Important Information for Patients
Dr. Ahmad is dedicated to providing high-quality care while respecting patients' time. He strives to maintain an on-time schedule but acknowledges that new consultations can sometimes take longer than expected. If you require an expedited visit, please inform our staff. If we cannot accommodate your needs, Dr. Ahmad will refer you to another provider. Telehealth consultations for follow-ups and second visits can be scheduled in advance.
Cosmetic Surgery Consultation and Scheduling
- Cosmetic surgery is not scheduled on the first consultation; at least two office visits are required before setting a surgery date.
- Patients traveling from out of town may complete one of their required visits via telehealth.
- In some cases, Dr. Ahmad may administer neurotoxin injections (e.g., Botox) during the initial consultation if time allows and there are no contraindications (e.g., use of blood thinners like aspirin, fish oil, or ibuprofen).
- Dr. Ahmad prefers to see patients multiple times before surgery to ensure a comprehensive surgical plan tailored to their individual anatomy and goals.
Pre-Surgical Requirements
- Blood Thinners: Patients must discontinue all blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, fish oil, ibuprofen, NSAIDs) unless their primary care provider deems it unsafe to do so.
- Smoking Policy: Cosmetic eyelid surgery and CO2 laser treatments are not performed on active smokers (but Dr. Ahmad will do medically indicated surgery on patients who actively smoke depending on the underlying eyelid issue).
- Medical Conditions: Patients with serious medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, uncontrolled diabetes) may be referred to an academic eye clinic for specialized care.
Cosmetic Eyelid Complications from Other Providers
Due to high patient demand, we are currently not accepting cosmetic eyelid complication cases unless Dr. Ahmad has consulted with the initial surgeon. Exceptions may be made for patients who had surgery performed outside the country.
- Consultations for complications require a retainer fee and are self-pay for every visit with Dr. Ahmad.
- There is no guarantee that Dr. Ahmad will offer revisional surgery, but he will provide guidance on alternative, non-invasive solutions or other providers that may be better suited.
New Cosmetic Eyelid Consultations
- The consultation fee for new cosmetic patients is $200.
- If no prior eyelid surgery or complications exist, the second pre-operative visit within six months is free.
- There is no obligation to proceed with surgery after a consultation.
- Patients with prior Botox or filler complications must address these issues before undergoing surgery. Dr. Ahmad may refer such cases back to the original injector.
- Any corrective treatments for Botox or filler issues are self-pay for every visit, including office visits and procedures (e.g., Hylenex injections).
Insurance and Cosmetic Surgery Coverage
Dr. Ahmad’s practice primarily focuses on cosmetic eyelid surgery.
- Insurance does not cover upper blepharoplasty (skin removal), lower eyelid blepharoplasty (puffiness removal), or laser resurfacing.
- The only upper eyelid surgery that may be covered by insurance is medical ptosis repair, which tightens the upper eyelid muscle without removing skin or fat. Even this is not a guarantee, and the decision is made by the insurance company.
- Patients needing insurance-covered eyelid procedures may be referred elsewhere.
Medical Procedures (Self-Pay or Insurance-Covered)
Dr. Ahmad offers a limited number of medical procedures:
- Upper eyelid ptosis repair (when it obstructs vision)
- Benign or malignant eyelid lesion removal
- Eyelid reconstruction following Mohs surgery for skin cancer (coordinated with a dermatologic surgeon)
- Tear duct surgery (dacryocystorhinostomy or DCR) – no standalone lacrimal stenting or Jones tube procedures
- Revisional lacrimal surgery only for patients previously treated by Dr. Ahmad
Eyelid Lesion Consultations
- Lesion removal cannot be performed on the same day as the consultation due to insurance preauthorization and procedural requirements.
- Patients requiring sedation or antibiotics must receive pre-treatment instructions.
- Conservative treatment or steroid injections are preferred over immediate excision.
- Patients who have a stye that has been treated by another provider, whether with a steroid injection or a surgery, are considered cosmetic cases and will be charged out-of-pocket for the initial consultation, future office visits, and any additional invasive treatments, including surgical removal and steroid injection.
Surgical Safety and Health Considerations
- Dr. Ahmad prefers to operate only on patients whose underlying medical conditions are stable.
- Dr. Ahmad will determine whether an office-based procedure is suitable for you, based on your underlying medical conditions.
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or anxiety should have surgery at a facility where anesthesia providers can monitor their condition.
- Dr. Ahmad does not operate at hospitals; surgeries are performed at 900 North Michigan Surgical Center.
- If deemed medically unsafe for outpatient surgery, patients may be referred to a hospital-based provider.
Your health, wellbeing, and happiness are our responsibility. We appreciate your trust in our practice and look forward to providing you with excellent care.