Address
1520 East Plaza Boulevard, National City, CA 91950
Office Hours
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday - Friday
Phone
Meet our Surgeon
Emma McDonnell, M.D., is a board certified Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. She specializes in adult and pediatric reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid surgery (i.e. Blepharoplasty), brow and forehead lifts, facial and orbital surgery. Dr. McDonnell is trained to diagnose and manage diseases of the eye socket and the lacrimal drainage system, and thyroid eye diseases, and to treat facial trauma and eyelid injuries. Dr. McDonnell attended University of Southern California where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Healthy and Humanity. After that, she attended Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore and Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Dr. McDonnell did her residency in Ophthalmology at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Wilmer Eye Institute at John Hopkins Hospital. She has multiple publications and was voted 2nd best research paper by a Resident by University of Southwestern. Following her extensive training, Dr. McDonnell became board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is a member of North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology. Dr. Emma McDonnell is originally from Southern California and she is very excited to be back to serve the community. During her free time, she enjoys running and reading. Dr. McDonnell is proficient in Spanish and English.
What is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to correct drooping or sagging eyelids. While drooping eyelids are generally a characteristic of aging, patients who suffer from ptosis may be any age and struggle with drooping upper eyelids. Blepharoplasty is often sought out by patients whose vision and daily activities are affected by their sagging eyelids, and whose appearance is affected by their sagging eyelids. Blepharoplasty is a great option for patients who experience sagging eyelids and desire both less obstructed vision and a more refreshed, rejuvenated appearance. Eyelid surgery may be performed alone, or can also be combined with lower eyelid blepharoplasty for an overall more youthful look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Expect During My Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure typically done under local anesthesia and IV sedation. To begin your eyelid surgery, your expert physician will make a small, thin incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. Through this incision, excess fat and tissue is removed and weakened muscles are tightened. If you are receiving a lower eyelid blepharoplasty in addition to your upper eyelid surgery, the physician will perform the necessary procedures immediately. The entire upper eyelid treatment typically takes about an hour to complete.
What Is Recovery Like After My Blepharoplasty?
Immediately following your eyelid surgery, you can expect to experience swelling, bruising, tenderness, and sensitivity in your treated areas. This is normal and typically resolves on its own within a few days of your lower eyelid surgery. Patients typically make a full initial recovery within five to seven days of treatment and are able to return to their normal daily activities including their exercise routines and work within two weeks. We ask that you avoid wearing contact lenses and eye makeup for at least two weeks following your procedure to ensure a swift and easy recovery.
What Results Can I Expect From My Blepharoplasty?
While you will be able to see some results of your eyelid surgery immediately following treatment, the full results of your procedure will become visible as swelling and bruising subside and continue to improve for up to a year after surgery. The blepharoplasty procedure is designed to produce long-lasting, if not permanent, results. While surgery cannot prevent the eyes from aging, most patients are satisfied with their results and do not seek a repeat procedure.
Am I A Good Candidate For Blepharoplasty?
If you are unhappy with sagging, drooping eyelids caused by age or ptosis, blepharoplasty with one of the expert ophthalmologists at American Eye Associates and California Retina Associates may be right for you. Ideal candidates for this procedure are in good general health, do not smoke, and do not have any serious health issues. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations of their results before undergoing eyelid surgery. If you’re still unsure whether blepharoplasty is right for you, we encourage you to come in for a private consultation with one of our skilled doctors today.