Training and board certification
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| College | Claremont McKenna College, Science and Management, cum laude |
| Medical school | Temple University School of Medicine |
| Internship | Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara |
| Residency | Ophthalmology, Temple University School of Medicine |
| Fellowship | Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wills Eye Institute |
- Board certification as printed: "Board Certified in Ophthalmology."
- The Cosmetic & Eyelids page states the Wills Eye fellowship lasted two years, that he did research at Doheny Eye Institute (University of Southern California) as an undergraduate, and that he was elected Intern of the Year at Kaiser Santa Clara.
Eyelid surgery work
- Blepharoplasty. Upper lid skin and fat are removed through an incision in the natural eyelid crease, and a droopy upper lid can be raised by tightening the muscle that lifts it. Lower lid fat is removed or repositioned through an incision on the inner surface of the lid, or through an incision just below the lashes when there is excess skin. Laser resurfacing or a chemical peel can be done at the same time (blepharoplasty).
- Ptosis repair. The page covers congenital and adult ptosis. Surgery usually tightens the levator muscle; for severe ptosis a "sling" operation lets the forehead muscles lift the lid. Adult surgery is usually outpatient under local anesthesia with light sedation (source).
- Brow lift. Mild to moderate brow ptosis is corrected through incisions directly above the brows, alone or with upper eyelid surgery, to relieve peripheral vision loss (source).
- Gallery. The practice's page shows eyelid cases labeled blepharoplasty, cosmetic, direct brow lift, ectropion repair, levator advancement, and levator advancement with blepharoplasty (source).
Other procedures
The Cosmetic/Eyelid Center also offers BOTOX and dermal fillers, Latisse, laser skin resurfacing and SkinMedica skin care. Eye Associates for New Mexico provides cataract, cornea, glaucoma, retina, LASIK, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric and optometry care at offices across New Mexico (source).
Insurance and cost
- The FAQ states insurance coverage varies by health plan and is based on medical necessity, in some cases with photographs and diagnostic testing. If insurance denies coverage, financing options are available (faq).
- Patient cost can range from a facility copayment to a percentage of surgical charges.
- The insurance page lists Medicare, Railroad Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, New Mexico Medicaid and Tricare among accepted plans (source).
- The site publishes no eyelid surgery prices.
Recovery
- Blepharoplasty: cold compresses for swelling and bruising, antibiotic ointment or drops, strenuous activity minimized for several days; most patients return to regular activities within several days (blepharoplasty).
- Swelling and bruising: about 5 to 10 days to begin to improve (faq).
- Brow lift: strenuous activity limited for about 1 week (source).
- Scheduling: surgery is typically booked 4 to 8 weeks or more in advance. Cosmetic procedures may be done in the surgical suite at the Northside Clinic; other surgery is at Albuquerque Ambulatory Eye Surgery Center or Lovelace Medical Center.