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Benefits of Blepharoplasty for Men and Women

Some women really benefit from our Pittsburgh blepharoplasty surgery because they are once again able to apply eyeshadow to their upper eyelids without it smearing or wiping off. However, both men and women with extra eyelid skin can be great candidates for upper eyelid surgery.

What does Leong Facial Plastic Surgery represent?

In everything we do, Leong Facial Plastic Surgery represents total transparency and integrity for our patients. During each consultation, Dr. Leong tells his patients the stark truth about their desired treatment, ensuring they fully understand the expected results, recovery, and side effects. In addition, Dr. Leong’s focus is on creating fully natural-appearing results—never fake or overdone. With these components in mind, patients can rest assured they are walking into a practice of technical expertise and high integrity.

It’s your face. Trust it to a specialist.

Blepharoplasty Pittsburgh

What can I expect with upper eyelid surgery?

One aspect of upper eyelid surgery, or upper blepharoplasty, that is very attractive is that the procedure is very tolerable for patients. In most cases Dr. Leong performs a blepharoplasty in the procedure room in his office. Upper blepharoplasty can be performed very easily under local anesthesia with a modest amount of oral sedation. The procedure can be completed in less than an hour and isn’t a major imposition on the patient’s life.

Many patients find it very attractive that performing an upper blepharoplasty does not require going under anesthesia or a trip to the operating room. Certainly, if the patient would prefer to have this procedure done in the operating room, that is fully available to our patients.

Before & After

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Before & After

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Paul Leong MD FACS

The Facial Specialist

Dr. Leong completed his medical degree at the Yale University School of Medicine. He then dedicated the next seven years honing his skills specifically in head, face, and neck surgery at the University of Pittsburgh—a university consistently ranked among the top five otolaryngology programs in the country. Dr. Leong continued to develop his surgical skills through a fellowship in Advanced Oncologic Surgery of the Head and Neck at the Pittsburgh Medical Center. This was followed by yet another fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Oregon Health Sciences University.

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Eyelid Surgery Media

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What Double Eyelid Surgery is REALLY Like!

What happens during the eyelid surgery consultation?

No one wants to feel rushed or hurried during a consultation. We allow ample time for all questions to be answered, pictures to be reviewed and goals to be thoroughly discussed. We encourage all patients to take their time when deciding to move forward with surgery. It should not be a rushed process. Patients can come back for more than one discussion in order to feel comfortable and well informed before proceeding with surgery.

Where does Dr. Leong perform eyelid surgery?

Our lower blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh can be performed at several Pittsburgh area hospitals, including St. Clair Hospital, West Penn Hospital or Sewickley Valley Hospital. The hospital where your surgery takes place will depend on your location and the day(s) you are available for surgery. Upper blepharoplasty surgery may also be performed in our clinical office in the Southside Works, conveniently located minutes from downtown Pittsburgh.

Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery?

A man or woman with excessive skin and/or fat in the tear trough area or upper eyelids who understands the limits of surgery and has achievable expectations can be a good candidate for blepharoplasty surgery. In order to minimize possible complications, it is important that the patient not have any current eye conditions. Most patients who undergo blepharoplasty surgery are over the age of forty, but younger patients may also benefit from eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty Pittsburgh

How long do the results of a lower and upper blepharoplasty procedure last?

Blepharoplasty surgery results should last at least 10 years or longer. It is important to remember that we can never stop the aging process. Upper and lower eyelid skin will continue to thin and sag with age. Many patients may think that putting off surgery until they get much older is the best option, but getting surgery at a younger age allows for faster healing and allows you to enjoy the benefits of surgery longer. During your consultation, Dr. Leong will decide if you are currently a good candidate for eyelid surgery in Pittsburgh.

When is the best time to have a blepharoplasty?

There are several factors that dictate the optimal age to undergo a blepharoplasty. Age is not the most important factor when deciding when to have an upper or lower blepharoplasty. Each individual must be evaluated separately with an individualized assessment of how much excess skin and fat is present. The age at which the skin begins to “sag” is different for everyone, with heredity playing a very important role. Patients who have genetically heavy eyelids may undergo an upper blepharoplasty in their 30s while others may not need the surgery until their late 40s or even 50s. Certainly, there will be more of a “need” for the procedure as time goes on.

Upper blepharoplasty can occasionally be performed more than once if spaced out 10-15 years apart. However, one has to be careful with revision lower blepharoplasty. Because of the possibility of sagging of the lower lid away from the surface of the eye, otherwise known as ectropion, care should be taken when entertaining the possibility of having a second lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

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How should my upper blepharoplasty incision look during the healing process?

Blepharoplasty incisions are among the best healing incisions in all of facial plastic surgery. The majority of the blepharoplasty incision is typically hidden within the crease of the upper eyelid. As with all healing processes, there are a series of stages that are evident as the incision matures. Early on (in the first several weeks) it is fairly common to see small lumps or bumps along the blepharoplasty incision line. However, if the incision was closed correctly, these signs will resolve and smooth out over time. After one or two months, the incision will smooth greatly, but the patient will still be able to feel a tiny bit of a line if they touch their eyelids with the tips of their fingers.

Early in the healing process, redness is a normal characteristic of blepharoplasty incisions, especially if the patient has fair skin. Antibiotic ointment should be applied as instructed to help the incisions heal properly. Many patients are asked to switch to Aquaphor if irritation occurs with the use of antibiotic ointment. Incision scars are likely to soften and mature over time. The total healing process can take 12-14 months, but for the great majority of patients, the incision looks very good after just a few weeks.

What is the cost of blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh?

In Pittsburgh, the cost of an in-office upper blepharoplasty can vary, influenced by factors such as the geographic location, the experience of the physician, and the expertise of the practice. Additionally, the complexity of the procedure may differ among patients, impacting the overall cost. Each patient presents with a unique anatomy, characterized by varying amounts of excess skin, fat, and tissue on their eyelids, further influencing the procedure's complexity and, subsequently, the associated cost.

FAQ

How is the recovery after getting eyelid surgery?

Blepharoplasty doesn’t involve an extended recovery period. You’ll probably experience considerable bruising and swelling the day after the surgery, but the bruises will gradually fade away in a few weeks. You must use cool compresses for the first 48 hours after the surgery to minimize swelling around the eyes.

You should also walk frequently to improve the recovery and healing processes. The bandages placed over the incisions will be removed in a few days. Most people can resume their daily activities and work in 7 to 10 days, but you should avoid strenuous workouts for at least 4 weeks. The majority of the swelling and bruising will fade away within 2 weeks.

Are there any risks of getting eyelid surgery?

Most patients only experience mild side effects after the eyelid surgery, such as bruising, swelling, scarring, and soreness for around 2 weeks. However, all surgeries involve a degree of risks, even if the risk is negligible. The potential risks of eyelid surgery include:

  • Eye infections and bleeding
  • Dry and irritated eyes
  • Inability to close the eyes
  • Problems with the eyelids
  • Visible scarring around the eyes
  • Eye muscle injuries
  • Skin discoloration around the eyes
  • Temporary blurry vision
  • Loss of vision (in rare cases)
  • Poor reaction to the anesthesia
  • Non-healing blood clots

What are the benefits of getting a blepharoplasty?

  • Reduced bags under the eyes.
  • Lifting of the heavy and drooping skin over the eyes.
  • Improved vision without drooping eyelids.
  • Improved eye shape and appearance.
  • Reduced skin irritation because of excessive skin.
  • Reduced dark circles under the eyes.
  • Improved appearance of the hollows under the eyes.
  • Smoother skin around the eyelids.
  • Sharp and alert appearance.
  • Reduce strains on the forehead muscles used to lift the eyelid skin.
  • Reduced forehead wrinkles due to eased forehead muscles.
  • Relief from headaches and migraines caused by the strain on forehead muscles.
  • Natural-looking results.

What is the difference between upper and lower blepharoplasty?

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on removing excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags and loose skin beneath the eyes. Both can be performed separately or together for comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area.

Will eyelid surgery leave visible scars?

While scars are a normal part of the healing process, Dr. Leong ensures that the majority of the incisions are hidden in the natural creases of the eyelids, making scars less noticeable. Over time, the scars typically fade and soften.

Can eyelid surgery be combined with other facial procedures?

Yes, many patients opt to combine blepharoplasty with other facial procedures like facelifts, brow lifts, or laser treatments for enhanced overall facial rejuvenation.

How long does the blepharoplasty procedure take?

The procedure generally takes less than an hour for upper eyelid surgery. If both upper and lower blepharoplasty are performed together, the total time may be a bit longer.

Will I need to take time off work after eyelid surgery?

Most patients can return to work within 7 to 10 days, though there may be some residual bruising and swelling. Dr. Leong will provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume normal activities based on your healing progress.

Can younger patients benefit from blepharoplasty?

Yes, while most candidates are over 40, younger patients who have inherited excess skin or fat around their eyes can benefit from blepharoplasty to improve their appearance and prevent future skin sagging.

Are there any non-surgical alternatives to blepharoplasty?

Non-surgical alternatives such as Botox or dermal fillers may temporarily reduce the appearance of wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes, but they don’t provide the same long-term, dramatic results as blepharoplasty. Dr. Leong can help you decide if surgery or a non-surgical option is best for your needs.

Now Serving Morgantown

Dr. Paul Leong is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing exclusively in aesthetic facial plastic surgery. With an international reputation for the quality of his eyelid lift surgery, Dr. Leong’s practice has a regional scope, drawing patients from well beyond Pittsburgh. To better serve his patients in the region, Dr. Leong has expanded with an additional office in Morgantown, WV.

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Contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery

For more information about blepharoplasty surgery or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Leong to talk more about your options, please contact Leong Facial Plastic Surgery today.

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