Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, treats excessive skin on the upper and/or lower eyelids. The removal of the excess tissues has a rejuvenating effect on an aging face. Our Chicago blepharoplasty providers can create long-lasting results that look beautiful and natural. Our surgical team at Chicago Aesthetic Surgery Institute works closely with patients to explain all aspects of the eyelid surgery procedure and to recommend procedures that may complement the results, such as facelift, laser skin tightening, or Botox®. Learn more about eyelid surgery in the Chicago area and contact our cosmetic surgery practice to schedule a personal consultation.
The Causes of Eyelid Concerns
- Aging: As you get older, the skin around your eyes starts to lose elasticity. Fat can shift or collect in new areas and make your upper or lower lids look puffy, loose, or heavy.
- Genetics: Some patients are simply more prone to drooping lids or under-eye bags because of their family history. If your parents or siblings have these concerns, you might start noticing them earlier.
- Fluid Retention: Lids can look swollen or puffy due to excess fluid buildup. This often happens in the morning, after eating salty foods, or when you’re not getting enough sleep.
- Sun Exposure: Too much sun can weaken the skin and speed up collagen loss. That breakdown can lead to sagging and fine lines around the eyes.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, lack of sleep, allergies, and even frequent rubbing of your eyes can gradually change the look of your lids. These daily habits add up and can affect the appearance of your eyes more than you might think.
What Is a Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure we use to remove or reposition excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle from the eyelids. It can lift drooping upper lids that may be affecting your vision or reduce puffiness and under-eye bags that make you look tired. The goal is to create a more rested and alert appearance while preserving your natural look. We personalize this surgery based on what’s bothering you most, whether that’s heaviness in the upper eyelids, fullness under the eyes, or both.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery in Chicago
You may be a Chicago eyelid lift candidate if you have noticed some of the following issues:
- Sagging Upper Lids: When the upper eyelids start to hang or fold over, it can make your eyes look smaller or even block part of your vision. We can lift and reshape that extra skin so your eyes appear more open and refreshed.
- Drooping Lower Lids: If your lower eyelids pull away from the eye or turn outward, it can cause dryness, irritation, and an aged appearance. We adjust tissues to help the lid sit naturally against the eye again.
- Under-Eye Bags: That puffiness under your eyes often comes from fat pads shifting with age. We use eyelid surgery for puffiness to carefully remove or reposition that fat and smooth the area.
- Dark Circles: If you’ve tried concealers and eye creams but still see that shadow under your eyes, it could be from volume loss or hollowing. We can adjust the fat or use grafting techniques to soften the appearance of the dark circles under the eyes.
Candidates for blepharoplasty should be in good physical and mental health. To promote patient safety, our surgeons ask many questions about patients’ medical history. Certain conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, and eye disorders such as glaucoma) may increase the risk of eyelid surgery complications, and it is important for the surgeon to have all of this information up front. It is also important for patients to understand that eyelid surgery will remove excess skin and under-eye bags, but it might not completely eliminate wrinkles or “crow’s feet.” Other procedures — such as brow lift or Botox — may be performed in conjunction with eyelid surgery to address these aesthetic concerns.
Types of Blepharoplasty Procedures
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
During upper eyelid surgery, we make an incision along the natural crease of the eyelid, which helps conceal the scar once healing is complete. Through that incision, we remove or reposition excess skin and muscle to reshape the eyelid and improve its contour. We take care to preserve the natural shape of the eye while restoring a more open appearance.
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
For lower eyelid surgery, we typically use one of two incision techniques: either along the lash line (subciliary) or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival), depending on what needs to be corrected. If fat pockets are prominent, we may remove or redistribute them. Many patients choose lower eyelid surgery for puffiness when eye creams and skincare just aren’t doing enough.
Combined Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
In cases where both upper and lower lids need correction, we perform a combined surgery using the same techniques described above in one operative session. This maintains harmony across the entire eye area and limits your overall recovery time.
Before and After Eyelid Surgery
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- Age 60-65
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- Age 55-60
Preparing for Blepharoplasty
Pre-Surgical Physical Exam
Before we schedule your surgery, we’ll complete a physical exam that focuses on your eyes, vision, and general health. We check for any medical conditions that could affect healing or increase risks during surgery. This includes reviewing your blood pressure, tear production, and eye mobility. If you have dry eye symptoms or any past eye surgeries, be sure to let us know so we can adjust your plan accordingly.
Photographs
We take a set of detailed photos before your procedure to help us plan your treatment and track your results. These images show your eyelid position, skin laxity, and any asymmetry we want to correct. They also give us a solid before-and-after comparison once healing is complete.
Discontinuing Medications and Smoking
A couple of weeks before surgery, we’ll ask you to stop taking any medications or supplements that thin your blood, like aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain herbal products. These can increase your risk of bruising or bleeding during surgery. If you smoke, we strongly recommend quitting for several weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can restrict blood flow and slow down the healing process, especially in delicate areas like the eyelids.
Arranging Transportation
On the day of your procedure, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. Arrange for someone you trust to bring you to and from our surgical facility. You’ll still feel the effects of the anesthesia and will need a calm environment to start your eyelid rejuvenation process without any stress.
Preparing Your Recovery Area
Before your surgery date, set up a recovery space at home where you can rest comfortably for the first few days. Keep clean gauze, cold compresses, extra pillows for head elevation, and any prescribed medications nearby. We also recommend having easy-to-eat meals ready.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure performed at our accredited surgical facility in Chicago. During upper eyelid surgery, the anesthesiologist or one of our nurse anesthetists administers local or general anesthesia. Then, the plastic surgeon makes incisions hidden within the natural folds of the upper eyelids. Through the incisions, excess fat and skin are removed, and the muscles are tightened if need be. During lower eyelid surgery, the plastic surgeon makes an incision, usually below the lower lashes, and removes excess skin, muscle, and fat to eliminate bags or puffiness. The muscles may also be tightened if need be. The placement of the incisions is designed to avoid conspicuous scars.
Some patients opt to combine eyelid surgery with other facial cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, or dermal filler treatments. If you are interested in a comprehensive facial transformation, speak with your Chicago eyelid surgery provider about combining procedures.
Recovering from Eyelid Surgery
It will take several weeks for blepharoplasty results to reveal themselves. For at least a few days following the surgery, patients should get plenty of rest and keep their heads elevated. Swelling or bruising will probably appear, but bruising should resolve in about 7 – 10 days after surgery. Vision may be blurry for several days, and the eyes may be sensitive to light and prone to tearing or becoming excessively dry. All of these conditions can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Recovery Tips for Eyelid Surgery
Use Cold Compresses
During the first 48 hours after surgery, you can apply cold compresses in short intervals to help reduce swelling and soothe the area. Wrap a soft cloth around a cold gel pack and gently place it over your eyes for 10–15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Avoid using anything too heavy or frozen since the skin around your eyes is delicate and healing.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Keep your head elevated while sleeping to limit swelling and bruising. Use a couple of extra pillows or a wedge pillow to prop yourself up at night. If you lie flat, fluid can collect around the eyes, which slows down your healing.
Avoid Strenuous Exercise
We’ll ask you to skip intense workouts, heavy lifting, and bending over for at least one to two weeks. These activities can increase blood flow to the face and lead to more swelling or even bleeding near the incision sites. Light walking is fine to keep your circulation moving, but avoid other exercise until we clear you.
Protect Your Eyes From the Sun
Sun protection matters even more after surgery. Wear sunglasses anytime you’re outside, even on cloudy days, and avoid direct sun exposure while your incisions are healing. We also suggest a wide-brimmed hat for extra shade. UV rays can darken scars and delay healing, especially in the first few weeks after an eyelid lift.
Attend Your Follow-Up Appointments
We’ll schedule follow-ups to check your healing, remove stitches if necessary, and make sure everything looks as expected. These visits also give you a chance to ask questions or mention anything that feels off. Don’t skip them even if you are healing well. We want to be sure everything is progressing the way it should.
FAQs for Blepharoplasty
What Is the Best Age to Have Blepharoplasty?
There isn’t one perfect age for eyelid surgery. It depends on what you’re experiencing and how much it’s affecting you. Most patients come to us in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging become more noticeable. Some people in their 30s who have a strong genetic predisposition to puffiness or drooping may benefit from surgery earlier.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of blepharoplasty varies depending on whether we’re treating the upper lids, lower lids, or both. Additional factors like anesthesia, surgical setting, and whether we’re combining it with other procedures can also affect pricing. During your consultation, we’ll go over everything and give you a clear breakdown of the total cost. We also offer financing options if you are interested in exploring them.
Can Insurance Cover My Eyelid Surgery?
If the upper eyelid skin is interfering with your vision, insurance may cover the procedure. It is best to reach out to your insurance provider to find out more information about coverage for your eyelid surgery.
How Long Will My Eyelid Surgery Results Last?
Most patients enjoy their results for many years. The improvements we make are long-lasting, but your skin will continue to age naturally over time. If you’re taking good care of your skin, including protecting it from the sun, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking, you can help extend those results even longer.
Can Eyelid Surgery Be Combined With Other Surgeries?
Eye bag removal and other eyelid surgeries can be combined with procedures like facelifts, brow lifts, or laser resurfacing to create a more complete rejuvenation. If you’re also concerned about sagging skin, deep lines, or other facial changes, we can build a treatment plan that addresses everything at once.
Will I Have Visible Scars?
We make every effort to place incisions where they’ll be least noticeable, such as along the natural creases of the upper lid or just below the lash line on the lower lid. As those incisions heal, the scars usually fade into the surrounding skin. We’ll also give you instructions for scar care to help the area heal cleanly. Most patients find that their scars are barely noticeable once everything heals.
When Should I Contact My Surgeon?
As you heal from your blepharoplasty, it is normal to experience tenderness, bruising, slight vision changes, and dry eyes. If soreness is more intense, you notice redness or drainage from incisions, or dry eyes and vision problems persist beyond the first two weeks, contact your surgeon. We will be in constant communication with you after your surgery, so you have plenty of opportunities to discuss any concerns with us as you heal.
I Am From Out of Town. Can I Still Get Eyelid Surgery With You?
We work with many patients who travel to us for eyelid surgery! Our facility is located directly across from the airport, which makes it easy to reach whether you’re flying in for a consultation or your procedure. We can recommend nearby accommodations and provide recovery guidance to help you stay comfortable while you’re healing away from home. Our accredited surgical center is equipped for outpatient procedures, and we’re happy to share resources to support you during your stay.
Why Finding the Right Surgeon Is Important
Choosing the right surgeon for eyelid surgery matters because the procedure requires experience, precision, and an understanding of both function and aesthetics. Dr. Stefan Szczerba is double board-certified in plastic and general surgery, with advanced training from institutions like Emory University and the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary. He’s published in medical journals, taught future physicians, and has been consistently recognized with awards like the Patients’ Choice Award and Castle Connolly Top Doctor. When you’re considering eyelid surgery, working with a surgeon like Dr. Szczerba can help you feel at ease throughout the process.
Schedule Your Eyelid Lift Consultation Today
If you are interested in scheduling a blepharoplasty consultation, please contact our office. During your eyelid lift consultation, our experienced surgeons can also explain various other facial procedures, such as facelift, brow lift, neck lift, and fat transfers in Chicago. In addition, they can evaluate your nose to determine whether you might be a Chicago rhinoplasty candidate. Learn more at (847) 853-9900 or through our website.
