Eyelid Surgery

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What Is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the signs of aging around the eyelids. It involves removing skin and fat from the lids to restore a more youthful appearance to your eyes. Patients choose this procedure to see a improvement of the eyelid area, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance enhancing their overall appearance. Eyelid surgery can be for both women and men using an individual approach to achieve a natural result.

Am I a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

If you want to see a lasting change to the eyelid area and reverse signs of aging, then you could enjoy a eyelid procedure. If you feel eyelid surgery is something that could benefit your appearance and aesthetic goals, the next step is to set up a consultation with one of our highly trained oculofacial plastic surgeons. Your surgeon will help evaluate if lower and upper blepharoplasty in Chicago is right for you as well as discuss options to help enhance your appearance.

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Eyelid Surgery Overview

Eyelid surgery is a common procedure at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants that typically takes between 1-2 hours. During a blepharoplasty, the upper lids are marked and an incision is made where excess skin fat muscle may be removed. While some patients may prefer general anesthesia or mild sedation, your eyelid procedure can be performed with local anesthesia while awake. Choosing local anesthesia is more efficient and allows for a faster recovery time.

You also have the option to combine upper eyelid surgery with other procedures for even better results. Procedures that are often performed with an eyelid lift include lower eyelid surgery or a brow lift. If you choose to combine these procedures into a single operation surgery can typically be done in a few hours.
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What Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Lower blepharoplasty, also known as lower eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that helps to rejuvenate the area under the eye. This procedure can often help to reduce puffiness and bags under your eyes as well as improve fine lines and wrinkles around the lower eyelids area. Lower eyelid surgery often results in significant improvement in your appearance as a whole. Many patients report looking more alert, lively, and youthful.

It's not the having, it's the getting.

Elizabeth Taylor

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery

Upper blepharoplasty offers a variety of aesthetic benefits for patients of a wide range of ages. Depending on each individual patient, upper eyelid surgery can:
  • Enhance upper lid contour and smoothness
  • Remove droopy upper eyelids
  • Restore a more youthful appearance to your eyes
  • Reduce puffiness in upper lids and under the eyes
  • Improve upper lid symmetry
At Chicago Oculofacial Consultants, we understand that upper eyelid surgery is a big decision for many of our patients. That's why Dr. Williams and her team strive to provide every patient with quality care and individualized attention during their procedure. We want you to love your results and feel great about how you look for years to come.

Benefits of Lower Eyelid Surgery

Lower blepharoplasty may provide many benefits that our patients love, including:
  • Reduced puffiness and bags under the lower eyelids
  • Improved lower eyelid skin tone and texture
  • Reduced lower eyelid wrinkles
  • Reduced fatigued-looking appearance
  • Improved overall facial symmetry
We work closely with each patient to fully learn their goals in order to provide optimal outcomes that match their expectations. By keeping open, transparent communication with our patients as a top priority, we can help ensure you see the results you want.

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Blepharoplasty Before & Afters

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After the Surgery: Recovery

After your procedure, you can return to your home the same day, but it will be time to focus on rest and recovery. Your lower eyelid surgery recovery time may range anywhere from 1-2 weeks. During this time, you should take extra care to follow all instructions provided by your surgeon and make sure that any medications are taken as prescribed. We also recommend avoiding strenuous activities for at least three weeks or until your surgeon approves it to avoid any complications. If you have any questions, you can call our office or speak to Dr. Williams during one of your follow-up visits. We are by your side for the long run and will do our part to ensure you see results that you love.

After the Surgery: Results

Some initial lower eyelid surgery results can be seen immediately after the procedure, but they will continue to evolve as your body heals over the weeks and months that follow. We encourage our patients to remain patient while their lower blepharoplasty results settle into their final form. You can also expect continued tightness at first, which is normal. The good news is that once you see your final results, you can enjoy them for years, especially with a healthy skincare routine and lifestyle. We also recommend avoiding excessive sun exposure, as this can quickly wear out the under-eye area.

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Eyelid Surgery Q & A

What is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants consists of procedures that preserve the function and appearance of your eyelids or remove cancerous tissue. You might need eyelid surgery if you have an eye disease, an ongoing medical problem that affects your eyes, eyelid cancer, or drooping eyelids that diminish your vision or self-confidence.

What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?

Benefits of eyelid surgery at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants, include:

  • Improved line of vision
  • Tighter eyelids
  • Lifted eyelids
  • Elimination of eyelid abnormalities
  • Improved line of vision
  • No more eyelid cancer

Eyelid surgery is often a simple procedure performed by Dr. Williams using local anesthesia. However, it can dramatically improve the way your eyelids look, prevent complications, and give you a better quality of life.

What are different types of eyelid abnormalities?

Eyelid surgery can correct many eyelid disorders, including:

Ectropion/Entropion

Ectropion causes eyelid tissue to become loose and turn outward – Entropion causes your eyelid to turn inward. It can rub against your eye and feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, eyelid surgery can improve these conditions and reduce unpleasant side effects.

​Eyelid retraction

Eyelid retraction can occur in upper and lower eyelids, causing blurry vision, dry eyes, and tearing. Surgery repairs the eyelid abnormalities responsible for unpleasant symptoms.

Lacrimal duct issues

Your lacrimal gland in the eyelids drains tears from the surface of the eye. If you have a blocked duct or another lacrimal duct issue, eyelid surgery can correct the problem.

Ptosis

Ptosis is a common term for drooping eyelids. It may affect one or both eyes and can cause vision impairments or abnormal-looking eyelids.

Dermatochalasis

If you have a condition called dermatochalasis, you often experience loose, excess skin around your eyes. It’s often related to aging and loss of skin elasticity.

Eyelid cancer

Eyelid cancer might appear as a bump or discolored tissue. It can spread and be dangerous if left untreated.

Is eyelid surgery right for me?

Dr. Williams discusses your symptoms, medical history, and desired outcome to determine if eyelid surgery is the best option for you. She examines your eyelids and may recommend you complete vision testing, biopsies, imaging procedures, or other diagnostic procedures.

What should I expect during the procedure?

Right before eyelid surgery at Chicago Oculofacial Consultants, your provider gives you local anesthesia and a sedative if needed to help you relax. Dr. Williams removes, repairs, or replaces eyelid tissues, depending on the type of eyelid or vision problem you have.

What happens after eyelid surgery?

After undergoing eyelid surgery, your lids may be tender, sore, red, and swollen. Have a friend or family member drive you home and protect your eyelids from the sun. Take medications as directed and follow all of Dr. Williams’ post-surgery instructions.

Over time, as your eyelids heal, you can expect healthier, younger-looking eyelids.

To find out if eyelid surgery is right for you, call the nearest Chicago Oculofacial Consultants office or book an appointment online today.

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