Cosmetic Blepharoplasty

AProcedureThat’sa RealEye-opener S

ince its opening in 1977, Lake Eye Associates has become renowned throughout Central Florida as one of the most advanced ophthalmology practices in the state. Lake Eye Associates’ Dr. Shelby L. Terpstra, DO, is a Board-certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist experienced in a wide range of ophthalmic services, from general eye care to conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, ocular surface disorders, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and a service that is rapidly growing in popularity, cosmetic blepharoplasty.

Dr. Terpstra is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. She received her training from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she served as Assistant Clinical Professor and Chief Resident Ophthalmologist. Since medical school, Dr. Terpstra knew that she wanted to be an ophthalmologist, but blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) was a specialization she acquired due to the increasing demand for procedures to help reverse the toll that sagging, drooping or outturning eyelids takes on people’s vision and appearance. For Dr. Terpstra, freeing people from the vision impairment caused by eyelid problems, and making them look younger and more vital, has become a personal mission.

“There are many causes for droopy eyelids,” she says. “Some are congenital, but in most cases, they simply come from getting older.” A common eyelid disorder is dermatochalasis (baggy lids), a condition in which there is excess skin in the upper and/ or lower eyelids. Not only does the excess skin make a person look more aged and tired than he or she may feel, it can obstruct vision and, in extreme cases, cut a person’s visual field by as much as half.

“I had a patient who suffered serious vision trouble from dermatochalasis, which affected both his upper and lower lids,” says Dr. Terpstra. “Because his baggy upper lids impaired his vision, his Medicare coverage took care of that part, but he also wanted to look and feel younger. We discussed his options and he opted to have both his upper and lower lids treated. He was delighted with the results. As was I,” she adds, smiling. “I’m always pleased to improve a patient’s life in such a dramatic and obvious way.”

Another condition, called ptosis, is where the lid margin rests lower on the eyeball. Ptosis is more than a nuisance. Left untreated, a drooping eyelid can cause other disorders, including amblyopia and astigmatism. One sufferer, Mrs. Simone Hasker, had ptosis to such a severe degree that it was impairing her vision. Mrs. Hasker met with Dr. Terpstra, who performed visual field testing in her office. “Dr. T actually taped up my eyelids to show me how much better I would see after the surgery,” says Mrs. Hasker. “It was like night and day! And I was so happy to find out that my insurance was going to cover it.”

Mrs. Hasker found the process to be positive throughout. “Dr. T was extremely thorough in explaining the procedure. I had the surgery at the Santa Fe Surgery Center and was out in less than two hours. There was no pain, no bruising, the healing process was extremely quick.

“Everything about Dr. T and this procedure exceeded my expectations,” she says, “and I would do it again in a second.”

According to Dr. Terpstra, Mrs. Hasker’s outcome is typical of other patients on whom she has performed eyelid surgery. “I’ve done countless blepharoplasties and seeing the boost to patients’ function and self-esteem is rewarding every time,” she says.

Prospective patients will be heartened to learn that the surgery itself is relatively simple and can correct an array of pathologies, functional problems and cosmetic disfigurations. Tiny incisions are made inside the creases of the upper and/or lower eyelid, where any miniscule scarring will be naturally concealed. Then excess skin and adipocyte fat is removed, and the remaining skin is repositioned to reduce sagging, slackness or puffiness.

Post op, Dr. Terpstra’s patients report enjoying an increased field of vision and improved peripheral vision, enabling them to do everyday things many were no longer able to do, such as watch TV, read and drive. Patients who get the surgery to restore their vision are invariably pleased with the “sideeffect” of looking more youthful and refreshed.

Patient Mary Allen describes her experience. “I have been a patient of Dr. Terpstra’s for some time now. When it came time to address my problems seeing due to my eyelids drooping, we discussed the procedure in depth, what to expect before and after. I had no worries being in her care.

“My experience with this procedure was excellent. The results have been amazing and so much so, I sent my husband to her to have the same procedure - now both of us are seeing better!”

Dr. Terpstra fi nds performing blepharoplasties to be one of the most gratifying elements of her job. “Every service and treatment I provide is designed to help people see and feel better, so all of it is rewarding; but this type of surgery is unique in that it can actually enhance a person’s appearance to match their improved vision and outlook.”

Her commitment to patients is one that is shared among her colleagues at Lake Eye. “Treating our patients’ eye conditions is what we’re trained to do,” says Dr. Terpstra, “but treating their concerns is our passion.”