There has been a trend, especially in the cosmetic plastic surgery and aesthetics world, where those we treat are referred to as "clients," rather than patients. When I founded ,Oculofacial Surgical Arts, I founded it with the central philosophy that the services and the treatments we provide - including cosmetic/aesthetic services - are provided first and foremost for the care of our patients. From the moment you walk in the door, we are devoted to taking care of you. In my practice, the culture is that you will be treated as a family member, with your care, your safety, your privacy, and you ..read more

A kissing nevus is a congenital lesion that appears to be “split” by the upper and lower eyelid. Both parts of the nevus appear to be “kissing” with every blink. The upper and lower eyelids are formed from separation of tissue during development in the womb (in utero). A nevus that is present in the area of separation may split, giving rise to a lesion that appears on two opposite eyelids. A kissing nevus may be visible at or shortly after birth and may become more apparent in adolescence or early adulthood. For more information about kissing nevi and eyelid lesions, or to schedule a consulta ..read more

The attractive youthful eye typically has an almond-shaped appearance. The lateral canthus (the outer corner of the eye) is normally angled about 2 mm higher than the medial canthus (the inner corner of the eye). The lower eyelid normally rests just above the lower edge of the cornea (the clear structure in front of the pupil). Due to aging, genetics, or complications of prior eyelid surgery, the lateral canthus and the lower eyelid may droop with excessive “scleral show" (white area of the eye showing underneath the pupils). As such, the eye starts to appear more "rounded" and thus loses its ..read more

Epiblepharon is a condition in which an eyelid muscle (the preseptal portion of the orbicularis oculi muscle) and an extra roll of skin push the eyelashes upwards toward the eye. It is present at birth and occurs most commonly in children who are Asian, Hispanic, or Native American. Epiblepharon is most often asymptomatic. However, in certain cases, the eyelashes can rub against the front of the eye (cornea) causing a foreign body sensation, redness, irritation, avoidance of light (photophobia), and tearing.  Most children outgrow this condition without surgery as the facial structur ..read more

There is a good number of patients I see in my practice who seek my expertise to revise poor outcomes of previous eyelid surgery and blepharoplasty. The fact is, complications are an inherent risk of any surgery. Every single surgeon in the world has had surgical complications or undesirable outcomes. A surgeon who claims not to have had a complication is simply not being truthful or has not operated enough to have had one. The risk of developing a surgical complication, however, diminishes with experience and training. For instance, untoward outcomes in eyelid surgery are exceedingly uncommon ..read more

I am beyond thrilled to announce that I've been interviewed by SDVoyager Magazine and featured among San Diego's Most Inspiring Stories! In this heartfelt interview, I had the opportunity to share my journey from my earlier days in Beirut, Lebanon, to realizing my dream of establishing Oculofacial Surgical Arts in the enchanting Del Mar, CA. This interview also delves into the very heart of Oculofacial Surgical Arts, shedding light on our unique philosophy, the meaningful work we do, and the challenges that have only made us stronger. I am deeply grateful for the tremendous support and encour ..read more

There is a misconception that enhancing the lips means to simply volumize them. This cannot be farther from the truth. Most of my patients, and frankly most individuals nowadays, shy away from over-inflating the lips, lest they develop the peculiar "duck lip" appearance. In general, patients seeking lip enhancement fall into three categories: those with naturally thin lips that desire fuller and more plump lips, those with otherwise full lips who simply want to improve the definition of their lips. and those with age-related changes who desire to rejuvenate the lips and perioral region. Anatom ..read more

I was recently asked by a patient, who was referred to me (by a plastic surgeon) for a droopy eyelid (ptosis), if I were a “board-certified plastic surgeon.” The question is, quite frankly, unsurprising. Over the years, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which grants board certification to plastic surgeons, and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have done a fantastic job, not only by ensuring that plastic surgeons are well trained, but also by launching an effective awareness campaign encouraging patients to seek a BOARD. CERTIFIED. PLASTIC. SURGEON. for all their plastic surgery nee ..read more

Congenital eyelid ptosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal drooping of one or both upper eyelids that is present at birth or shortly thereafter. CAUSES Congenital ptosis is most commonly due to maldevelopment (or even absence) of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, the muscle that lifts the eyelid. In these cases, instead of a healthy functioning muscle to lift it, the eyelid has fibrotic (scar-like) tissue that allows very minimal movement of the eyelid, if any at all. FINDINGS Patients with congenital ptosis often have a droopy eyelid that fails to lift with attempts to open t ..read more

Are you tired of those pesky under-eye bags that seem to have taken up permanent residence? Don't worry, you're not alone. Under-eye bags can be frustrating, but the good news is that there are ways to address and even prevent them. In this article, we'll delve into the world of under-eye bags, exploring their causes and offering practical solutions to help you regain a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Can Under-Eye Bags Go Away? The burning question on many minds is whether under-eye bags can actually go away. The answer isn't always straightforward, as it depends on various factors, i ..read more