Eyelid Surgery Table of Contents

Transforming Aging Eyes with Blepharoplasty

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and sagging upper eyelids or bags under the eyes can make a person appear aged and tired. Unfortunately, at-home treatments are no match for certain signs of aging in the eye area. Eyelid surgery in Philadelphia can improve superficial signs of aging around the eyes and dramatically boost self-confidence.

Why Choose Dr. Pontell?

With 27 years of experience in facial plastic surgery and over 4,000 eyelid surgeries under his belt, Dr. Jonathan Pontell performs blepharoplasty in Philadelphia on both the upper and lower eyelids. Having received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the prestigious Jefferson Medical College, he provides expert-level care using the latest surgical advancements in his state-of-the-art facilities. 

Moreover, Dr. Pontell is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. His gift for surgical excellence leaves patients feeling thrilled with the quality of their results.

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What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery is a perfect option for correcting bags, fine lines, wrinkles, and a “hollow” appearance around the eyes. Upper blepharoplasty can lift the eyelids to correct sagging. Lower blepharoplasty can smooth under-eye bags for a fully refreshed, more youthful look.

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Benefits of Eyelid Surgery

Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Blepharoplasty in Main Line involves tightening and removing excess fat, muscle, and skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Patients can enjoy smoother skin and a more refreshed appearance after this procedure.

A Younger, More Alert Appearance

Excess skin and sagging tissues around the eyes can cause a person to look tired, sad, or older than they actually are. A patient can expect the eyes to look more alert and youthful by removing displaced fat and excess skin and tightening sagging muscles.

Improved Vision

Although blepharoplasty is often known as facial cosmetic surgery, many people undergo surgery for vision reasons. When the upper eyelids have excess skin or hanging tissue that nearly touches the pupil, the patient may find that their vision is obstructed. Eyelid lift surgery removes droopy eyelid skin and tightens the muscles to correct obstructed vision.

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Blepharoplasty Testimonial

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Blepharoplasty / Brow Lift

Your Initial Consultation

Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Pontell to evaluate your facial structure, goals, and concerns. He will examine the structures of your eyelids, eyebrows, and forehead to determine how to create the most aesthetically pleasing outcome. Once he completely understands your goals, Dr. Pontell will suggest the appropriate technique for your facial anatomy.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Patients with excess sagging skin in the upper or lower eyelids that causes fine lines, wrinkles, or under-eye bags may be good candidates for blepharoplasty in Wayne, Main Line, and Philadelphia. Patients must be non-smokers (or willing to quit one month before and after surgery), in good health, and with realistic expectations to ensure optimal results in and out of surgery.

What Does Eyelid Surgery Entail?

Procedure

Blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and your goals. For upper eyelid surgery, an incision is made within the natural fold of the upper eyelid. For lower eyelid surgery patients who only need fat removed, Dr. Pontell makes an internal (transconjunctival) incision within the lower eyelid. 

When excess skin also needs to be removed from the lower eyelid, a small incision is made just under the lower eyelashes. Fat and sagging skin are removed through the incisions, and muscles may be tightened to provide more flattering eyelid contours. Repositioning the eyelids brightens the eyes for a more rejuvenated overall complexion.

Recovery

After your blepharoplasty in Wayne, PA, Dr. Pontell will provide you with instructions to care for your surgical wounds properly. Iced saline gauze pads and ointments will be used to help to ease swelling and discomfort. Patients will typically experience some minor discomfort from surgery; however, any pain can be alleviated with medication prescribed by Dr. Pontell.

The average patient returns to work in about one week. Most people can resume regular physical activity in two weeks. Because incisions are hidden along the natural lines and creases of the eyes, the scars will fade over time. Scars generally are not visible once healing is complete.

What if I Require Revision Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Pontell has seen many patients who have undergone an eyelid lift with another doctor and were not satisfied with the final results. For the best results after eyelid surgery in Main Line, patients must wait at least six months to a year after the initial blepharoplasty procedure. This allows the tissues time to heal fully and for the final results to become apparent.

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Eyelid Surgery FAQs

How long will my blepharoplasty results last?

Will I look like another person after eyelid surgery?

Will my eyes look “pulled back” after blepharoplasty?

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

What can I expect post-op?

Will there be scars?

How long will my blepharoplasty results last?

Although patients can enjoy the results of an eyelid lift for many years, the procedure does not halt the aging process. The eyes can develop other signs of aging in the future. In order to slow the effects of aging on the skin, Dr. Pontell recommends refraining from smoking and wearing sun protection daily.

Will I look like another person after eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery is not intended to make you look like another person but to refresh and rejuvenate your current appearance. Dr. Pontell’s eyelid surgery is highly technical and precise, removing the correct amount of fat, tissue, and skin to revive your appearance while ensuring it does not look “overdone.”

Will my eyes look “pulled back” after blepharoplasty?

Facial plastic surgery has improved over the past few decades. The most recent and modern techniques are designed to help patients achieve natural-looking results. Dr. Pontell is an experienced facial plastic surgeon who offers the latest advancements in blepharoplasty in Philadelphia. He can help you achieve results that make you appear more youthful while maintaining your unique look.

How much does eyelid surgery cost?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is performed at an average cost of between $4500 and $8000. The price will vary based on the extent of the corrections needed and whether both upper and lower lids require surgery.

What can I expect post-op?

Expect to experience swelling and bruising after your procedure. This is normal and typically resolves within two weeks. You should feel well enough to return to your usual activities about two weeks after your surgery.

Will there be scars?

Your eyelids heal better and faster than many other bodily areas. Your incisions will be placed in the crease of the upper eyelid and will not be visible when your eyes are open. Lower lids are usually corrected with an incision inside the eyelid, with no visible scars. If there is excess skin on the lower lids, an incision just below the lashes is used. This incision heals quickly.

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