weeks (source).
- Exercise. Blepharoplasty: avoid heavy bending and lifting for at least two weeks (same page).
- Sutures out. Blepharoplasty: removable stitches come out at the first post-op visit, about one week after surgery (same page).
- Back to work. Blepharoplasty: routine activities such as driving, walking and bathing may resume the day after surgery (same page).
- Swelling. Forehead/brow lift: bruising and swelling are variable, sometimes visible for several weeks; mild discomfort and headache are common for the first few days (source).