Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyes are a prominent facial feature. It is the surrounding skin, rather than the eyes themselves, that conveys emotion. The tissue, muscle, fat, hair, and lashes all contribute to the wide array of human expressions. Age, sun exposure, and hereditary factors all contribute to wrinkles, deep lines, and puffiness around the eyes.

What Is an Eyelid Lift?

The aging process can cause unwanted changes in expression, causing us to look permanently fatigued and older than we really are. These changes in appearance can cause emotional distress and sometimes even visual impairment. An eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is designed to restore a more youthful appearance to your eyes; it may involve the upper lids, the lower lids, or both.

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New and Traditional Techniques

Traditional Blepharoplasty: An incision is made in the crease of the upper lid. Once healed, this incision is not noticeable when the eye is open. On the lower lid, the incision is made along the lash line toward the temples and is hidden by lashes when healed.

The Transconjunctival Approach: This is a newer technique for lid blepharoplasty involving an incision inside the lower lid. Fat can be removed through this incision, but excess skin cannot be eliminated.

Laser resurfacing of the eyelids is a non-surgical alternative that may delay the need for a surgical blepharoplasty. It results in significant tightening of the skin around the eyes but will not affect the fat around the eyes and may even accentuate it.

Please ask Dr. Cimino if you have any questions about which procedure is right for you.

About The Blepharoplasty Procedure

A blepharoplasty procedure is performed on an outpatient basis in Chicago Surgical Specialists’ state-of-the-art surgical center. Local anesthesia is given around the eyes. An intravenous line is started so sedation may also be given. During the procedure you will be comfortable and relaxed. General anesthesia is used in selected cases.

Blepharoplasty Post-Operative Care

After your surgery, you must have someone drive you home and be available to care for you for the first 24 hours.

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Recovery: What to Expect

The area surrounding your eyes will remain swollen in the days immediately after surgery, but swelling should begin to subside after the second day. Some vision blurring is normal.

Your stitches will be removed in four to five days; however, swelling and bruising may persist for about 10 days. You can begin wearing makeup after your stitches are removed to help conceal these concerns. You may expect to resume normal activity within a week to 10 days, and start enjoying your new look in approximately 10-14 days. It may take approximately six months for the scars to lose their redness.

Deeper wrinkles around the outer eye that extend onto the temple are not greatly affected by an eyelid lift. These areas may be treated with laser resurfacing.