 “People are working much longer now, and there’s a perceived discrimination in the workplace,” said Dr. Eric Cole of Pacific EyeCare, in Poulsbo. “Age discrimination is one of the most common reasons why people come to me. Cosmetic facial surgery gives them more confidence to maintain their jobs or interview for new ones.”
“Most patients are in the 40s,” he said. “Some in the 50s to early 60s, who are retirees reentering the workforce. Some are in the 70s. I get 10 to 11 cases a week. People come from all over the Peninsula for cosmetic laser surgery.”
Cole learned laser surgery by practicing on pigs’ feet during his fellowship in Chicago.
“You set the laser to specific depths,” he said. “The depth depends upon the wattage of the laser. Once you’ve mastered the basics and are controlled, you adjust the laser to the millimeter.”
“I use a laser for mid-face lifts,” Cole said. “I make an incision from the lateral corner of the eye, within a natural crease, for about a centimeter. I pull up the tissue, which fills the concave area beneath the eye.”
He uses a CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser for eyelid surgery.
“As people age, their eyelids droop,” he said. “The advantage of the CO2 laser is that it cuts tissue and coagulates blood at the same time, reducing bruising.”
Eyelid surgery enhances the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Eyelid surgery involves the removal of excess skin and fatty tissue. The laser incision, after healing, is camouflaged in the natural contours of the eyelids. To further minimize wrinkles and pigmentation near the eyes, facial skin can be laser resurfaced.
A laser resurfaces the skin by removing dead and aged layers. Deeper layers lie undisturbed. Fine, superficial wrinkles, including around the mouth and eyes, are effectively treated. Deep furrows and creases remain, but can be treated by other methods, such as Botox or with facelifts.
“I use a laser for mid-face lifts,” Cole said. “I make an incision from the lateral corner of the eye, within a natural crease, for about a centimeter. I pull up the tissue, which fills the concave area beneath the eye.”
Not all people come to Cole for cosmetic reasons. They may need his services because of injury in a car accident. Cole helps them by performing oculoplastic surgery, which is the specialization of plastic surgery behind and around the eyes. Oculoplastic surgery also treats facial problems resulting from trauma, tumors, skin cancers, birth defects and excessive tearing.
“We have the same technology, equipment and training as Seattle,” said Annette Forsberg, cosmetic surgery and skincare consultant. “We have three operating rooms and four recovery rooms. We treat our patients with concern and care. The family plays an important part in the patient’s readiness and recovery.”
The family is with the patient up until the time the patient goes into surgery. Before surgery, the family may accompany the patient to the dressing room and the pre-operative room where vital signs are taken. A private waiting room is provided for family members, along with cable television. After surgery, the family may go to the post-operative room. The patient usually recovers in about an hour before going home with family.
Pacific EyeCare serves Poulsbo, Silverdale, Bremerton and Port Townsend. | 