Dr. Jimenez - Oculoplastic, and reconstructive surgeon

Dr. Jimenez is a highly experienced ophthalmologist with a specialization in plastic and reconstructive surgery of the eyelids. He trained at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami and is currently affiliated with Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá. Dr. Jimenez has served as the Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Fundación Santa Fe and is a member of leading professional societies like ASOPRS and ASCRS. With over 15 years of experience, he has treated thousands of patients and performed numerous surgeries with excellent outcomes. His commitment to delivering the best care is evident in every procedure he performs.

Rediscover Youth with Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that rejuvenates the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, or muscle. Superior blepharoplasty (upper eyelid surgery) lifts sagging upper eyelids, improving both appearance and sometimes vision. Inferior blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery) reduces under-eye bags and puffiness for a smoother, more refreshed look. The main difference is the area treated—upper vs. lower eyelids—and the specific issues addressed, like drooping or puffiness. Both procedures enhance a youthful, alert appearance around the eyes.

The average cost of blepharoplasty in the USA :

Upper Blepharoplasty: Typically ranges between $4,000 to $5,000.
Lower Blepharoplasty: Usually costs between $4,500 to $6,000.
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Can range from $7,000 to $11,000.

The actual cost of blepharoplasty in Colombia:

Upper Blepharoplasty: Typically ranges between $2.200
Lower Blepharoplasty: Usually costs between $2,600
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty: Can range from $4,700.

Superior Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)

Goal: The procedure targets the sagging or drooping of the upper eyelids that may cause a "hooded" appearance or impair vision. It removes excess skin and fat, tightening the area to create a more alert, youthful look.
Indications: Commonly performed on patients experiencing:
- Excess or sagging skin on the upper eyelids.
- A heavy or drooping upper eyelid that may interfere with vision.
- A desire for a more open and youthful appearance around the eyes.
Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision along the natural crease of the upper eyelid to remove or reposition skin, fat, or muscle. The scar typically blends into the natural fold.

Inferior Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Surgery)

Goal: This surgery addresses issues such as under-eye bags, puffiness, and sagging, often caused by excess fat, loose skin, or muscle weakness in the lower eyelid. It gives a smoother, more rested look.
Indications: Typically performed for:
- Prominent under-eye bags.
- Sagging skin or wrinkles below the eyes.
- A desire to reduce puffiness or tired-looking eyes.
Procedure: The surgeon makes an incision just below the lower lash line or inside the lower eyelid. Fat is removed or redistributed, and excess skin is trimmed to achieve a smoother contour.

The main vision conditions experience in our lives

myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism are among the most common refractive errors or vision problems in humans. These conditions affect the way light is focused on the retina, leading to blurred or distorted vision. Here's a brief explanation of each:

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly because the eye is too long, or the cornea is too curved.
Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly because the eye is too short or the cornea is too flat.
Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea.

There are three main types of eye surgery commonly performed for corrective purposes:

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) are two common procedures used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism before the age of 45 due to the eye's natural lens flexibility. Before this age, individuals generally have good accommodation, meaning their eye lenses can still change shape to focus on objects at varying distances. Around 45, presbyopia begins to set in, where the eye’s lens loses flexibility, making near-vision tasks more challenging. Corrective procedures before this age can help reduce dependency on glasses or contacts for both distance and near vision.

Differences Between PRK and LASIK:

Procedure & Cost :

PRK: The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and the underlying tissue is reshaped with a laser. The epithelium regrows over time.

The average cost in the USA typically ranges from $4000 to $7000
The cost in Colombia is $2,000

LASIK: A flap is created in the cornea, the tissue beneath is reshaped with a laser, and the flap is repositioned for faster healing.

The average cost in the USA typically ranges from $5,000 to $6,000
The cost in Colombia is $2,500

Recovery:
- PRK: Recovery takes longer, typically up to a week, due to the regrowth of the epithelium.
- LASIK: Recovery is faster, with functional vision usually restored within a day or two.

Suitability: PRK is better for patients with thin corneas, while LASIK is more popular due to quicker recovery and less discomfort.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is a surgical procedure used to treat refractive vision errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, by replacing the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is similar to cataract surgery, though it is performed on individuals without cataracts, often to reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses. RLE is typically considered for patients with severe refractive errors or presbyopia (age-related loss of near vision) who are not suitable candidates for LASIK or other corneal surgeries.

Procedure & Cost :

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the eye.
Lens Removal: The surgeon makes a small incision in the cornea and removes the eye’s natural lens using ultrasound energy (phacoemulsification).
Lens Replacement: An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye to correct the patient’s vision.