What is a Smartlift Eyelift?

We choose to refer to our eyelifts as SmartLift eyelifts because we believe that there is an intelligent and rational improvement for every type of cosmetic surgery. Our client base consists of people with very active lifestyles and diverse interests. They are not interested in getting any type of elective surgery that would significantly slow them down while they wait to recover. The Smartlift Eyelift differs from traditional eyelifts because it is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The downtime is much less than if you have an eyelift in the operating room because of the general anesthesia. In addition, general anesthesia has more attendant risks than local anesthesia, so generally speaking, the SmartLift approach is certainly a safer option.  Other reasons for the reduced downtime that is associated with the Smartlift Eyelift have to do with the procedure itself. The techniques used by Dr. Prasad and the particular details related to the immediate aftercare also contribute to a shorter downtime and a faster healing time overall.

What are the newest advances available in Eyelifts today?

There are many new and exciting options available to patients who thoroughly research their options for eyelifts. One of the most significant factors to note when you are learning about the market is to understand all of the variations of eyelifts that exist and decide which variation is best for you.

How are the surgical approaches for Upper and Lower eyelids different?

Upper lid eyelifts are performed using a small incision that is hidden in the crease of the upper eyelid. The scar usually heals extremely well and is difficult for others to see even when your eyes are closed.

Lower lid blepharoplasties are used to eliminate puffiness and heavy bags under the eyes. Lower lifts have two techniques: Traditional and Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty . The traditional blepharoplasty ( lower lift) is used in patients with thin, papery, and fair skin and many folds and wrinkles under the eyelids. The incision is made just below the margin of the lower eyelids and is very well hidden.

Transconjunctival blepharoplasty .

This is the most modern and popular type of lower eyelid surgery available. Many people are candidates for this type of surgery because they have firm skin under their eyelids and minimal folds. This technique involves an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid and leaves no visible scar.  This procedure is the most desirable type of lower eyelid surgery because it heals very well and yields very natural results. If there are only a few wrinkles under the eyes, a Caucasian person may be a candidate for a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. For this reason, a Caucasian individual may want to seek cosmetic eyelid surgery at a younger age as compared to his peers from other ethnic backgrounds.

People of Mediterranean background and people with darker skin along the spectrum have a thicker dermis or underlying elastic structure supporting their skin. Often, people with dark skin have a tendency to heal with keloids, which are raised and fleshy scars, whenever the outer surface of the skin is cut. For these reasons, this population is better suited to the inner lower eyelid approach or transconjunctival blepharoplasty .

What are the different types of eyelift techniques?

It is imperative to realize that certain techniques used for eyelifts may vary according to a person's ethnic background. For example, Asian eyes require delicate finesse with the typical epicanthal fold that lies in front of the eye so that rejuvenation does not mar the natural beauty of this type of eye. Asian individuals also often seek the "double eyelid fold" procedure which gives the upper eyelid a visible crease when the eye is open. This change to the upper eyelid makes it easier to apply makeup and is considered to be a desirable aesthetic appearance in many Asian cultures. Dr. Prasad is well versed in this type of surgery and has performed this procedure for his Asian patients who have requested it.

People with darkly pigmented skin or with firm elastic skin are candidates for a technique known as the transconjunctival blepharoplasty . And finally, there are special considerations for men that need to be appreciated. Men need to make sure that they do not receive a "feminizing" result that leaves them with an overly round cat's eye.

Typically, men have a lower upper eyelid crease when compared to women and a more level eyebrow. These features should be preserved in order to retain the masculine appearance of the face.

How do I know whether I am the right age to get a Smartlift Eyelift?

There is no such thing as the right age for an eyelift or for any type of cosmetic surgery. The best answer to this question is for you to decide whether you feel the need to change your appearance. As you go through this website, consider whether you can relate to the situations described here. And remember that no one should ever convince you to get cosmetic surgery.

As for age itself, our patients' ages vary significantly. Some are as young as 26 and as old as 80. For many people, the signs of aging can develop at a certain age for genetic reasons. We have a number of patients who developed large bags under their eyes in their late teens or early 20's. Some people are blessed with firm skin and lead very healthy lifestyles and don't feel that they want cosmetic surgery until they are significantly older. In general, people with a complexion of olive and darker, have firmer skin with more elasticity. They tend to have cosmetic surgery at an older age.

Ultimately, the decision to have cosmetic surgery is a highly personal choice and will depend on your own cosmetic goals.

What unique qualifications does Dr. Prasad have for performing eyelifts?

Dr. Prasad is Board Certified and a Fellow of The American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. (ASOPRS) This means that he has special training in eye microsurgery as well as in cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and the orbit (the bones that surround the eyeball).

There are only about 500 specialists worldwide who are members of ASOPRS which is an exclusive professional society with highly stringent criteria for membership. Dr Prasad is widely renowned for his expertise in eyelid and orbital surgery and is one of the first specialists consulted for eyelid revisions because of his extensive experience.

He is sought after by other surgeons for many complex, medical procedures involving the eyelid and orbit.

Medical / Reconstruction Procedures

Dr. Prasad is sought after by numerous other surgeons for:

• Reconstructive Repair after Trauma or Cancer
• Thyroid Orbital Disease
• Pseudotumor Cerebri
• Eyelift Revisions for unsatisfactory results
• Ptosis repair
• Eyelid Lesion Removal
• Mohs' Surgery Melanoma repair of the eyelid
• Cosmetic Surgery after Burns