Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Chicago

Overview

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a category of operations that address the aging changes that occur around the eyes. The eyes are often the first area of the face to show age, and they are also the feature that most powerfully signals fatigue or heaviness to observers, even when a patient feels well-rested.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin and, when indicated, small amounts of fat from the upper lid. The goal is to create a youthful upper eyelid, which is free of hooded, excess skin and reveals a consistent amount of pretarsal skin (the few millimeters of skin above the eyelashes where one would apply eyeshadow if desired).

Lower blepharoplasty addresses the fat bags, hollows, and skin changes of the lower eyelid, restoring a smooth transition between the lower lid and the cheek.

The result is not a change to the shape of the eye but a restoration of the eye to a more rested, youthful, beautiful appearance.

Who is a Candidate

The best candidates for blepharoplasty are patients in good health with at least one of the following aging changes: heaviness or hooding of the upper eyelids, excess skin obscuring the natural crease, puffy or hollow-appearing lower eyelids, undereye bags, or a tired or heavy appearance of the eyes even when well-rested.

Blepharoplasty is anatomy-dependent, not age-dependent. Patients seek eyelid surgery from their thirties into their seventies, depending on the pace of their individual aging and the extent of their concerns.

Blepharoplasty addresses the structural aging of the eyelids, not the color of undereye circles or skin texture, which are best treated with skincare and adjunct treatments. A pre-operative eye examination may be recommended to assess for dry eye or other conditions that could affect surgical planning.

What to Expect

Every case begins with an unhurried consultation. Dr. Nissan will examine the eyes, upper and lower eyelids, and surrounding structures. He will discuss what you notice and what you hope to change, and offer a candid opinion on which procedure would best serve your goals.

Limited upper eyelid surgery can be done under local anesthesia. More extensive upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are done under general anesthesia. Bruising and swelling are most pronounced in the first several days and resolve substantially by one to two weeks. Most patients are comfortable returning to social settings by one to two weeks. Final refinement continues over several months.

Frequently Asked

Will blepharoplasty change the shape of my eye?

No. The goal of blepharoplasty is not to change the shape of the eye but to restore the surrounding eyelid tissues to a more rested position. A properly executed blepharoplasty should leave the eye recognizably your own.

How long does blepharoplasty last?

Upper blepharoplasty results in a permanent change. Lower blepharoplasty results are similarly durable. As with all facial rejuvenation surgery, blepharoplasty does not stop the aging process; patients continue to age from the point of surgery forward, but from a younger baseline.

Where are the incisions?

Upper eyelid incisions are placed in the natural crease of the upper lid, where they become nearly invisible as they heal. Lower eyelid incisions may be placed just below the lash line or, depending on the anatomy, inside the lid where they leave no external scar.

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with facelift, neck lift, brow lift, or skin resurfacing. Combining procedures under a single anesthetic often produces the most cohesive result.

Is blepharoplasty painful?

Most patients describe the recovery as uncomfortable rather than painful. Discomfort is managed with a short course of non-narcotic pain medications.

What happens at the consultation?

The consultation is a conversation as much as an examination. We will take your photos, and Dr. Nissan will ask what you notice in the mirror. He will discuss the underlying anatomy driving those observations and recommend the treatment strategy that best serves your goals.