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. The surgeons at Tare experienced Chicago blepharoplasty providers who can create long-lasting results that look beautiful and natural. Our surgical team 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 and contact our cosmetic surgery practice to schedule a personal consultation.
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery in Chicago
You may be a Chicago eyelid lift candidate if you have noticed some of the following issues:
- Excess skin on your upper lids that sags
- Lower lids that droop
- Puffy bags or dark circles under your 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.
The 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 is 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.
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.