What Is Blepharoplasty?
Your eyes are among your most beautiful features, so it's a shame when people can't see them due to excess skin around the eyelids. Not only can drooping skin give you a more tired appearance, but it can even obstruct your vision in more severe cases. At Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, we perform eyelid surgery (also known as blepharoplasty) for Chicago, IL women and men who want to address sagging eyelids for improved function and a more alert look. Whether you wish to target the upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or both, blepharoplasty can dramatically transform your appearance. To discover how eyelid surgery can change your aesthetic, schedule a consultation at our plastic surgery practice in Chicago, IL.
How Is Blepharoplasty Performed?
Eyelid surgery is performed in-office at our Chicago, IL office using either general or local anesthesia. This cosmetic procedure may be done on the upper eyelid alone, on the bottom portion, or a combination of both eyelids. Depending on your needs, you can combine your upper eyelid surgery with other aesthetic treatments for a more comprehensive transformation.
For upper blepharoplasty, we'll first make an incision along the crease of the eyelid before trimming away fat and other tissues. This approach also allows us to reposition the muscles for a tighter, more refreshed appearance.
Lower blepharoplasty typically involves an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid, allowing our providers access to remove fatty tissues while lifting up the skin.
What to Expect After Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty can take up to two hours, considering whether one or both eyes are treated. After this outpatient surgery, you should plan on spending about a week recovering and resting at home. A cold compress can assist in reducing discomfort, swelling, and bruising. The outcomes from eyelid surgery may last years, but even though they are lasting, the aging process does not stop. To continue to enhance your surgical outcomes, other nonsurgical cosmetic treatments at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery, such as injections, fillers, and lasers, can be paired to create a youthful-looking appearance.
What Are the Benefits of Blepharoplasty?
If you are bothered by the appearance of your eyes or having vision issues related to saggy eyelids, blepharoplasty at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery may provide the answer you're looking for. The benefits of eyelid surgery include:
- Improving looseness and/or drooping skin in the lower and upper eyelids
- Improving bags in bottom lids
- Enhancing the contour and appearance of the eyes
- Producing a more awake, aware look
- Expanding vision by improving line of sight
- Decreasing discomfort by eliminating friction from skin creases
Blepharoplasty Reviews
I visited Dr Fine and his team after a failed breast reconstruction after being treated for cancer with mastectomy, chemo and radiation. From the first visit, there were noticeable differences between my prior surgeon and him. He and his team are empathetic and make their patients feel at ease and cared for. At each visit, he and his team have spent a lot of time with me. The visits never feel rushed. At my first visit, he looked at my infected reconstructed breast with an exposed implant and calmly explained what was necessary to fix it. He then explained the procedure he thought would be helpful and showed me before and after pictures of patients who had undergone the suggested surgery. The end result was gorgeous, by the way, in all of these pictures---even in post radiation patients. In this visit alone, he spent more time with me than my prior surgeon had spent with me over multiple visits. He answered all my very detailed questions. In my first visit with my prior surgeon, before my mastectomy, my husband and I were left alone in an exam room for about an hour with a saline-filled implant and silicone-filled implant on the counter to look at. The surgeon I went to before spent about 20 minutes with me in that visit and did not go into detail. The choices presented to me were implant reconstruction with saline- or silicone-filled implants or an abdominal flap procedure that takes 2-4 months to recover from. I am very career-oriented and don't have 2 months to take off of work. Dr Fine, on the other hand, gave me the option of a latissimus dorsi flap with a significantly shorter recovery time, lower complication rate, and better aesthetic result. He gives you his honest opinion based on 30 years of experience. He tells you the hard truths: such as that 50% of implant reconstructions fail after radiation therapy. I wish I would have known that before I started on this journey because I would have made very different choices. The icing on the cake was when he took out the infected implant in his office, which makes a woman feel really terrible and ugly and scared, and his very kind PA told me I have beautiful eyes. Wow. What a caring team.
Dr. Moridian was incredible from start to finish. Before the surgery, he took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process, which helped ease my concerns. After the procedure, I experienced quite a bit of anxiety, but Dr. Moridian was always there for me—he checked in the next day and kept in touch through texts and emails for almost two months, offering support every step of the way.His bedside manner is outstanding, and his surgical skills are truly remarkable. I underwent a deep plane facelift, neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and a chemical peel, and the results exceeded my expectations. Remarkably, I was able to go out to eat just one week post-surgery. The transformation is absolutely wonderful. Dr. Moridian is, without a doubt, the best.
I went to Dr. Schierle to address my gynecomastia - which had been a lifelong issue that suddenly went from being a purely cosmetic flaw to a much bigger overall health issue for me over the course of a year or so. The first green flag for me was this office was the first plastic surgery practice that was willing to listen to my concerns and try billing my insurance for the surgery (coverage for the procedure was approved).Dr. Schierle himself made the entire process as positive as possible. I felt that he truly listened to me, asked thoughtful questions about my goals for the surgery, was frank and open about every aspect of my procedure and what I could realistically expect, and never once made me feel judged or uncomfortable.The team and office staff have been incredible to work with. I’ve always been able to reach someone if I had a question or concern during recovery. I never have a problem getting into the office when I’ve needed to.I knew that I had made the best decision in choosing a surgeon during my second post-surgery checkup, when Dr. Schierle recommended I hold off on any scar revision treatments for at least a year. To me, this just demonstrated further that he is actually invested in his patients’ success and not just out to milk people for as much money as he can.I’m really grateful to Dr. Schierle and his team for making what was an incredibly stressful and scary ordeal into a much more manageable process. Can’t recommend them enough.
I had a deep plane face and lower neck lift, lower blepharoplasty, fat grafting and a chemical peel through Dr. Moradian. I LOVE looking in the mirror everyday - vain or not and it is all because of Dr. Moradian. My appointments were always on time, he never ever limited my endless questions or made them or me seem unimportant. Dr. Moradian really took his time looking at my skin and face deciding what would have the best outcome for me. I had no problem relying on him 100% as to my choices. He never rushed me when I would ask the same questions at each visit. He prepared me mentally to be ready for a change in my appearance, which I thought was very insightful. I wasn't worried about the changes though and looked forward to seeing the changes everyday because I trusted him and I was ready for this. I am going back to see him for a few more procedures as is my husband and sister. The surgery center was amazing, Monica and Kendall were so nice, caring and helped me through this. Dr. Moradian would text me during recovery and I can still text him with questions. When it came down to the surgery, Dr. Moradian was all business. It was very apparent that he is a perfectionist in his field and wanted me to get the very best outcome. Recovery was really no big deal. Everyday was better and it was exciting to see the changes. I take better care of myself now (shoutout to a hat and sunscreen Dr. M) I feel extremely lucky to have found Dr. Moradian, and to have had these procedures with him. I have never looked back on my surgery with any regret and that is entirely because of Dr. Moradian.
Seven months ago I had an SMAS plication facelift, deep plane neck lift, brow lift, quad bleph, ear lobe reduction, scar remodeling, and facial fat grafting under the expert hands and eyes of Dr Moradian.I had been very happy with the way I looked after a prior lower face/neck lift 10 years prior, but thought I’d consult with Dr. Moradian just to see what he might recommend for me. I’m a longtime client of NSPS med spa and upon meeting Dr. Moradian in passing I loved his entire vibe and felt comfortable enough to schedule a consult. I ended up scheduling my surgery immediately after that initial consult and KNEW in my heart I was in the best hands. It’s always been EXTREMELY important to me that I continue to look like me. Not plastic or “done!” I’m not a big make up person and prefer to look natural, FRESH, healthy, and not tired.I’m So happy I took the leap and had my surgery with Dr. Moradian. The entire team at NSPS is unbelievably beautiful inside and out, and Kendall and Monika couldn’t have made me feel more comfortable or cared for. Dr. Moradian went, and still goes, above and beyond to answer my questions, taking the time I need at follow up visits, and responding to my texts and phone calls.Surgery day was a breeze, and my recovery was actually an interesting fun process. Dr. Moradian kept my husband and daughter in the loop and answered any and all questions they had re: my recovery I never felt alone or that any question was a stupid one. Dr Moradian stayed in such close contact and even made several visits to my home which is near the surgery center. My husband and I have the utmost respect for Dr. Moradian and after really getting to know him, we are SO happy I put my face in his hands. We consider him a friend now and a true renaissance man. Dr. Moradian is A true master of his skill❤️❤️
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Is Blepharoplasty Right for Me?
Upper or lower blepharoplasty is a facial cosmetic enhancement that both women and men seek. At your first visit, Dr. Schierle will explain treatment options based on the symptoms that need to be addressed. Most often, ideal candidates suffer from excess, drooping skin and folds on the upper eyelid or bulging skin just under the bottom eyelid. These conditions can cause functional and vision difficulties that can hinder everyday activities. For a rejuvenated look, blepharoplasty may be the right procedure for you. If you have hanging skin that folds over on the upper eyelid or bulging bags under the eyes, blepharoplasty can treat this to give you a younger appearance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?
Blepharoplasty is designed to rejuvenate the eye area without completely altering your natural eye shape. However, subtle changes can occur, such as a more defined eyelid crease or reduced heaviness, which can make your eyes appear larger or more open. Your surgeon will discuss how your unique anatomy and goals may influence these results.
How long will the scars from blepharoplasty be noticeable?
While scars from blepharoplasty are typically hidden in the eyelid’s natural folds or lash lines, mild redness or firmness can persist for a few months. Most patients find that scars soften and fade significantly within six months to a year, becoming barely visible over time with proper aftercare.
Can blepharoplasty help with vision problems caused by droopy eyelids?
Yes, if your upper eyelids are sagging enough to obstruct your field of vision, blepharoplasty can lift the excess skin and improve peripheral vision. Many patients notice less strain when reading or driving after surgery, as their visual field is no longer blocked by drooping eyelids.
Show Off Your Eyes
If you are having a hard time seeing due to excess skin on the upper eyelid, or you suffer from puffy bags under your eyes, then we invite you to discover if you're an ideal candidate for upper or lower blepharoplasty at Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery. This enhancement can allow you to look and feel refreshed and youthful while offering a gorgeous answer to your vision impairment concerns. We invite you to contact one of our offices in Chicago, IL to book a consultation with our team.