Training and board certification
Source for all rows: source
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medical school | Hahnemann University Medical School, Philadelphia, PA, 1981 |
| Residency | General surgery, Hahnemann University Medical School, 1981-1985 |
| Residency | Plastic and reconstructive surgery, Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, Norfolk, VA, 1987 |
| Fellowship | Oculoplastic and maxillofacial surgery, Eastern Virginia Graduate School of Medicine, 1988 |
| Fellowship | Aesthetic plastic surgery with Dr. Baker, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Stuzin, Miami, FL, 1988 |
- Board certification: "Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery," 1991.
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- Medical licenses: Ohio 1989, Kentucky 1994.
- Board Examiner, Plastic Surgery Oral Certification Exam, 2002 to present; Chairman, Plastic Surgery In-Service Exam, 2000-2008.
- Medical director for Operation Smile, with over 500 pro-bono reconstructive operations on children in 12 countries; World Journey of Hope humanitarian award, 2002.
- National trainer for BOTOX Cosmetic, Restylane, Volbella, Latisse, Voluma and Dysport.
Eyelid surgery work
- Upper blepharoplasty. Excess skin is removed and protruding fat is removed or repositioned through an incision in the natural crease. The page states that low brows can cause hooding, and that Dr. Kurtzman checks brow position at consultation to decide between eyelid surgery and a brow lift.
- Lower blepharoplasty. A subciliary incision just below the lash line allows skin removal and fat repositioning. A transconjunctival incision inside the lower lid treats fat pockets without skin removal.
- Fat repositioning. Descended fat pads can be moved into hollow tear troughs to smooth the lid-cheek transition.
- Ptosis. The page states a low lid from a weakened lifting muscle is ptosis, a different condition evaluated separately.
- Procedure time is 1-2 hours, usually under local anesthesia with sedation; general anesthesia is available.
- Listed risks include dry or watery eyes, short-term blurry vision, trouble closing the eyes, lower lid pulling away from the eye and, rarely, bleeding behind the eye.
Brow lift. The brow lift page lists endoscopic, temporal (lateral), direct and combined brow lift with blepharoplasty. The endoscopic technique uses 1-2 cm incisions in the hairline, and the corrugator and procerus muscles can be weakened or partially removed (source).
Gallery. The eyelid gallery holds 10 cases: upper blepharoplasty, upper and lower blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty (source).
Other procedures
The site also offers facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, otoplasty, chin augmentation, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, mommy makeover, procedures for men and non-invasive treatments (source).
Insurance and cost
- Upper blepharoplasty may be covered when drooping lids significantly impair peripheral vision (dermatochalasis). The office performs visual field testing and provides documentation for insurance approval.
- Lower blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic and is not covered.
- Eyelid surgery: "Starting Cost $4,000+." Brow lift: "Starting Cost $6,000+." An itemized quote follows the consultation.
Recovery
- Days 1-2: significant swelling and bruising; cold compresses and head elevation.
- Days 3-5: bruising peaks then fades.
- Sutures out within 5-7 days.
- Week 2: return to work and social activities.
- Contact lenses and eye makeup at 10-14 days. Avoid heavy exercise for a few weeks.
- Final results over 2-3 months. Upper lid results often last 5-10 years.