Patient Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during my initial visit?
Your initial visit will include a discussion about your concerns, a thorough eye and facial examination, and a conversation about treatment options.
Will insurance cover my procedure?
In some cases, insurance will cover your procedure. In general, insurance covers "functional" or "reconstructive" procedures but not cosmetic procedures. If the visual axis is blocked or if needed to protect the health of the eye or patient, insurance will usually cover the procedure. Please ask our staff if you have questions.
For cosmetic procedures, how much is the procedure going to cost?
In order to provide you with fees for procedures, Dr. Erb needs to see and evaluate you. Each patient is different and has his or her own combination set of problems, options, concerns, anatomy, and aesthetic goals which must be customized individually and personally. We are therefore unable to give an estimate of fees before your consultation with the doctor. The Eyesthetica staff will review with you the cost of various procedures and options at the time of your consultation visit.
Do I need to bring anything with me for the initial consultation?
Old photographs, taken about 10 - 20 years prior, are useful launching pad to discuss goals at a cosmetic consultation.
For "functional" or "reconstructive" surgery, any imaging studies previously done, such as CT scans or MRI scans, should be brought in during your visit. Please visit the imaging center and ask them to give you a copy of your scans on CD. Then bring the CD with you on your visit. The Eyesthetica team needs to see and review the actual scans.
What are my restrictions after surgery?
No heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 10 to 14 days after surgery.
When can I resume exercise?
Avoid strenuous exercise such as lifting weights, running, and swimming for one to two weeks after surgery.
How long will I be bruised?
In general, bruising lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks but is quite variable from patient to patient. Factors such as the use of blood thinners can prolong bruising.
How can I minimize bruising and swelling?
The frequent use of ice packs will help reduce bruising and swelling. Put crushed ice or frozen peas in a Ziploc baggie. Place the ice pack on the surgical area for 15 minutes at a time. A damp washcloth between the surgical area and the ice pack often improves comfort. Use ice pack at least 4 times per day for 4 days. It is important to know that the more often that you use the ice pack, the less bruising and swelling there will be. You do not need to use the ice pack while sleeping.
When do I discontinue my Aspirin or other blood thinners such as Coumadin or Plavix?
Preferably, Asprin and Plavix should be stopped at least 7-10 days before the day of surgery, and Coumadin should be stopped 3-4 days prior to surgery. However, please do not stop Aspirin, Plavix, or Coumadin without consulting with your general doctor or cardiologist first.
Other medications that thin the blood and should be stopped 7-10 days before surgery include: Ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), Arthritis medications (such as Naprosyn, Celebrex, Mobic), Multivitamins (including vitamin C & E). Please inform our office if you are taking any of these medications.
How much time should I plan to take off work following surgery?
It depends on what kind of work you do and how comfortable you are with people seeing you bruised and/or swollen. If your job does not require bending, heavy lifting, driving, or being in the "public eye," then you may return as soon as you feel comfortable. Normally most patients feel comfortable returning to work in anywhere from 3 to 14 days, although occasionally a patient will return to work 1 day after surgery. This may vary depending on your type of procedure and how quickly you heal.
My vision is slightly blurry after surgery.
Some people notice that their vision is slightly blurry after surgery. This slightly blurred vision after surgery is normal. The length of time is variable from patient to patient. Artificial tears can often help.
It is important to know that severely blurred vision (cannot read letters of any size at near or far distance) after surgery is NOT normal and extremely rare. In the unlikely event that this occurs, you should call our office immediately.
When should you call your doctor?
For any life threatening emergency, call 911.
If you experience any of the following, please call the on-call doctor at Eyesthetica, by following the prompts on our automated phone system, day, night, or weekends.
- Eyelid swollen shut
- Bleeding that does not stop with pressure or ice packs
- Decrease in vision where you cannot read or see letters
- Severe pain or aching around eye
- Swelling of eyelid that is firm, such as feels like a tennis ball
How do I reach Eyesthetica?
Please call Eyesthetica at 213-234-1000. At night or on weekends, please follow the prompts, and you will be connected with the doctor on call. Please also see our Contact page.