Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty
Restore Your Eyes
Your eyes are generally the first feature someone will notice when they meet you. Naturally, many people are especially concerned with signs of aging that affect this area of their face. Over time, the skin around your eyes may become loose, begin to sag or show other signs of aging. With genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and more affecting the rate at which we age, nobody can resist the effects forever.
One issue affecting many people is the drooping or sagging of their upper eyelid. This can cause a person to appear tired, sad, or older than their true age. This issue can even go beyond a cosmetic preference, to the point where a person’s vision is impacted. Home to the best eyelid surgeon in Chicago, our clinic is uniquely prepared to help those seeking effective resolutions for this problem in the form of blepharoplasty surgeries.
What is Blepharoplasty?
This is a procedure that helps improve the look of the skin around your eyes by lifting, tightening, or removing excess tissue. Depending on the extent of the issue and the patient’s unique anatomy, we may recommend surgery for the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. Lower blepharoplasties can also provide additional benefits such as reshaping the contours of the face for a more youthful and attractive appearance.
If the skin around your eyes has begun to sag or droop, a blepharoplasty may be the ideal way to correct the issue. We recommend scheduling a consultation with the best eyelid surgeon in Chicago to explore the topic further. Dr. Cohen can examine your eyes, discuss your personal goals with you, and offer informative suggestions for your unique case.
The Procedure
Medical professionals use the term blepharoplasty as a blanket term to refer to any surgical procedure that tightens either the lower or upper eyelid or both. When you have drooping eyelids, an upper blepharoplasty by our top eyelid surgeon can help pull the eyelids up away from the eyes. However, if your lower lids sag against your cheeks, a lower blepharoplasty can tighten the skin and resolve the problem. Our best eyelid surgeon in Chicago, Glenview and Lincoln Park can complete both of these procedures at the same time when necessary.
Upper Blepharoplasty
For an upper blepharoplasty, our surgeon will remove excess fat and skin using an incision located in the natural crease, hiding the scar from view. We then use fine sutures to close the incision. The end result is a refreshed, improved appearance with a more prominent eyelid crease, so you look younger around the eyes.
Lower Eyelid Lift
When you undergo a lower eyelid lift, the incisions are placed inside the eyelid, so they remain hidden. If excess skin must be removed, the incision may need to be made beneath the eyelashes. Our top eyelid surgeon, Dr. Cohen, can remove any excess fat and skin, repositioning it so the scars are less visible after healing. This will create a younger, more beautiful, smoother facial contour.
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty Surgery
Recovering from blepharoplasty surgery looks different for each individual depending on the specifics of their case. Most patients will notice bruising, a small amount of drainage, and a bit of swelling immediately following their procedure. Patients should plan to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity, eye makeup, and touching the incision area during this first phase of recovery.
We will make sure you are well-prepared and informed of what will be required during your recovery. You may need to return to our office so that Dr. Cohen can check your progress and give updated care instructions as you heal. Remember, the better you adhere to aftercare instructions, the sooner you are likely to be able to return to your typical lifestyle.
Before & After Blepharoplasty Procedure
BLEPHAROPLASTY FAQ's
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
The length of surgery depends on whether you are having an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or both. Typically, the surgery will take 1-2 hours. Our doctor, one of the best eyelid surgeons in Chicago, can provide you with personalized information about the expected length of your procedure.
Can I Drive After My Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasties are generally performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthetics. We recommend that patients arrange for another driver to pick them up from their appointment. It’s best to avoid driving for 5-10 days after your procedure, as you may experience swelling and be taking pain medication to manage symptoms.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery for each person is different, which is why there is no exact recovery time available. Most people will experience some swelling and bruising for about seven to 10 days following the blepharoplasty procedure. The best eyelid surgeon at our facility recommends scheduling this surgery for a Friday and then taking the following week off, allowing for the 10 full days for recovery.
When Will My Stitches Be Removed?
When you book your surgery you will also need to book a follow-up appointment to have your sutures (stitches) removed. Your doctor will examine your healing progress 3-5 days after the surgery and make a determination. Most people will have their stitches removed at this point, however for some a subsequent appointment may be necessary to safely remove them.
When Can I Begin Wearing Makeup?
While many patients are anxious to return to their routines or conceal bruising caused by the procedure, it’s important to keep the area clean and avoid touching it as much as possible during healing. We typically recommend that patients avoid wearing eye makeup for 10-14 days after their surgery.
When Can I Begin Swimming?
Whether you’re itching to go to the beach, dive into a pool, or soak in the bath—it will have to wait! We recommend waiting at least 3 weeks before fully submerging yourself in water; longer if you have open wounds. It’s best to wait a full month before dipping in a hot tub as they tend to contain more bacteria than pools.
Will a Blepharoplasty Improve My Peripheral Vision?
Your eyelid lift surgery may improve your peripheral vision if your eyelids droop in such a way that your vision is impaired. In fact, if the first surgery does not improve your peripheral vision sufficiently, or your eyelids begin to droop again over time, you may be a good candidate for a follow-up surgery. Those who are seeking out blepharoplasty surgery for cosmetic purposes will not experience improved peripheral vision as a result of surgery.
Can Insurance Cover an Eyelid Lift?
If your vision is impaired by drooping upper eyelids, an upper eyelid lift may be covered by your insurance provider. Every insurance company is different, so check if your provider provides coverage. Often, your health insurance company will need some kind of proof that your vision is impaired. If necessary, Dr. Cohen will perform the tests and send the required proof to your provider if you are eligible.
