What Is Blepharoplasty?
Expression is shown within your eyes. Your surprise, sadness, or excitement are each communicated through your eyes. As the eyelids age, they cause the eyes to become expressionless. They only communicate that you are tired.
Blepharoplasty, also known as lid lift or eyelid surgery, is one of the most common elective surgeries chosen by patients each year. Last year more than 200,000 patients chose to undergo a blepharoplasty procedure. Blepharoplasty is a treatment for blepharochalasis or excess lid skin. Read on to learn more about Blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh.
Blepharochalasis or Lid Droop
With age, our upper eyelids tend to droop. This drooping can cause a “hooding” effect that blocks our upper peripheral vision as well as our side peripheral vision. When this occurs, less light enters our eyes so we may use our forehead muscles to forcefully open our eyes wider so that we can see with more light. Forcefully opening our eyes like this all day can cause us to become tired and often get headaches from the strain.
In addition to affecting our vision, this lid droop also affects our appearance. Many people tell us that it makes them appear older than they are and that they look tired. Since everyone you meet sees your eyes, this procedure can give you one of the most dramatic improvements in your appearance.
When Dr. Lorelei Grunwaldt performs blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh she removes the excess skin above your eyes, which then lifts your lid back up. Similar to lifting a window blind this gives you a younger, more energetic look. Many patients tell us that they get comments within a few weeks from friends and family about how much better they look.
Many Eye Doctors Choose Dr. Grunwaldt For Their Patients’ Blepharoplasty in Pittsburgh
To achieve the best blepharoplasty results, Dr. Grunwaldt will take extensive measurements of your current eye aperture and make calculations for your optimal eye-opening after the surgery. As a plastic surgeon with extensive craniofacial training, she will also consider your other cosmetic attributes including the appearance of your forehead, hairstyle, facial shape, etc. This will give you a bright new appearance that looks very natural. As a Harvard trained, board-certified plastic surgeon and skilled artist, Dr. Grunwaldt will consult with you at length to obtain the results you desire. In addition, many eye doctors in Pittsburgh choose Dr. Grunwaldt for their patient’s care.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Take?
Your entire procedure will take about 1 hour. During the procedure, you will be lightly sedated so that you feel no discomfort at all.
Does Blepharoplasty Hurt?
You will feel no pain during your procedure. You will probably experience minor soreness in the area afterward, but this dissipates within a day or two. The area around your eyes is likely to be discolored for a week or so as you heal. You will apply a healing ointment and cold compresses to your eyelids as part of the healing process after your surgery.
How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost?
Blepharoplasty costs approximately $2500 with Dr. Grunwaldt. This is less than the $3282 average charged by other surgeons as posted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These quotes do not include the fees for the surgical suite or anesthesia.
How Quickly Will I See the Results of Blepharoplasty?
Within a week you will see improvements to your appearance and your vision. One month after your procedure you will attain about 80% of your desired result, with the remainder of improvements coming in the following month.
Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Those who are unhappy with their eyelid appearance and who otherwise have good eye health. To learn more about blepharoplasty, breast augmentation and other cosmetic procedures call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Grunwaldt.