Droopy upper eyelids and baggy lower lids can be improved for a brighter, less "tired" or "angry" look with an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty. Excess skin and fat is removed and tightened to rejuvenate the eyes. Incisions are hidden in the natural folds and "grain" of the skin. Depending on the particular case, the lower eyelid surgery may be performed through a non-visible incision on the inside of the lower lid.
OPERATION
Performed typically in one to two hours as an outpatient surgery in an ambulatory surgery center in Oak Brook or Naperville. A local anesthetic with or without intravenous sedation is used. At times, a general anesthetic may be required. Antibacterial ointment is placed on the incision immediately following surgery to facilitate healing.
SCARRING
Scars are placed inconspicuously in natural folds where they are easily hidden but still remove the droopy upper lids and the lower baggy lids. The scars may extend into the crows feet area but will be hidden. They will usually be red or pigmented for about one to two months and then fade to unnoticeable by four to six months after your surgery. Eyelid surgical scars are rarely troublesome but as with all scars, they are permanent but their height and width are not totally predictable.
RECOVERY
Iced water in baggies will be used for the first two to three days following surgery along with instructions to apply ointment in the first week. There will be some swelling and bruising. After one week, swollen areas will begin to subside. Sutures are removed four to six days following surgery. Patients will be seen one to three days after surgery and then in one month and finally four months following surgery.
HEALING TIME
Reading can typically be done in two to three days after surgery. Usually swelling begins to subside in the first week but it will take four to six weeks for minimal to no residual swelling. Light exercise can be started at two to three weeks. Vigorous exercise can resume four months following surgery.
TIME TO RETURN TO PUBLIC EYE
Typically 10-14 days after blepharoplasty surgery with makeup. Sunscreen should be worn to protect healing skin.
ACTUAL RESULTS
Most patients have very good long-term results with an eyelid lift and removal of the droopy upper lids and the lower baggy lids.
RISKS
Temporary blurred or double vision may occur as well as swelling at the corners of the eyelids or dry eye sensation. Formation of whiteheads may be seen or slight asymmetry in healing or scarring. Difficulty in closing eyes completely is rare but may require further surgery. Blindness is extremely rare.
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