Eyelid Surgery
Conveniently located to serve Chicago and North Shore
What is Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an “eye lift,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of either the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also be performed for patients whose vision is impaired due to sagging, and excess skin of the upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping, bulging, or sagging eyelids that cause people to appear fatigued or much older than their actual age.
Eyelid Surgery can be performed on the top eyelids, bottom eyelids, or both, to improve the appearance of your eyes.
Dr. Rachel is a quadruple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with particular expertise in blepharoplasty. He also performs corrective eyelid surgery for correction of medical problems such as obstruction of the visual field (ptosis), dry eye syndrome, or lower eyelid sagging (malposition). When necessary, Dr. Rachel can perform cosmetic and corrective eyelid surgery together at the same time.
Am I a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Most candidates are bothered by drooping, sagging, or puffy eyelids that make them look tired or older than they feel. Others have excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with their field of vision. Dr. Rachel evaluates both the cosmetic and functional aspects of your eyelids before recommending a surgical plan, as the right approach depends on the specific concerns present and the degree of correction required.
Good candidates for eyelid surgery generally:
- Are in good general health, with no underlying eye disease that would prevent safe healing
- Have realistic expectations for their results
- Are bothered by excess skin, fat, or sagging around the upper or lower eyelids
- Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
Patients with certain eye conditions, such as severe dry eye or uncontrolled thyroid eye disease, may require additional evaluation before proceeding. A consultation with Dr. Rachel will confirm whether eyelid surgery fits your goals.
What to Expect After Eyelid Surgery
Immediately after surgery, you can expect some bruising and swelling around the eyes, which is a normal part of healing. Cold compresses during the first 24 to 48 hours help keep this manageable. Most patients feel comfortable resting at home with their head elevated for the first day or two.
Dr. Rachel will see you for a follow-up visit shortly after surgery to check your healing and answer any questions. Bruising and swelling typically improve significantly within the first one to two weeks, though subtle final results can take several weeks to fully settle. Most patients feel comfortable applying makeup to camouflage residual bruising once any incisions have closed.
Eyelid Surgery Related Procedures
What is an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Most patients seek upper eyelid blepharoplasty to correct excess skin on their upper eyelid. The skin may fold onto the eyelashes and even interfere with vision. This is a minimally invasive surgery in most cases and can be done using local anesthetic alone or under IV sedation. An incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid followed by the removal of excess skin and fat. Occasionally the underlying muscle has stretched out of shape and needs to be trimmed. Wounds are closed with a very fine suture, which can be removed in 5-7 days. Patients return to work the next day if they choose.
What is a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Most patients seek lower eyelid blepharoplasty to correct baggy protrusions of the lower eyelids. Some patients also have excess skin that needs to be removed. This is a minimally invasive surgery in most cases and can be done using local anesthetic alone or under IV sedation. The surgery can be performed from within the lower eyelid so there are no visible scars (a transconjunctival blepharoplasty), or from the outside where the incision is placed in the crease just below the eyelashes where a scar will be camouflaged. Conservative fat removal can be performed with a laser and while patients avoid vigorous activities for a week, wounds usually heal in a matter of days.
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
The cost of Eyelid Surgery will depend on several factors. The number of sessions will influence the final price, as will the severity of the cosmetic issues being addressed.
Benefits of Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery can refresh the appearance of the eyes while also improving comfort and, for some patients, vision.
Patients choose eyelid surgery for benefits that include:
- A more alert, rested appearance
- Improved upper peripheral vision when excess skin has been blocking sight
- Reduced puffiness or bagginess below the eyes
- Relief from the heaviness or eye strain that excess eyelid skin can cause by day’s end
- Results that look natural and continue to age gracefully over time
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetics for Eyelid Surgery?
Dr. John D. Rachel is a quadruple board-certified surgeon with fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. His background as an otolaryngologist gives him a detailed understanding of eyelid structure and function, not just its appearance. This allows him to treat cosmetic concerns alongside medical eyelid problems, such as ptosis or eyelid malposition, in the same procedure when appropriate.
Eyelid surgery is performed at Chicago Aesthetics’ accredited ambulatory surgery center, serving patients from Chicago, Glenview, and beyond. Dr. Rachel’s combination of cosmetic and reconstructive training is uncommon among surgeons who perform eyelid surgery, giving patients a single point of care for both how their eyes look and how they function.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule your consultation for Eyelid Surgery in Chicago – contact Dr. Rachel and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!
Dr John Rachel, is a hidden gem! I cant say enough good things about Dr Rachel, his staff, & my overall experience. I recently had an upper eye lid lift surgery. Even though I’m a week into my healing process, I cant tell you how many people complimented on how good my eyes look. Dr Rachel listens and addresses all your questions and concern. His bedside manner is above and beyond any Physician I have EVER had experience with. Any procedure you may be thinking of having, Dr Rachel by far can meet all your needs and expectation.
FAQ’s
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Am I a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Ideal candidates for Eyelid Surgery have sagging skin and excess fat in the eyelids that create a tired appearance and may obstruct vision. Many patients who undergo the surgery are around 35 years of age or older.
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What other procedures can be performed in conjunction with Eyelid Surgery?
Several other cosmetic procedures may be safely performed at the same time as upper and/or lower Eyelid Surgery. These include skin resurfacing, facelift, necklift, brow or forehead lift, neck liposuction, fat grafting, or dermal filler injections.
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Where do you perform Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid Surgery is performed in the comfort of our in-office surgical suite.
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What type of anesthesia is used in Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid Surgery can be performed using local anesthesia with the patient awake or IV sedation.
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How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?
Typically, patients undergoing eyelid surgery should plan for seven to ten days off work or other activities, as there will be some bruising and swelling. You can help speed recovery by applying ice and sleeping with your head elevated. Every patient is slightly different.
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How do you determine what surgical technique will be used in my Eyelid Surgery?
Only a personal evaluation of the condition of your eyes will allow us to determine what surgical procedure will produce the most improvement. Some patients need the muscular structure above the eyes tightened, some require removing excess eyelid skin, and others have bags or deep tear troughs that may need attention.
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Why do some people who had Eyelid Surgery look unnatural?
When Eyelid Surgery has performed too aggressively, the quantity of excess skin removed can leave your eyes looking strange and wide-eyed, or slanted unnaturally. It is imperative that your cosmetic surgeon is familiar with the surgery and understands facial muscle structure thoroughly to create a fresh, youthful look that appears fully natural.
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How Long Does Eyelid Surgery take to perform?
The surgery itself requires about one to three hours, depending upon the extent of correction needed.
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Will I have scars after my Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid Surgery requiring the removal of excess eyelid skin involves an external skin incision. These skin incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelids. By placing the incisions in the natural creases of the lids, the surgical scars are well concealed and barely visible once healed. Patients who require only excess fat removal from the lower lid can have the incisions placed on the inside of the lower eyelid, resulting in no visible scarring.
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Is eyelid surgery performed on men, as well as women?
Yes, eyelid surgery is a common procedure requested by our male patients. Eyelid surgery helps to rejuvenate the eyes, making our male patients appear more refreshed and well rested.
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Can Eyelid Surgery correct the “crow’s feet”?
Eyelid Surgery will not improve “crow’s feet”. These fine wrinkles along the sides of the eye are caused by the overactivity of the muscle surrounding the eye. “Crow’s feet” are best treated with neurotoxins. These weaken the overactive muscle, resulting in the correction of “crow’s feet”. Botox and Dysport is a quick, safe, and effective treatment that can be performed in the office with no “downtime” required.
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Will my sagging eyebrows be Improved with Eyelid Surgery?
Eyelid Surgery addresses cosmetic issues involving the eyelids only. It will not provide improvement for aging or sagging brows. It is very common to perform forehead/brow surgery at the same time as Eyelid Surgery. A combination of an eyebrow lift and an Eyelid Surgery is an excellent combination of procedures that can provide total rejuvenation of the upper face and eyes.
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Will Eyelid Surgery treat a drooping eyelid?
A “drooping” upper eyelid is typically caused by a malfunction of the mechanics of the upper lid. This condition is termed ptosis. Ptosis repair can be performed at the same time as Eyelid Surgery.
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When can I wear my glasses after Eyelid Surgery?
Patients can wear their glasses immediately after eyelid surgery as long as the frames do not rest on the upper and lower eyelids.
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When can I wear my contact lenses after Eyelid Surgery?
Typically, patients wait at least 2 weeks after surgery to begin wearing their contact lenses. Patients are evaluated prior to being approved for contact lenses to make sure satisfactory healing and normal lid closure are present to prevent drying of the eye. Patients are also asked to carefully insert their lenses and to refrain from excessively “pulling” on their lids to prevent separation of their incisions.
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Is Eyelid Surgery covered by my insurance?
Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery is not covered by insurance, because it is elective surgery. In cases where there are functional eyelid problems, insurance may cover the functional part of the surgery, but the cosmetic Eyelid Surgery will not be covered.
