Okay, you’ve already decided that breast augmentation or eyelid surgery could dramatically change your life for the better. Next step: Choosing the most qualified cosmetic surgeon you can find; a person in whom you have complete confidence and with whom you are perfectly at ease. After all, cosmetic surgery produces just what it promises: “Life changing results.” You’ll want the best from the outset. You’ll want to know as much about your surgeon as you can: education, experience, level of skill and commitment, number of satisfied patients, awards, honors, technological and procedural leadership in his or her field… Dr. Hamid Massiha’s personal, professional and community milestone accomplishments would fill volumes. Internationally renowned for his leadership roles in cosmetic surgical research and procedure, Dr. Massiha combines his talent in art (one of his many avocations) with his surgery to achieve what one of his amazed patients aptly called, “A masterpiece. . .1 never believed it was possible for any surgery to correct the flaws that I had lived with for so many years.” Dr. Massiha holds certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is Board eligible in general surgery. His list of academic, professional and research appointments, spans 2.5 years and ranges from Clinical Professor of Surgery at the LSU Medical School to President of the Louisiana Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons to Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, to name just a few. He is a member of the highest standing in virtually every local, regional and national professional organization ranging from the Louisiana and Jefferson Parish Medical Societies to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His teaching of his own innovative techniques from blepharopoasty to rhinoplasty to breast reconstruction and beyond are legendary, with many of those techniques being employed around the world today. Those techniques constantly being researched and improved by Dr. Massiha range from eyelid surgery to “tummy tucks” to facelift, breast augmentation and beyond and have dramatically changed the lives of countless thousands of Dr. Massiha’s patients. In addition, Dr. Massiha views his considerable involvement in the achievement of person, cultural and community goals as integral parts of his cosmetic surgical practice. Those involvements range from sculpture to karate to a passionate devotion to classical music and opera. Take for instance, Dr. Massiha’s passion for sculpture and how it applies to his approach to facial cosmetic surgery. “I was fascinated with those sculptures,” he says. “I began thinking that if I could sculpt, it would probably help me in my work. After all, I thought, If I can’t form and shape beauty with clay, how could I expect to do it with flesh? The first thing I did was go out and buy a book on sculpting. I worked on it as a hobby in my spare time, but then I became more and more involved. I’ve gotten much, much better over the years, and it has indeed helped me in my work. When I look at a face, I see it as God’s sculpture. I’ve used sculpting in clay to work on new techniques. There’s an eye procedure I introduced years ago called the combined skin/muscle flap that got its beginning with something I was sculpting. That’s the beauty of working in clay. You can do it and redo it until you perfect it. Anybody can do it. All you have to do is make time for it. And there is always time. In truth, I look at every thing I do or develop an interest in as making me a better person. And when I’m a better person, I’m a better surgeon. And when that happens, my patients are always better served”

Those patients all agree: If you’ve chosen Dr. Hamid Massiha, you’ve made the right choice.

Someone once said, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” How correct they were. More than any other facial feature, the eyes can display happiness, brightness, alertness and all around well being. On the other hand, puffiness, dark circles and drooping upper lids often show the world unhappiness, fatigue and anger, sadness and advanced age. Here’s an easy question: Which face do you want to show the world? The answer could be as easy as simply blepharoplasty or … eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery can greatly minimize bags under the eyes, and tighten lower eyelid skin and transform your face into a beacon of confidence, happiness and alertness.

Is eyelid surgery safe? Each year, thousands of men and women undergo cosmetic eyelid surgery and experience few, if any complications. However, you must fully understand that, as with all surgery, blepharoplasty has some risks. Dr. Massiha, whose innovative techniques in blepharoplasty are now used by surgeons the world over, will gladly discuss the benefits and possible complications with you. He welcomes all questions and will advise you on what you can do to minimize some of the risks.

How is cosmetic eyelid surgery performed? The specific surgery will be determined by your facial features and Dr. Massiha’s preferences and recommendations following consultation and examination. You may wish to have “crow’s feet” or “laugh lines” removed from the outside corner of your eyes. In this case, a small incision is made on that outside corner of the eye and fatty tissue and excess skin are removed. The incision line follows the natural contour of the upper eyelid and is camouflaged when healed. If the problem is puffiness or baggy pockets under the eye, usually, the incisions are concealed just below the lower lashes and, again, excess skin, muscle and fat are removed. In some cases, Dr. Massiha may decide that the best approach for removing fat from the lower eyelid is with transconjunctival blepharoplasty in which an incision is made inside the lower eyelid. This technique requires no external incision, but cannot be used to remove excess skin. Laser resurfacing or chemical peel is sometimes used in conjunction with this procedure to minimize fine wrinkles near the eyes.

How will I look and feel following surgery? When surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area and may temporarily experience any of the following: blurred vision caused by the ointment that may be used to protect and lubricate the eyes, tightness around the eyes, bruising, swelling and slight discomfort. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow a general timeline: during the first week, bruising will begin to fade. During this time period, there may be mildly blurred vision, excess tearing or dryness and light sensitivity or itching. Also, stitches will dissolve or be removed. Following the first week, you may resume most of your normal nonstrenuous activities. After a two to three week period, most of the swelling will have subsided and you will begin to see the final result. Also, any vision-related symptoms will have disappeared. At this time, you may resume wearing contact lenses and taking part in vigorous exercise and other activities.

What will the final results be? Most people who undergo eyelid surgery are thoroughly satisfied at the refreshed, alert appearance. Many have said they’ve experienced a new confidence in business and social situations they had never known before.

The results of cosmetic eyelid surgery are long lasting. Remember, however, that your face will continue to age.

During the post-operative follow-up visit, Dr. Massiha can evaluate your progress and advise you on the best way to maintain your results.

Deep cleansing facial and skin consultation

There is no “one fits all” guide for skin care. Skin care can vary greatly from one individual to another depending on climate, lifestyle, skin type, diet and personal preference.

However, you can begin on the road to healthy, vibrant skin today with a relaxing and therapeutic Deep Cleansing Treatment (DCT). The entire simple procedure, which is customized for your individual skin needs, is performed in the Massiha Surgical Center by Dr. Massiha.

Here are the eight basic steps:

1. Consultation -The basic DCT begins with a consultation where you will be asked questions about your medical history, current medications, allergies to medications, skin care produces you are using and any problems you may have had with your skin and treatment problems you may have. It is helpful to bring any skin care products you may be using. All this information will be used for future reference.

2. Preparation – Depending on your individual needs and skin type, a proper treatment course will be determined. You will be asked to wear a gown and will be treated to soothing, relaxing music.

3. Cleansing – Your face will be cleansed with a cleanser appropriate for your skin. This will also help relax the facial muscles, increase blood circulation while softening the skin and opening the pore to aid in the removal of dead surface cells, and extraction of any whiteheads, blackheads and pimples.

4. Massage -Throughout the entire DCT, you will experience a custom designed facial massage which aids in relaxation and increased blood circulation.

5. Exfoliation – The gently scrubbing custom designed exfoliation process, removes dead cells from the surface of your skin.

6. Extractions – At this point the aesthetician will place a magnifying lamp above your face. If you need extractions of acne, blackheads, whiteheads, etc. it will be done at this time.

7. Mask – The aesthetician will use a mask designed for your skin type while massaging your hands and arms with lotion. Warm steam towels will be used to remove the mask.

8. Alphahydroxy and Protection products – After the mask has been removed, if needed, an alphahyroxy product may be applied. Lastly, Cffectives, our topical vitamin C will be applied. At the close of the facial, products will be recommended for your skin.

It is important to remember that skin care begins at home. You should use products that stimulate and correct your skin in order to slow down the aging process and correct problems that occur from early years of sun damage. Although there is a charge for the facial, there is no charge for skin consultation. Simply call the office and make an appointment.