Training and board certification
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | University of Southern California; Summa Cum Laude, B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Health and Humanity |
| Medical school | Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD |
| Internship | Sinai Hospital of Baltimore |
| Residency | Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
| Fellowship | Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital |
- Board certified, American Board of Ophthalmology.
- Member: Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), American Society of Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
- San Diego County Medical Society Top Doctor (2023).
- Site states multiple peer-reviewed publications in ophthalmology journals and that she was voted 2nd Best Research Paper by the University of Texas Southwestern.
Eyelid surgery work
Procedure pages describe the practice's oculoplastics service; upper eyelid and brow lift pages note the surgery is performed "at American Eye Associates" and, for brow lift, specifically credit "Dr. McDonnell['s] expertise in oculoplastic surgery."
- Upper blepharoplasty. Incision in the natural upper-eyelid crease, closed with fine dissolvable sutures; outpatient under local anesthesia with optional light sedation (source).
- Lower blepharoplasty. Often uses a transconjunctival approach (incision on the inside of the eyelid, no visible scar); 45 to 90 minutes, local anesthesia with optional sedation (source).
- Ptosis repair. Small incision in the upper-eyelid crease; levator muscle tightened or reattached; 30 to 60 minutes per eye, local anesthesia with light sedation (source).
- Brow lift. Incision hidden within the hairline or forehead creases; can be paired with upper blepharoplasty for more significant drooping (source).
- Entropion and ectropion repair, tear duct surgery. Listed among the practice's oculoplastic services (oculoplastic).
The practice site has no before-and-after gallery page.
Other procedures
Skin cancer surgery/Mohs reconstruction, general reconstructive surgery, orbital fracture repair, removal of orbital tumors, thyroid eye disease treatment, blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm treatment (oculoplastic).
Insurance and cost
- Upper eyelid surgery: evaluated for medical necessity and possible insurance coverage versus cosmetic enhancement (source).
- Lower eyelid surgery: "If sagging or laxity of the lower eyelid affects your vision, comfort, or eye health, your doctor may qualify your procedure as medically necessary, and insurance may cover it. For cosmetic concerns alone, coverage typically does not apply" (source).
- Ptosis repair: "your doctor may consider ptosis repair medically necessary and covered by insurance" when it blocks the visual field or causes functional issues (source).
- Brow lift: "Insurance may cover part of the procedure as medically necessary" if it obstructs vision; "Insurance companies typically do not cover cosmetic-only brow lifts" (source).
No prices are published; the practice's page mentions "transparent pricing and flexible financing options" without stating amounts.
Recovery
- Back to work. Upper eyelid surgery: most patients resume normal activities within 7-10 days (source).
- Swelling. Lower eyelid surgery: mild swelling and bruising mostly improves within the first 1 to 2 weeks (source).
- Back to work. Ptosis repair: return to work or normal activities within 7 to 10 days (source).
- Sutures out. Brow lift: stitches usually removed within a week (source).
- Back to work. Brow lift: most patients return to normal routines within one to two weeks (same page).