Training and board certification
Source for all rows: about Dr. Massey
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| University | Cambridge University and London University, England |
| Residency | Dermatology residency in the United States |
| Fellowship | Mohs Micrographic and Cosmetic Surgery, Columbia University, New York |
- Board certification as printed: "Board-Certified in Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery." The site also states he is fellowship trained in that field.
- Theodore Tromovitch award from the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery for research in dermatologic surgery.
- Assistant Clinical Professor, UCLA School of Medicine; for several years he taught dermatologic and cosmetic surgery at Columbia University.
- Fellow, American Academy of Dermatology; Fellow, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; Fellow, American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology.
- Director of the Skin Cancer Group and the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Santa Monica.
- The eyelid page refers to his training in ophthalmology and cosmetic surgery without further detail (blepharoplasty).
Eyelid surgery work
- Electrode blepharoplasty. Performed under local anesthesia; the procedure takes about 45 minutes.
- Upper blepharoplasty. Incisions in the natural crease remove excess skin and fat and are stitched to form a natural crease.
- Lower blepharoplasty. Incisions are made inside the eyelid or just below the lash line to remove excess skin and fat.
- The consultation includes a medical history, a physical exam with a peripheral vision test, and photographs of the eyes from several angles. Patients stop certain blood-thinning medications and quit smoking before surgery.
- Brow lift. Performed at his accredited outpatient surgery center under local anesthesia with sedation, taking one to two hours. Two techniques: a lateral brow lift through an incision along the lateral hairline, and a direct brow lift through an incision just above the eyebrows (brow lift).
Galleries: the blepharoplasty gallery shows 10 cases, including upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower lid removal of under-eye bags, labeled as surgeries performed by Ralph A. Massey MD. The brow lift gallery shows two cases.
The site has no page for ptosis repair, double eyelid surgery, canthoplasty or revision eyelid surgery.
Other procedures
The site offers face lift, liposuction, laser resurfacing, Botox, dermal fillers, lip enhancement and hand rejuvenation, plus Mohs micrographic surgery and skin cancer treatment (cosmetic procedures).
Insurance and cost
- The blepharoplasty consultation includes a peripheral vision exam "so that any insurance claim you make may be supported" (blepharoplasty).
- Blepharoplasty cost depends on medical exams, surgeon's fees, facility charges, garments, anesthesia and technique; no price is published.
- Brow lift: a personalized quote is given at consultation and financing is available. If brow position impairs vision, insurance may provide partial coverage and the office can help with documentation (brow lift).
Recovery
- Blepharoplasty: patients can usually resume full activity after one week; swelling typically subsides in about a week; full results may take up to a month (blepharoplasty).
- Aftercare includes ice packs, prescribed eye drops and ointments, dark sunglasses outdoors and sleeping with the head elevated.
- Brow lift: swelling and bruising for one to two weeks, return to work after 10 to 14 days, strenuous exercise after three to four weeks (brow lift).