Read our new publication in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) Journal

Little is known about surgical adhesives and their antimicrobial role.  We assembled a team of plastic surgeons and microbiologists to investigate the role of Mastisol and compound tincture of benzoin, both very commonly used adhesives in surgery, in fighting infections. In summary, we show that compound tincture of benzoin and Mastisol manifest antibacterial activity against surgical-site infection-related pathogens, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus. (MRSA). 

Antibacterial Analysis of Surgical Adhesives.

Joseph JM, Voldman A, Zoumalan CI, Lisman RD, Iovine NM.

Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Feb;129(2):402e-404e. 

 

 

Case presentation: Ptosis Surgery (Droopy Eyelid Surgery)

This patient was unhappy about her droopy left upper lid. She was a long-time contact lens user, which has been associated with ptosis in younger patients.  She was unhappy about not only her appearance but also was having difficulty seeing well with her peripheral vision.  She underwent ptosis repair to help improve her appearance and also see better.  The surgery takes no more than 20-40 minutes and can be performed using mild intravenous sedation.  There is minimal downtime with this particular type of ptosis surgery as well.  

Figure above shows a ptotic, droopy left upper lid. 

This photo was taken 6 weeks after undergoing posterior-approach ptosis repair surgery. Note the improvement in symmetry and lid height.

Read more about ptosis surgery at Dr. Zoumalan's website:

Ptosis surgery--Dr. Zoumalan

Upper lid blepharoplasty

Upper lid blepharoplasty surgery is a very gratifying surgery for patients.  Dr. Zoumalan is one of a handful of surgeons that exclusively specializes in upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery. Blepharoplasty is an eyelid surgery which involves the removal of excess skin and fat pockets in the upper and lower eyelids. In the upper eyelids, excess skin can result in a tired appearance to some, while in others, it can actually result in difficulty seeing in the top gaze of your vision (also referred to as limitations in super visual field). 

This particular patient had excess skin blocking her visual fields and resulting in a tired appearance (termed dermatochalasia). She has mild droopy lids (ptosis) as well in addition to a mild left brow ptosis. She underwent bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty, mild ptosis repair, and a left-sided brow lift. 

Preoperative photo of left upper lid dermatochalasia (extra skin), mild lid ptosis, and left brow ptosis. Note the slight asymmetry of the left upper brow resulting in mild asymmetry.

 

Post op photo taken 4 months after surgery showing an improved upper lid and brow contour, appearance, and symmetry.  

Read more about upper lid blepharoplasty surgery on Dr. Zoumalan's website at:

Upper lid blepharoplasty surgery---Dr. Zoumalan

Case presentation: Lower lid ectropion

Lower lid ectropions can result in a droopy lower lid, resulting in an outward positioned eyelid. This not only changes the appearance of the lid but also results in ocular irritation, red eyes, and often tearing.  The eyelids need to be in a normal position to allow for good tear production and drainage and to allow the eyelids to close properly during each blink. When the lids are malpositioned, they can be very irritating to the eye and result in tearing, pain, and even infections. The lower lid positions can change with age, trauma, sun damage, or prior surgery. They can either be turned out (referred to as an ectropion), turned in (referred to as an entropion) or can be retracted or notched.

This patient below had bilateral lower lid ectropions resulting in tearing.

She underwent lower lid ectropion repair and is now doing well and has an improved appearance to her lower lids and also able to blink well with resolution of her tearing symptoms.

New publication about the latest techniques in orbital decompression surgery

My colleagues and I discuss our latest orbital decompression techniques in this recent article that was published in the Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Journal. Orbital decompression is type of orbital (eye socket) surgery that restores the normal volume in the eye socket so that the eyeball can rest in a more appropriate position.  One of the most common reasons we perform orbital decompression is in patients who have thyroid-related eye problems.  This article discusses the various ways we go about in performing orbital decompression.