At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we believe that facial rejuvenation should go beyond simply enhancing your appearance—it should also support your overall well-being, including eye health. Our team of fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. William Lipham, Dr. Jill Melicher, and Dr. Krista Stewart, specialize in a wide range of both non-surgical and surgical procedures that focus on the delicate structures around the eyes. Whether you are looking to refresh your appearance with BOTOX® or need surgical intervention to improve your vision, our expert providers are here to guide you through every step of the process. 

Understanding Oculoplastic Surgery: Expertise You Can Trust 

Oculoplastic surgery is a specialized field within ophthalmology that focuses on the cosmetic and reconstructive treatment of the eye region. Our oculoplastic surgeons at Minnesota Eye Consultants have undergone extensive training, including a two-year fellowship through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). Unlike general plastic surgeons, our surgeons exclusively perform procedures around the eye, ensuring a deep understanding of the unique anatomy and function of this area. 

Non-Surgical Rejuvenation: Refresh Your Look with Minimal Downtime 

BOTOX® and Xeomin: 
BOTOX® Cosmetic and Xeomin are injectable treatments that temporarily relax the muscles responsible for creating wrinkles and lines caused by facial expressions. These treatments are ideal for reducing frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles, giving a smoother and more youthful appearance. They can also help with medical conditions such as blepharospasm (involuntary eyelid twitching) and migraines. With benefits typically beginning around four days after treatment and lasting up to four months, BOTOX® and Xeomin offer a cost-effective way to maintain a refreshed look with minimal downtime. 

Facial Fillers (Juvederm® and Jeuveau®): 
Facial fillers like Juvederm® and Jeuveau® provide a non-surgical option to restore lost volume, smooth deep wrinkles, and enhance facial contours, particularly around the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. These hyaluronic acid-based fillers are known for their ability to provide natural-looking results while reducing the appearance of aging. They are ideal for those looking to add youthful volume and achieve a vibrant, refreshed look without surgery. 

Surgical Options: Enhancing Appearance and Vision 

Eyelid Lifts (Blepharoplasty): 
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is one of the most effective procedures for rejuvenating the eye area. It involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids, which can help improve both appearance and vision. Our oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Lipham, Dr. Melicher, and Dr. Stewart, are renowned for their skill in performing these procedures, which not only create a more youthful look but also remove obstructions that limit vision. For patients dealing with brow ptosis (drooping brows), an upper eyelid lift can be combined with a brow lift to achieve optimal results. 

Endoscopic Brow Lift: 
An endoscopic brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure that elevates sagging brows and reduces deep furrows between the eyes. Using small incisions hidden behind the hairline, this technique helps to reposition the brow into a more youthful position while reducing the amount of skin that needs to be removed during an upper eyelid blepharoplasty. The procedure is ideal for individuals with significant brow droop or deep forehead wrinkles, offering a subtle yet effective rejuvenation. 

Medical Eyelid Lifts: Improving Vision and Quality of Life 

While many patients seek eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons, blepharoplasty can also have significant medical benefits. For those whose drooping eyelids obstruct their vision, a medical eyelid lift can improve their field of view, leading to better vision and an enhanced quality of life. Our oculoplastic surgeons work closely with patients to determine whether this type of surgery may be covered by insurance, ensuring that both aesthetic and functional needs are met. 

Why Choose Minnesota Eye Consultants for Facial Rejuvenation? 

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, our team of expert oculoplastic surgeons combines aesthetic expertise with a deep understanding of eye health. Whether you are interested in non-surgical treatments like BOTOX® and facial fillers or surgical options such as eyelid lifts and brow lifts, we provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Our holistic approach ensures that you can achieve a refreshed and youthful appearance while maintaining optimal eye health. 

Are you ready to explore your options for facial rejuvenation? Schedule a consultation with Dr. William Lipham, Dr. Jill Melicher, or Dr. Krista Stewart at Minnesota Eye Consultants to learn more about the best treatments for you. Let us help you look and feel your best at every stage of life. 

The post Facial Rejuvenation: A Holistic Approach to Aging Gracefully  appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Spring is the season of renewal and rejuvenation, with the trees budding, the birds singing, and tax refunds being deposited! As we emerge from the cocoon of winter and warm up to summer, it’s an ideal time to invest in your vision health. At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re passionate about helping you seize this opportunity to enhance your quality of life through vision correction procedures and treatments. Discover how your tax refund can pave the way for clearer vision and a brighter future.  

LASIK: Say goodbye to glasses and contacts with LASIK surgery. This popular procedure can correct refractive errors, allowing you to see clearly without the need for corrective lenses. Not a candidate for LASIK? We’ve got you covered! Our doctors offer an array of vision correction treatment options to help you achieve your vision goals. Pair your tax refund with Minnesota Eye Consultants’ exclusive LASIK discount running now until June 30, 2024. For a limited time, we’re offering $300 OFF per eye on LASIK if you have the procedure by June 30, 2024! Enjoy the freedom of clear vision this summer with LASIK.  

Cataract Surgery: If cataracts are clouding your vision and impacting your quality of life, cataract surgery can help. Using advanced technology, our surgeons remove the cataracts and replace them with artificial lenses, restoring clear vision and improving your overall well-being. Some people will further their dependence on glasses after cataract surgery and opt for one of our premium vision correction packages  . These packages offer the use of advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), and/or innovative technologies and techniques to help improve vision post-surgery. You can learn more about the vision correction packages by clicking here. By using your tax refund to invest in cataract surgery and premium lenses, you can regain the clarity of vision you deserve.  

Dry Eye Services: As an accredited Dry Eye Center, our dry eye services can provide relief and improve your comfort, allowing you to see clearly and enjoy greater overall eye health. From advanced diagnostic testing to personalized treatment plans, we’re here to help you find relief from dry eye symptoms.

Oculoplastic Services: Your eyes are not only essential for vision but may also play a significant role in your self-confidence. Our oculoplastic services focus on enhancing both the aesthetics and function of the eyelids and surrounding facial areas. Whether you’re interested in blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) or brow and forehead lifts, our skilled oculoplastic surgeons can help you achieve natural-looking results while maintaining eye function and feeling more confident in your appearance. 

Cosmetic &Aesthetic Services: Looking to refresh your appearance and enhance your natural beauty? With our cosmetic and aesthetic services, you can address common concerns like crow’s feet, under-eye bags, and facial expression lines. Using minimally invasive techniques and advanced technology, our providers can help you achieve a more youthful and vibrant look, all while maintaining the health and integrity of your eyes. 

Financing Options: At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we understand that investing in your vision is essential, but we also recognize the importance of making it financially manageable. CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit offer flexible payment plans with low monthly payments. These financing options can help make your eye care goals more affordable, so you can have the treatment done now, and pay over time  

Tax refunds provide an opportunity to invest in vision health and improve your quality of life. Whether you’re interested in LASIK, cataract surgery, dry eye services, oculoplastic procedures, or cosmetic/aesthetic treatments, Minnesota Eye Consultants is here to help. Our team of specialized eye care providers is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and life-changing results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your spring vision goals. Call to schedule at 952-888-5800 or request an appointment here.  

The post Maximize Your Tax Return: Invest in Clearer Vision appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Your eyes tell a unique story, and sometimes, our eyelids may need a little extra care to ensure that story is told beautifully. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, you’ve probably heard the term “oculoplastic surgeon.” At Minnesota Eye Consultants, we’re proud to introduce you to our skilled oculoplastic specialists: Dr. William Lipham, Dr. Jill Melicher, and Dr. Krista Stewart. Read on to learn why you should choose an oculoplastic surgeon for your eyelid surgery.

Why Consider an Oculoplastic Surgeon?

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a specialized area of Ophthalmology. Our Oculoplastic Surgeons have completed an additional 2-year fellowship training following their ophthalmology residency through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). While general plastic surgeons offer an array of treatments for the entire body, our surgeons strictly perform procedures around the eye and associated structures, making them experts in their field. The specialized expertise of Oculoplastic Surgeons enables them to address a wide range of cosmetic and functional concerns.

What does an Oculoplastic Surgeon Do?

At Minnesota Eye Consultants, our Oculoplastic Surgeons perform an array of procedures such as the repair of droopy eyelids, treating tear duct obstructions, orbital fracture repairs, orbital tumor removals, eyelid reconstruction, addressing eyelids that turn in and out, and much more. The surgeons also perform facial rejuvenation procedures including upper and lower eyelid lifts, eyebrow and forehead lifts, and BOTOX.

1. Precision in Eyelid Expertise: Oculoplastic surgeons are like artists, specifically trained in the delicate canvas of your eyelids. Dr. Lipham, Dr. Melicher, and Dr. Stewart bring a level of precision to eyelid surgery that ensures both functional and aesthetic success. They understand the subtleties of eyelid anatomy, allowing for meticulous adjustments that enhance your natural beauty.
2. Personalized Care for Unique Faces: No two faces are alike, and our oculoplastic specialists know this well. They approach each surgery with a personalized touch, considering your individual features, lifestyle, and goals. The result? Approved functionality and a refreshed look that harmonizes with your unique facial characteristics, giving you a natural and youthful appearance.
3. Dual Focus on Beauty and Function: Eyelid surgery isn’t just about appearance; it’s also about functionality. Our oculoplastic surgeons consider both aspects to ensure your eyelids not only look great but also function optimally. Whether it’s addressing droopiness or improving vision, their dual focus ensures a comprehensive approach to your eye health.

With four (soon to be five next month!) convenient locations across the Twin Cities metro area, Minnesota Eye Consultants stands as one of the Midwest’s largest eye care providers. If you’re considering eyelid surgery, visit our cosmetic and oculoplastics page to learn more about the treatments offered at Minnesota Eye Consultants. Schedule a consultation today with one of our oculoplastic specialists and let us show you how we can elevate your vision and appearance with expertise, precision, and personalized care. Your eyes deserve the best – choose Minnesota Eye Consultants for a brighter, more vibrant you.

Oculoplastic and cosmetic eye care is offered at all of our Minnesota Eye Consultants locations, including the new Minnetonka (Crosstown) office opening March 2024. We look forward to caring for patients in that beautiful new space!

The post The Benefits of Choosing an Oculoplastic Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Pickleball has gradually become America’s sweetheart, but the doctors at Minnesota Eye Consultants are seeing an increase in eye injuries as the sport gains popularity. Since a pickleball travels at approximately 40 mph, a close-range strike to the eye may result in a severe ocular injury. We spoke with two of our eye doctors about common eye injuries and safety measures to help protect you and your pickleball comrades from encountering a dangerous eye injury. Dr. David Hardten is a cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon, and Dr. Jill Melicher is an oculoplastic and reconstructive surgeon. Read on to find out how to play this amazing sport safely.

What are the most common eye injuries associated with pickleball?

A direct hit by a pickleball to a certain area on the face could break the bones around the eye, potentially leading to double vision and other eye problems. Dr. Melicher has seen injuries ranging from cuts to the tissue around the eye and brow, to complete and permanent vision loss from a severe laceration to the eyeball itself. Other eye injuries include a cornea or sclera tear (the white outer tissue of the eye) and injury to the lens, iris, and retina.

What kind of surgeries are needed after pickleball injuries?

As you can imagine, many of the eye injuries we see may require surgery depending on the severity. Here are some of the injuries and procedures that have been performed at Minnesota Eye Consultants as a result of pickleball trauma:

• using sutures to repair eyelid and brow lacerations
• dislocation of the natural lens, often requiring a new lens and cataract extraction
• damage to the pupil, resulting in the need to suture the pupil smaller
• replacing a damaged iris with an artificial iris
• retinal detachment, leading to retinal surgery
• total loss of an eye, requiring surgical removal

What are the long-term effects of injuries sustained during sports like pickleball?

All the injuries and issues we’ve discussed could require a long-term need for eyecare. Another example would be an injury to the drainage system of the eye (trabecular meshwork); this may lead to glaucoma many years later.

Good News: Eye injuries can be prevented!

The good news is, when precautions are taken, eye injuries can be rarer than a pickleball player who doesn’t argue over line calls. Safety glasses are the name of the game – literally. Dr. Melicher advises players to wear polycarbonate safety glasses so they can have a great time while minimizing injury risk to the eye.

Safety glasses are very important in sports like pickleball, tennis, and racquetball. Any sport that involves a moving ball should have protective glasses. When an athlete is wearing safety glasses and protective eyewear, the trauma from a ball is translated to the bones around the eye rather than the eye itself, reducing the damage that can happen.

For all you enthusiasts, we’re not trying to rain on your pickleball parade, but we do want you to play it safe. Continue enjoying this amazing sport, but do it safely by wearing protective eyewear. The next time you pack your paddle for your pickleball game, grab your safety glasses too!

If you have a pickleball-related injury resulting in a change or decrease in your vision, please seek an evaluation with your eye care provider or call Minnesota Eye Consultants at (952) 888-5800.

The post Pickleball: What your eye doctor wants you to know appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Curious about Oculoplastic surgery? Below are some commonly asked questions answered by our Oculoplastic Surgeons: 

Q: WHEN SHOULD I CONSIDER SEEING AN OCULOPLASTIC SURGEON?
A: Schedule an appointment if you have developed droopy eyelids that obstruct your eyesight, result in a headache, or require you to raise your forehead or chin to help you see better. Consider evaluation if you have heavy eyelids in the evening, puffiness under your eyes or wrinkles around your eyes.

Q: CAN YOU HELP ‘TURN BACK THE CLOCK’ WITH MY APPEARANCE?
A: Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) offer a more refreshed look. Upper eyelid surgery is performed through a small incision in the natural eyelid crease to remove redundant skin and fat from the eyelid. A lower lid blepharoplasty addresses excess skin, fat and puffiness in the lower eyelid. For sagging eyebrows or deep furrows between the eyes, brow lifting techniques, including an Endoscopic Forehead Lift, may offer a more youthful appearance. BOTOX® and fillers are another great opportunity to help you look your best.

Q: DOES INSURANCE COVER EYELID PROCEDURES?
A: An upper eyelid lift is often covered by insurance if vision is obstructed by sagging lids. Special testing is performed to determine if you would be an ideal candidate for insurance coverage. Financing is available for non-covered services.

Q: IS BOTOX® (BOTULINUM TOXIN) SAFE?
A: BOTOX® injections have been used safely and effectively for decades to treat signs of aging, as well as a wide variety of medical and neurological disorders.

Our fellowship trained Oculoplastic Surgeons can help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated with a more youthful appearance. Schedule your appointment today by calling (952) 888-5800. 

The post Ask the Experts! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

What is it?
As the name suggests, eyelid surgery – or blepharoplasty – is a procedure to improve the appearance of the eyelids. Our eyelids tend to stretch as we age, thereby weakening the muscles supporting them. This can lead to sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids, and bags under the eyes. Depending on the needs of the patient, the surgery can be performed on the upper or lower lids, or both.

How does it work?
A small incision is made in the eyelid, along its natural crease. Skin, muscle, and fat are removed from the eyelid, and the tissues are closed with sutures. The procedure takes roughly an hour to complete – a bit longer if both eyelids are being operated upon – and while patients are not put entirely to sleep, they are kept sedated and painless throughout the process.

Why now?
The rise of masked interactions isn’t the only reason now is the perfect time to pursue eyelid surgery. Following the procedure, bruising tends to occur for 2-3 weeks, which might be irksome under normal circumstances. This bruising is due to the eyelids being the thinnest skin in the body, making everything going on underneath all the more visible.

However, with so many people hunkering down and staying home as much as possible, patients have found this to be the ideal time to stay at home and recover peacefully, without having to worry about family, friends, or coworkers noticing any of the aftereffects of the surgery. Ice is also hugely helpful in keeping swelling to a minimum, so being in close range of your freezer is useful for more than just grabbing a sweet treat!

But what about the cost?
Another bonus: Many patients are surprised to discover that their eyelid surgery may be covered by insurance. Because drooping eyelids often interfere with vision, correcting the issue can be deemed medically necessary. To know for certain whether your surgery might be covered by insurance, you’ll want to meet with your provider to ensure medical necessity would be appropriate in your case.

Even if insurance does not cover the procedure, financing is always available to assist patients looking to spread their payments out over time. We work with both Care Credit and Alphaeon to offer our patients deferred-interest financing for 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, so if you’re curious about the procedure but worried about the cost, reach out to our team today to schedule a consultation and discuss all of your financial options.

How do I get started?
Call us today at (952) 888-5800 to schedule a consultation or request an appointment through our online portal. However you choose to do it, we’re eager to assist you in reaching your goals. Our team is here to help you look as good as you feel!

The post Why You Should Consider Eyelid Surgery Today appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Drs. William Lipham, Jill Melicher and Krista Stewart have each completed a two-year fellowship training beyond their medical degrees and ophthalmology residency through the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). What does this mean, exactly? Our surgeons have unique expertise within the already specialized field of plastic surgery – the face. Our Oculoplastic surgeons only perform facial procedures, so as you can imagine, they are incredibly knowledgeable and proficient in their practice. They take pride in educating patients on the various options available to them and take the time to truly understand the goals and the outcomes desired by the patient.

What kind of procedures does an Oculoplastic Surgeon perform?
We’re glad you asked! Below you’ll find brief descriptions (and videos!) of just a few of the common procedures and treatments offered by our Ophthalmic Surgeons. For a more inclusive list, please visit the oculoplastic services section of our website.

Upper & Lower Lid Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery). The goal of this procedure is to give the eyes a more youthful appearance by removing excess skin, fat and muscle from the lids. For many patients, this is also considered a medical procedure as the upper eyelids may fall into the field of vision, causing obstructed sight.

Brow Lift. Brow Lifts are often performed in addition to an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, but may also be an alternative treatment for a drooping lid. When simply removing extra skin isn’t the best option, elevating the eyebrow can remove wrinkles and produce the desired outcome.

DCR (Tear Duct Obstruction). This medically necessary procedure creates a new tear drainage system when a tear duct becomes obstructed. A blocked tear duct can cause fluid buildup, resulting in a swollen and even infected tear duct sac.

Cosmetic Injections & Dermal Fillers. Offering a variety of treatment options, our surgeons can address those nagging facial wrinkles and crow lines to help you look and feel your best.

To schedule a consultation with one of our Oculoplastic Specialists, call us at (952) 888-5800.

The post Eyelids, Eyebrows & BOTOX – OH MY! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Zift Medical is sponsoring a research study (the LIFT Study) to look at the use of a new investigational implantable device for aesthetic procedures. Dr. Jill Melicher of Minnesota Eye Consultants is participating in this research as an Investigator.

The device is intended to raise the eyebrow(s) of patients who’s eyebrows have drooped (become lower) due to aging or other causes. The procedure involves the placement of the small devices through small incisions to elevate the brow tissue. This has the potential benefit of less bruising and swelling and faster recovery time than conventional brow-lift surgery.

THIS IS A RESEARCH STUDY, and the safety and efficacy of the device have not been proven. There may be no benefit to the procedure, (no sustained brow elevation) and you may experience side effects including headache, bruising, swelling, bleeding or scarring at the implant sites.

Participants will be asked to have a pre-procedure examination at ZEL Skin and Laser in Edina, a surgical procedure at Centennial Lakes Surgical Center in Edina, and follow-up examinations at ZEL at 7, 30, 60 and 90 days. Participants may take part in long-term follow-up at 6 months, and 1, 2, 3 and 4 years. The procedure should take about an hour and each follow-up examination about 30 minutes.

There is no cost to patients for participating in the study, and all devices, procedure and follow-up costs are paid by the sponsor (Zift Medical).

Interested patients should contact:

Research Department
Dr. Jill Melicher Larson
Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A.
research@mneye.com
612-813-3607

The post Recruiting Patients for a Brow-Lift Research Study appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Maintaining healthy vision and overall general health is obviously the main goal. Did you know there are a slew of health issues that can be detected during an eye exam? For instance, glancing at the back of the eye may uncover some indications of Diabetes, Hypertension and Autoimmune disorders. Examining the outside of the eye may suggest High Cholesterol if there’s a yellowish tint or a yellow ring around the cornea, and bulging eyes may indicate Thyroid Disease.

Cataracts, glaucoma and oculofacial concerns are all common findings within a routine eye exam as well.

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and can be treated by removing the old lens and replacing it with a new, intraocular lens implant.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damages the optic nerve due to increased fluid and pressure within the eye. Lost vision from glaucoma cannot be restored, so early detection is crucial in preserving vision and undergoing treatments to try and halt or slow the progression.

Many patients are seen for droopy eyelids obstructing their vision, and are shocked to find out that insurance may cover the surgery to treat this.

Seeing your eye doctor regularly not only promotes healthy vision by addressing any immediate vision concerns you’re having, but also detecting any quiet, potential underlying issues.

A few of our surgeons will be featured on WCCO encouraging routine eye exams. Check out their clips!

Dr. Richard L. Lindstrom – Cataracts 

Dr. Thomas W. Samuelson – Glaucoma

Dr. Jill S. Melicher – Oculofacial Treatments

The post VIDEOS: Our surgeons are featured for WCCO’s Healthy Vision Month! appeared first on Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Wondering about cosmetic eyelid surgery, Botox, brow lifts or other cosmetic procedures!? Minnesota Eye Consultants offers it all! Check out our new Oculoplastics page!http://www.minnesotaeyeplasticsurgery.com/

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