Frequently Asked Questions

What is oculoplastic surgery?

Oculoplastic surgery is a highly specialized surgical subspecialty that involves reconstructive, corrective and cosmetic surgery of the areas around the eye including the orbit, or bony cavity around the eye, the eyelids and tear ducts and surrounding tissues. Oculoplastic surgeons also performs a variety of cosmetic surgeries and procedures, including upper and lower eyelid surgery such as removal of bags from under the eyes, lower eyelid and eyelash corrections, tear duct corrections, laser skin resurfacing, and endoscopic brow lifts.

What procedures are covered by insurance?

Medically necessary procedures are covered by most insurances, however, surgeries for cosmetic reasons are typically not covered. We will be happy to check for you to determine whether a specific procedure is covered under your insurance. Financing is also available for procedures not covered by insurance.

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Where are the procedures performed?

Our Hickory office includes a surgical suite where outpatient procedures are performed. In addition, we have fully-equipped treatment rooms for all the cosmetic services we provide. If hospitalization is required, Dr. Hargrove has hospital privileges at Frye Regional Medical Center and Catawba Valley Medical Center.

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How long does it take to recover from specific procedures?

Recovery times depend upon the procedure and the patient's individual needs. In general, laser procedures for cosmetic enhancements generally take only minutes to perform and recovery is quick, with the person returning to their normal activities in a day with complete recovery evident in about a week. Swelling and bruising are common after eyelid surgery, but usually heal within a few days. Reconstruction and corrective surgery due to trauma and disease depends on the damage and the procedure used to repair it. Follow-up procedures include specific instruction on how to care for yourself afterwards to help you get the most benefit possible from the treatment.

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What is eyelid surgery?

Known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery is used to correct or improve the appearance of the eyelids. This may include the removal of excess skin and fat, often called bags, under the eyes. this procedure is also used to correct upper eyelid problems such as "droopy eyelids," which in some cases may affect a person's field of vision. Sometimes eyelashes can also become misdirected or in some cases, a person may have an extra row of lashes. Surgery can correct these conditions as well.

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Will I have to be hospitalized for eyelid surgery?

No, eyelid surgery is usually done in our office under local anesthesia. It is a relatively short procedure in which incisions are made in the natural creases of the eyes where they are not seen. Graystone will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself following the surgery so that optimal results may be achieved. You will have several follow-up appointments to track your progress.

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How do you treat a blocked tear duct?

Lacrimal ducts around the eyes are commonly known as tear ducts. These ducts are responsible for tearing, which allow us not only to cry but to keep our eyes moist and protect them from irritation. Sometimes a tear duct will become blocked, causing a drainage problem in which excessive tearing occurs because the natural drainage through the sinuses is not occurring. You sometimes see this in infants and young children, but it also occurs in adults. If an infection is present, medication will be used to treat it. Other treatments such as massage may be utilized in some cases, depending on the patient's age and the reason for the blockage. If these treatments are not successful, surgery may be necessary. This surgery is usually performed in a hospital.

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When would orbital surgery be necessary?

Orbital surgery is needed to reconstruct or repair damage to the bony cavity around the eye caused by disease or trauma. Serious, advanced cases of Grave's Disease can cause a person's eyes to protrude to the point of vision loss. Orbital decompression, or the removal of bone tissue between the eye socket and sinuses may help. Sometimes a diseased or traumatized eye has to be removed. Enucleation, or removal of the eye, is a drastic measure, but may be necessary due to a malignant tumor or some other condition. Orbital surgery is also used to implant a prosthetic eye.

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Do you offer any cosmetic services that do not involve surgery?

Yes, we offer a number of options for men and women seeking to enhance their appearance with the minimization of wrinkles, fine lines and other skin lesions and/or discolorations. These include CO₂ laser skin resurfacing, IPL photorejuvenation, and Botox^® injections among other procedures. For more information about treatments for a specific problem area, contact our office at (828) 304-6656 to schedule a free consultation.

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Do most non-surgical cosmetic services require more than one treatment?

Most of the procedures to address skin concerns do require a set of treatments, and the effects of some procedures last longer than others. Each person's treatment varies depending on his or her individual case. Sometimes more than one procedure is recommended. For instance, we often do eyelid surgery in conjunction with laser resurfacing around the eyes. After your consultation, an individualized treatment plan may be developed, outlining specifically which procedures would best suit your needs and how many treatments you likely will need to reach the desired effect.

You can learn more about the cosmetic procedures available at Graystone Aesthetic Center and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Roderick Hargrove by calling (828) 304-6610 or click here.

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