Blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh
Conveniently located in Southwestern PA, south of Pittsburgh, and easily accessible from central PA, West Virginia, and eastern Ohio
Introduction to Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid plastic surgery addresses excess skin as it forms in the eye area. The skin around the eye can lose elasticity, and fatty tissue can accumulate under the skin. Your eyes can “look older” because these aging processes leave the eyes appearing tired, wrinkled, or puffy. Even with a good skincare and eye care regimen, wrinkles, puffiness, and drooping eyelids catch up to you. Genetic factors and body chemistry can cause these aging effects in younger people. Plastic surgery may restore a youthful and refreshed appearance to your eyes.
Eyelid plastic surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids to lift sagging skin that can make you look sad or angry. Lower eyelid surgery eliminates puffiness and bags around the lower eyes, giving patients a more alert appearance. Eyelid surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Whether you want to address functional concerns such as impaired vision or aim to enhance your appearance, Dr. Pautler will help you achieve the best possible outcome, ensuring the results are tailored to your needs. Call 724-969-0930 or schedule a consultation online to set up a personalized consultation.
Why Choose Dr. Pautler for Eyelid Surgery?
With more than 24 years of surgical expertise Dr. Pautler is a highly trained female plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh. She offers a broad range of facial procedures to help reshape, restore and rejuvenate her patients. Over her career, she has performed thousands of successful upper blepharoplasty procedures, a treatment particularly popular among younger patients.
Dr. Simona V. Pautler earned her medical degree from Columbia University and completed general surgery training at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by a plastic surgery fellowship at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
Renowned for her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Pautler is praised by her eyelid surgery patients for her genuine care and exceptional results. Her advanced surgical skills, enhanced by expert training, allow her to utilize innovative techniques for optimal outcomes.
Recognized as one of Pittsburgh’s top plastic surgeons, she is board-certified and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Raised in Upper St. Clair, Dr. Pautler shares a love for medicine with her husband, an orthopedic surgeon. Outside the operating room, she enjoys CrossFit, RV adventures, and spending time with her German shepherd.
Blepharoplasty Candidates
Why Undergo Eyelid Surgery?
You might want to consider eyelid surgery if sagging eyelids affect your field of vision or create a consistently tired and aged appearance. This procedure removes excess skin, fat, or tissue from the upper and lower eyelids to improve both vision and aesthetics. Eyelid reduction surgery can restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance, helping to boost confidence.
Additionally, the procedure has minimal recovery time, and the results blend seamlessly with natural features, which offers an effective way to refresh your appearance. It balances functional improvement and aesthetic enhancement, making it a practical choice for those seeking a more refined look.
IS EYELID SURGERY RIGHT FOR ME?
Blepharoplasty (another name for eyelid surgery) works best on people who have healthy skin and facial muscles. Even though there is no age limit for a blepharoplasty procedure, ideal candidates should be at least 21 years old and have realistic goals for how they want their upper and lower eyelids to look. In essence, you should have a clear understanding of how the surgery will enhance your appearance, whether for cosmetic or functional reasons. Also, patients should not be on any blood thinners and any hypertension should be controlled.
Those who are not smokers and who do not have any major medical conditions (particularly any disease that affects the eye such as severe dry eye) are the best candidates for eyelid surgery. A preoperative evaluation and consultation with Dr. Pautler will help identify these issues to increase the chances of a successful procedure. We will also evaluate your goals and determine if you are a good fit for eyelid reduction.
What To Expect During Your Blepharoplasty Journey
During a Consultation
Dr. Pautler will conduct a comprehensive examination to assess the areas around your eyes. She will evaluate skin laxity, asymmetry, the strength of the lower eyelid, and the fat distribution in both the upper and lower eyelids. She will also review your medical history, including any previous procedures, dry eye concerns, or conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. This approach allows her to identify target areas and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This step also provides an opportunity to discuss the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and outcomes so you can feel confident throughout the process. The consultation fee is $250. However, this amount will be included in the total cost of treatment, should you agree to proceed with the recommended surgical procedure.
During Eyelid Surgery
It’s important to have a trusted driver with you to transport you home after the procedure. Upon arrival, you will take oral Valium to reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and ensure a stress-free experience.
As mentioned above, Dr. Pautler can rejuvenate the upper lids, lower lids, or both sets. However, if both sets are being treated, she will work on the upper eyelids first.
For the upper eyelids, she will assess your eyes and mark the lids to identify the exact amount of skin to remove. She will ensure that even after skin excision, you can still close your eyes comfortably.
Thereafter, a local anesthetic is gently injected into the eyelid skin with a tiny needle. This is the only part of the procedure that may feel slightly uncomfortable but only lasts for about one minute. The surgical area is cleaned thoroughly with antiseptic swabs, and sterile drapes are placed to maintain a clean surgical environment.
Next, Dr. Pautler will create a tiny incision along the eyelid’s natural fold using a thin, precise blade. She will carefully remove the excess skin, peeling it away from the underlying muscle. A thin cautery tool is used to stop any bleeding from vessels. Moreover, the bulging fat in the medial corner may be removed if necessary.
Dr. Pautler will assess the eyelids for symmetry before closing the incision with sutures. Ice-cold saline compresses are applied to minimize swelling, and you will rest for about 10 minutes afterward. You’ll be discharged shortly after the procedure and return in one week to have the sutures removed.
For the lower lids, Dr. Pautler will either make an incision below the lash line or inside the lower lid. The inner-lid incision is for situations where excess fat is being adjusted but no excess skin is present.
Next, she will eliminate and/or redistribute extra fat. Excess skin and muscle will also be removed, and the remaining skin and muscle will be tightened.
Typically, eyelid surgery is performed in a single session lasting between 1 to 2 hours under sedation and local anesthetic. The patient is subsequently released to return home.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
After the procedure, it is crucial to rest for the remainder of the day and use ice packs to minimize swelling. Ideally, you should sleep with your head elevated to encourage healing and limit swelling and discomfort.
The recovery time after eyelid surgery is minimal, and most patients come in for suture removal (when required) after only 1 week. Light activities are acceptable for the first two days. However, the majority of patients are able to get back to their regular activities within 7 to 10 days, and by the third week, all restrictions are lifted, and they are ready to resume intensive exercise routines. At that point, patients will notice that their eyelids have improved.
Although bruising and swelling after eyelid surgery are to be expected, they can be swiftly alleviated by applying cool compresses. One activity that can help speed up recovery is walking. Wearing sunglasses will be helpful, as will applying ointments as prescribed.
The longevity of upper or lower blepharoplasty results depends on individual factors like skin quality and age. Eyelid skin is naturally thin and delicate, making it prone to swelling, especially with high salt intake or alcohol consumption. While most patients enjoy long-lasting improvements, some may require minor touch-ups 5–10 years later to maintain their refreshed appearance.
Eyelid Surgery Before and After Photos
See the results for yourself
Our patient is 48 years old and healthy. She felt that she aged prematurely in her upper lids. Dr. Pautler felt she was a great candidate for an upper lid blepharoplasty done under LOCAL anesthesia in the office. Here we show her pre-op photos, what her eyes looked like 5 days after for suture removal, and her final result at 8 weeks postoperatively.
Eyelid plastic surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids to lift sagging skin that can make you look sad or angry. Lower eyelid surgery eliminates puffiness and bags around the lower eyes, giving patients a more alert appearance. Eyelid reduction surgery can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
To rejuvenate the entire face, eyelid plastic surgery is often combined with a facelift or a brow lift at our Pittsburgh area plastic surgery practice.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Pittsburgh?
The total cost of Eyelid Surgery is determined based on factors like your medical examinations, surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, and anesthesia. The exact techniques used will also impact cost, as will the total time needed to perform the surgery. It’s important to note that most insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic procedures, as they are considered elective rather than medically necessary. This means you are highly likely to pay out of pocket. Here is how much you should expect to spend:
Upper Blepharoplasty
The cost of upper eyelid plastic surgery ranges from $3,000-$6000, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Upper blepharoplasty is ideal for addressing drooping upper eyelids, enhancing both functionality and appearance. During a consultation with Dr. Pautler, we will provide a precise estimate tailored to your unique needs. Most upper lid procedures can be done in the office.
Lower Blepharoplasty
Lower blepharoplasty costs are also around $4,000-$7,000, depending on the procedure's specifics. Factors such as fat removal, skin tightening, or muscle adjustments can influence the overall price. The procedure addresses under-eye bags and rejuvenates the area for a more youthful look. It can help enhance both aesthetics and confidence. Virtually all lower lid procedures require more than local anesthesia and need to be done in a surgery center, not in the office.
Quad Blepharoplasty
A quad blepharoplasty cost ranges from $5,000-$8,000. The procedure addresses both the upper and lower eyelids, making it perfect for individuals seeking full eyelid rejuvenation in a single surgery. This combined approach also simplifies recovery and reduces downtime by correcting both eyelids simultaneously. Moreover, it delivers balanced, harmonious, and long-lasting results that complement your overall facial features.
Schedule a Consultation
Learn more about eyelid surgery in Pittsburgh by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Simona V. Pautler. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any inquiries. Our dedicated team is here to provide personalized support and help you make informed decisions about your care. Let us help you take the first step toward achieving your aesthetic goals.
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Pittsburgh Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) FAQs
Have a specific question? Contact us!
The ideal candidate for a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in Pittsburgh should be in good health, a non-smoker, have normal blood pressure, and be off any blood-thinning medications to reduce the risk of complications.
This is because normal blood pressure helps maintain safe circulation during surgery and prevents complications such as excessive bleeding. The tissues will receive enough oxygen and nutrients to promote faster healing. On the other hand, blood-thinning medications such as aspirin can interfere with clotting and increase the risk of bleeding both during and after the procedure.
Being in good overall health allows the body to heal well and reduces the risk of infection or delayed recovery. For instance, conditions like uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders can complicate healing and may require additional measures before and after surgery. Moreover, patients with severe dry eye issues must be very cautious since the procedure may worsen their symptoms.
Smoking can impair circulation and oxygen delivery to the healing tissues. This can lead to poor wound healing, increased risk of infection, and visible scarring. For this reason, we advise patients to quit smoking at least 6 weeks before and after an eyelid lift surgery.
For upper eyelid surgery, candidates often have excess skin or fat that causes their eyes to appear tired, stern, or older than they feel. However, if the brows are low and contributing to upper eyelid heaviness, we will first perform a brow lift since an eyelid surgery alone will not change the position of the brows.
Candidates for lower eyelid surgery often have loose skin, puffiness, or prominent fat pads under the eyes that create a fatigued or aged look.
During consultation, Dr. Pautler will evaluate your anatomy, goals, and medical history to determine whether eyelid or combined procedures are appropriate.
Eye bags are caused when the membranes holding protective fat around the eyes weaken and stretch. This allows the fat to shift forward and appear bulgy, making you look tired.
In addition, some people naturally have more prominent fat pads or weaker tissue support due to genetics. Lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, high salt intake, alcohol consumption, and chronic allergies can also exaggerate the look of under-eye puffiness by causing fluid retention.
The exact duration depends on several factors, including skin quality and genetics. For instance, people with stretchy or delicate upper lid skin may notice changes sooner and may need to undergo secondary touch-ups after 5 to 10 years.
Lower eyelid lifts tend to offer more permanent results when done correctly. Taking too much skin can alter the eye’s natural shape, potentially causing discomfort, dry eye symptoms, or noticeable pulling of the lower lid.
Dr. Pautler will ensure that each patient retains proper eyelid positioning and that the results last longer. Her deep understanding of facial anatomy allows her to customize all procedures to the patient’s aesthetic needs, minimize the risks of complications, and create natural-looking results.
There’s no strict age limit for blepharoplasty since the procedure is often tailored to each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic needs. In general, most patients who seek eyelid surgery are usually in their late 20s to 70s.
Younger patients in their 20s to 40s often seek blepharoplasty to address inherited traits such as puffy lower lids or heavy upper lids that create a tired or aged appearance. These individuals may not have significant skin laxity yet, but fat repositioning or subtle tissue adjustments can improve their overall facial balance. Treating these concerns early can also help delay more advanced signs of aging.
Patients in their 50s, 60s, or 70s usually pursue the procedure to correct age-related changes such as sagging skin, fat protrusion, and eyelid laxity. In some cases, excess upper lid skin can even interfere with vision, which means the procedure will provide both cosmetic and functional benefits.
Dr. Pautler will evaluate each patient to determine the best approach for eyelid surgery. She will customize the procedure to suit your age, facial structure, and long-term goals.
Recovery time after a blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh varies depending on whether the upper or lower lids are treated.
Upper blepharoplasty has a quicker and easier recovery. Most patients return to normal activities within about 2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are usually mild and fade quickly, especially if you follow post-op instructions such as keeping the head elevated, protecting the eyes from the sun, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking prescribed medications.
On the other hand, a lower blepharoplasty procedure generally takes longer to heal. Swelling and bruising can last 4 weeks or more. Patients may also experience temporary tightness or mild irritation during the healing process. This is because the tissue around the lower eyelids is thinner and more delicate, making it more prone to swelling and bruising. And since the procedure involves fat repositioning or adjusting the skin and muscle, it requires more time for the area to settle and heal properly.
Dr. Pautler will provide detailed aftercare guidance to speed up the recovery process. She will also monitor your progress during follow-up visits and address emerging issues to avoid complications.
Eyelid surgery is generally less painful. Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area and help you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.
After surgery (once the anesthesia wears off), you will only experience mild aching around the eyes in the first few days. This is partly because eyelid surgery involves making tiny incisions that are minimally invasive, which reduces tissue trauma.
The discomfort can be managed using cold compresses and mild pain relievers. You can also keep your head elevated while sleeping to reduce swelling and speed up healing.
With proper aftercare, most patients feel comfortable within a few days and return to light activities shortly after. Dr. Pautler will provide personalized pain management tips to ensure the healing process is as smooth as possible.
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