What Causes Droopy Eyelids?

Eyelid drooping, also known as ptosis, can affect the upper eyelids of one or both eyes. The condition can make it difficult to open the upper eyelid properly. Ptosis can range from subtle to very noticeable and can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the eyes and face. People with very droopy eyelids may also have difficulty seeing properly.

Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Year Round

By now, we all know the importance of proper sunscreen use during the summer months. But what about the rest of the year? Research shows more than 90 percent of visible markers of aging (i.e., wrinkles, age spots and fine lines) are related to skin damage caused by the sun, including during cloudy, overcast weather. In this blog post, Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Mohammed Alghoul of Northwestern Plastic Surgery explains the importance of sunscreen use year round and offers tips on how to keep your skin radiant and healthy. The Truth About Sun Damage The weather may be cooler, but… Continue Reading →

Who is a good candidate for Migraine surgery?

Patient selection is the most important factor for successful surgical treatment of migraine headaches. Although it has been commonly known as migraine surgery, the treatment is meant to target a specific group of patients who are diagnosed with “chronic migraines”.  It is believed that many of the patients who are considered chronic migraineurs actually suffer from nerve compression headaches. Surgery aims at releasing nerve compression through small incisions.  Headache history is very critical in identifying surgical candidates. Here are some pointers on who could benefit from surgical treatment. Patients typically have 15 or more headaches per month. Patients with chronic… Continue Reading →

PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY: A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE

Considering prophylactic mastectomy? Rest assured, the time prior to surgery is the hardest part. Emotions run high with any sizable decision; a decision involving hereditary cancer risks and alterations to your body magnifies these emotions. Here’s a secret: you’re going to be okay. Take advantage of the time you have before your surgery to prepare yourself, your family, your home, and your employer for your surgery and recovery. Preparing yourself for surgery: Prepare yourself emotionally for any form of reconstructive surgery. Be kind to yourself and take time to fully accept your decision. The weeks before surgery felt as if… Continue Reading →

Is a facelift still a good option versus non-surgical technology?

Facial aging is a natural process. You can slow the clock, but you can never stop it. We all age at a different pace depending on our genes, bone structure and other environmental influences like sun exposure and smoking. People spend thousands of dollars on cosmetic products, facial creams, fillers, and laser treatments to maintain a youthful look. Now these are all good strategies that I routinely use in my practice. They definitely have a role in facial rejuvenation. However, non-invasive methods still have their limitations. The technology is definitely improving but it’s not perfect yet. What patients are usually… Continue Reading →

Who is a candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery?

You can usually tell someone’s age from his or her eyes. We all start noticing changes in our eyes in the mid thirties. This is when the crow’s feet appear, the upper lid skin starts slightly hanging over the crease, the lower lid fat starts bulging and the area between the lower lid and the upper cheek starts hollowing. These changes, although subtle, they progress as we get older. Obviously we don’t all age the same way or to the same degree. For example, those of us who are blessed with nice cheekbones maintain a more youthful look of their… Continue Reading →

The Plump Lips You’ve Always Wanted

The Plump Lips You’ve Always Wanted Have you always wanted fuller lips but were scared of the results? Many women desire full lips however they are reluctant to have their lips filled or injected because the last thing they want are lips that look fake or done. Patients are fearful of the “duck lip” look. This is a valid concern; lip enhancement with fillers can be definitely overdone. The augmented look is usually noticeable and people can become self conscious about the appearance of their lips. How do you achieve results that look and feel natural? Like everything else, there… Continue Reading →

What is the best breast reconstruction option?

What is the best breast reconstruction option? A difficult decision that faces a breast cancer patient who is interested in breast restoration is determining the type of surgery and the type of reconstruction. These two are usually related as the type of mastectomy: total or partial, one side or both sides, determines the available options for breast reconstruction. During consultation I am often asked about the best breast reconstruction option and my answer always is: the best option is the one that preserves the breast! Despite advancement and refinement of surgical techniques, a reconstructed breast may look identical and sometimes… Continue Reading →

Post-Mastectomy/Lumpectomy and Breast Reconstruction Care

Mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgeries are not only about surviving but thriving and making the most of your new start. Just like after any other surgery, patients can find themselves with a number of musculoskeletal changes that they are unfamiliar with. Changes can include loss of shoulder range of motion, muscle tightness, scar/implant discomfort, back or neck pain, muscle weakness, discomfort with laying on their side or increased swelling into the arms. A physical therapist can help safely and effectively assist you to regain shoulder and neck motion, provide scar mobilization to decrease adhesions or pulling, provide a gradual and… Continue Reading →

What Causes Dark Undereye Circles?

Skin pigment does contribute to the dark circles under the eye, but it’s not the main cause. The main issue here is that there is a natural depression under the eye that creates a perception of a dark shadow. We all have this depression to a variable degree. It is caused by the thin eyelid skin and the underlying muscle that adheres tightly to the bone in that area. This depression creates an uneven surface, which with light reflection appears as a dark band under the eye. To correct this dark area under the eye (also known as the tear… Continue Reading →