If you’ve noticed drooping or sagging eyelids that make you look tired or older than you feel, you might be considering an eyelid lift surgery (also known as blepharoplasty). At SARA Surgery in Morton Grove, we offer expert eyelid plastic surgery to help patients refresh their appearance and restore confidence. This post outlines the complete process, including why someone might seek eyelid surgery, pre-surgery recommendations, and post-surgery recovery details.
Why Choose Eyelid Lift Surgery?
Eyelid lift surgery is often sought to correct the visible signs of aging around the eyes, including drooping upper eyelids, extra skin folds or puffiness under the eyes. These issues can make a person look tired or aged, even if they feel energetic and youthful. In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can impair vision, making eyelid surgery not just a cosmetic but also a functional solution.
Many patients choose eyelid plastic surgery in Chicago to achieve a more refreshed and youthful appearance. The procedure can:
- Remove excess skin and fat from the upper and lower eyelids
- Fill hollows or creases around the eyes or eyebrows
- Correct sagging or drooping skin around the eyes
- Reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes
- Correct tear trough deformities that make you look tired
- Improve sagging eyebrow position that can cause heavy eyelid appearance
Whether for upper or lower eyelids, our Morton Grove plastic surgery team is here to help.
Who is a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery
Patients who have stable vision and healthy eye function who are noticing age-relateted changes around their eyes are excellent candidates for eyelid surgery. Optimal candidate should be in good overall health, not smoke and have realistic expectations of surgery.
Consultation at SARA Surgery
The first step in your journey is a consultation at SARA Surgery. During your visit, Dr. Sara Dickie, Board-certified plastic surgeon, will carefully assess your eyelid condition and discuss your goals. We’ll also review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. This is your time to ask questions, express concerns, and understand exactly what to expect.
Dr. Dickie will also evaluate whether you need upper eyelid surgery, brow surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combination of all three to achieve the best results for your facial structure.
Pre-Surgery Recommendations
To ensure the best outcome from your surgery, we recommend following these pre-surgery steps:
- Medical Evaluation: A complete medical evaluation will help confirm that you’re in good health for the procedure.
- Eye Evaluation: If you suffer from dry eyes, frequent stye-cysts, redness, excess tearing or any new visual changes, a thorough evaluation by an optometrist is recommended prior to cosmetic eyelid surgery. You will not be able to wear contact lenses for several weeks after eyelid surgery to an updated prescription and corrective lenses is advised prior to surgery which will aid in recovery as well.
- Medications: If you’re taking any medications, supplements, or herbs that may increase bleeding (such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs), you may be advised to discontinue them before surgery.
- Quit Smoking: It’s recommended to quit smoking at least six weeks prior to surgery, as smoking can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Arrange Post-Surgery Care: You’ll need someone to drive you home after the procedure and assist with aftercare for the first few days.
The Eyelid Surgery
The surgery itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually lasts between 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation is used, ensuring comfort throughout the procedure.
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: For the upper eyelids, a small incision is made in the natural fold of the eyelid, allowing for the removal of excess skin and fat. Fat may be removed, moved or added depending on the goals of your surgery.
- Brow Surgery: Brow lifting or recontouring typically involves an incision near the temporal hairline, but can sometimes be done through the eyelid incision. Sutures will be placed to help support and position the eyebrow to make a more youthful and attractive appearance of the brow and upper eyelid.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: For the lower eyelids, an incision is usually made just below the lower lash line or inside the eyelid, to remove or redistribute fat and tighten sagging skin.
Dr. Dickie and her Morton Grove plastic surgery team uses precise techniques to minimize visible scarring, ensuring a natural and refreshed appearance post-surgery.
Post-Surgery Recovery
The recovery process is straightforward, but it’s important to follow the aftercare instructions to promote healing and achieve optimal results:
- Swelling & Bruising: It’s common to experience swelling and bruising for the first week. Keeping your head elevated and using cold compresses will help reduce discomfort.
- Pain: Eyelid surgery is minimally painful and most patients use Tylenol and cold compresses to alleviate discomfort in the first 1-3 days after surgery.
- Rest & Avoid Strain: Resting is essential in the first few days post-surgery. Avoid activities that strain the eyes, such as reading or screen time, to prevent irritation. Walking is important for your recovery after surgery. Walking 10-15 minutes every 4 hours in the first few days will help you recover. More strenuous workout routines can be restarted 3 weeks after surgery.
- Follow-Up Visits: You will have follow-up appointments at SARA Surgery to remove sutures, monitor healing and ensure proper recovery.
- Sun Protection: Your eyelids will be sensitive after surgery, so it’s crucial to protect them from sun exposure.
Most patients are able to return to their regular routine within a few weeks, although final results may take weeks or months. Be assured the team at SARA Surgery will be with you for the entire journey.
Achieve a Refreshed Look with SARA Surgery
At SARA Surgery, our goal is to help you look and feel your best. If you’re considering eyelid plastic surgery in Chicago, our skilled team in Morton Grove is ready to provide the highest level of care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn how our expert team can help you achieve the refreshed, youthful appearance you desire.
