Eyelid Surgery in Pittsburgh, PA

Eyelid surgery (or blepharoplasty) corrects cosmetic issues of the eyelids. The procedure aims to reverse the signs of aging around the eyes or to correct a congenital abnormality, such as a sagging skin on the upper eyelid or deep grooves in the lower. Many opt to have an eyelid procedure to achieve a more youthful appearance for their eyes and face. Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, offers several techniques to address the upper or lower eyelid, or both at the same time. His professional technique is a conservative approach, so that the eyes appear rested and refreshed but not overdone. This surgery, which has become increasingly popular in patients as young as 35, can help patients look more alert, softer and younger.

An individualized blepharoplasty procedure in Pittsburgh, PA performed by Dr. Fernau yields both functional and cosmetic enhancements to your eyelids, with beautiful advantages like:

• Improving vision by clearing your line of sight
• Yielding a more present, alert appearance
• Achieving a younger, refreshed look
• Minimizing looseness and/or drooping skin in the upper and lower eyelids
• Reducing bulging in the lower eyelids
• Improving the shape and aesthetic of the eyes
• Decreasing discomfort by reducing friction from skin folds

Eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery performed on both men and women. In most cases, ideal candidates wish to correct excess, sagging skin and folds on the upper eyelid and/or puffy skin just under the bottom eyelid. These conditions can cause functional and vision difficulties that can get in the way of everyday activities. For a rejuvenated appearance, eyelid surgery may be the right procedure for you. If you have loose skin that droops on the upper eyelid or bulges and puffiness under the eyes, blepharoplasty can treat this to give you a softer, more youthful appearance. During the initial consult, treatment options will be provided by Dr. Fernau based on your areas of concern that need to be addressed.

The procedure may either be performed on the upper eyelid only or the lower lid, or both. There will be a difference in approaches when it comes to the upper and lower eyelids but the method is similar; removing any loose skin or tissue, and extracting or repositioning the fat deposit. There will also be separate incisions spots. It is important to understand that this will not help with other cosmetic issues such as crow’s feet, wrinkles or dark circles. The results of an eyelid surgery are fairly isolated within the upper and lower lid section only. There are other procedures that can be combined, for example the use of BOTOX®, to create a maximized outcome.

The most common problem with the upper eyelid is excess skin that droops and hangs over the eyes. Not only does this look unappealing, but it can also obstruct vision for a patient. The doctor will create an incision along the natural fold of the eyelid and extract any excess fat and tissue to remove any bulges. Once done, excess skin will also be trimmed and the cut will be closed with fine sutures. There are cases when fat tissues are only repositioned instead of excised.

There are two options for incisions when it comes to lower eyelid surgery. This treatment will improve any appearance of bulging and sagging below the eye. Incisions may be made just slightly below the lash line and excess fat, tissue or skin will be excised. If the skin has retained good elasticity, a transconjunctival incision may be a better option as the cut is made inside the lower eyelid, which effectively makes any resulting scar concealed. A lower lid lift does not necessarily improve the dark circles that may occur under the eyes. The surgeon may recommend combining a lower blepharoplasty with another procedure such as a chemical peel or an injectable filler.

Eyelid surgery is performed with general anesthesia. If the procedure involves both upper and lower eyelids, the plastic surgeon will typically manage the upper eyelid first. On average, it takes 1-2 hours to complete the operation. The patient will be sent home for recovery. For the first few days, there will be swelling and discoloration around the area. It is advised that the head is elevated for the first few days. Pain medications and antibiotics will be prescribed to manage the initial discomfort. Strenuous activities must also be restricted.

According to www.realself.com, the average price of eyelid surgery is $4,525. In most cases, insurance will not cover cosmetic eyelid surgery. However, for some patients, insurance may be applicable. This is usually the case with patients who have their vision affected by a drooping upper eyelid.

Eyelid surgery, whether upper or lower, generally does not cause visible scarring. This is because the surgeon takes great care to ensure that the incisions are made within the natural lines and folds of the eyes. Once the surgical healing has passed, the incisions will not be noticeable even to the naked eye.

Complications and irritations after surgery are rare. Patients must strictly adhere to care instructions prescribed by the surgeon to minimize any risks of infection as the eyes can be sensitive after surgery. Patients must always take precaution of protecting the eyes from the sun and wind during the first few weeks of recovery.

Crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles are better treated with procedures such as a facelift, browlift or a cheek lift as the results of the eyelid surgery are confined to the eyelids only. Eyelid surgery can also be combined with a nonsurgical procedure such as BOTOX, which combats wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes. An injectable filler can also be effective because it adds volume to hollow areas for a softer, smoother appearance.

Blepharoplasty not only corrects a cosmetic issue, but a functional one as well. Many patients with excess hanging skin on their upper eyelid are able to regain normal vision after surgery. For many, simply applying makeup without maneuvering around the excess skin is refreshing in and of itself.

If you are frustrated by puffy bags underneath your eyes or your vision is impaired from folds of skin on the upper eyelid, then upper or lower blepharoplasty performed by Dr. Fernau may be right for you. This eyelid surgery can allow you to look and feel refreshed and youthful while offering a beautiful solution to any vision impairment concerns. We invite you to get in touch with our office in Pittsburgh, PA, to learn more and schedule a consultation today.