Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
The visible signs of aging often begin around the eyes and can occur as early as your late 20’s or early 30’s. Many men report that that friends or co-workers ask if they are tired or sad when, in fact, they are neither. Eyelid surgery can help you to look more alert and youthful. In the paragraphs below, Dr. Pielet explains the procedure, how blepharoplasty is performed and the expected recovery time. Also, visit the gallery page to learn more about the results for Chicago area eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty (commonly referred to as eyelid surgery) can improve the appearance of your upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Eyelid surgery helps to correct sagging eyelids, remove fatty bulges beneath the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids, giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance. This procedure can easily be combined with other facial procedures such as a brow lift or a facelift for even more dramatic results.
How is Blepharoplasty performed?
Blepharoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure. A fine incision is placed in the crease of the upper eyelid. Often, a small strip of skin and muscle are removed to eliminate drooping of the upper eyelid and creation of a better crease. The incision hides in this crease and is virtually invisible. If there is any mechanical drooping of the upper lid (ptosis), this can be corrected as well. Specific measurements will be taken and the treatment plan will be individualized to meet your specific goals.
For the lower lids, an incision is often made inside the lower eyelid and is completely invisible. Through this incision, fat is either removed or redistributed in order to eliminate lower eyelid bags. Another option, when indicated, is to make an incision just below the lash line for removal of excess skin from the lower lid. Sometimes the fat, which is removed from the eyelids, is transplanted (autologous fat transfer) to other areas such as into wrinkles, furrows and creases for a softer contour. There are certain advantages to using your own fat as a filler material over other injectables; Dr. Pielet will discuss these options with you.
This procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours, but may vary depending on other procedures being performed at the same time.
What to expect during the recovery period:
- Mild bruising and swelling around the eyelids are normal after surgery and may last a few days
- Minimal discomfort and dryness might occur; both can be controlled with medication
- Contact lenses can be worn in a few weeks
- Return to light activity within a few days
- Resume full activities 3-4 weeks after surgery
- Sutures are usually removed 3-5 days after surgery
- Hairline scars in the natural contour of the eyelids will fade in approximately 2 months
Dr. Pielet is a gifted plastic surgeon in Chicago who offers a variety of facial plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation procedures for men and women. He has treated many Chicago eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) patients with excellent results. In addition to eyelid surgery, he offers other facial procedures for patients seeking rhinoplasty, brow lift, neck lift or face lift in Chicago.
