Why Eyelid Surgery Makes Such a Big Difference
The eyelids, brow, and upper face age together. By carefully lifting and smoothing these areas, we restore definition and open up the eyes—without changing your natural expression.
What the Procedure Helps With
Who’s a Great Candidate?
Quick Treatment. Natural Results. Minimal Downtime.
Most eyelid procedures are comfortably done in-office with local anesthesia and light sedation. Recovery is typically quick—a bit of swelling and bruising for a few days—and most people feel ready to return to social activities within a week.
The best part?
The incision hides beautifully in your natural crease, so once healed, it’s nearly impossible to see.
Recovery timeline
- First 2–3 days: Swelling, mild bruising, slight discomfort
- 1 week: Stitches removed, swelling starts reducing
- 2 weeks: Most bruising gone, many return to work
- 1 month: Eyes look smoother, more natural
- 3–6 months: Final results appear, scars fade naturally
Quick tip: Use cold compress and sleep with head elevated for faster recovery.
have a question?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it hurt?
Only mild discomfort, easily managed with medicines.
Will I have scars?
Cuts are made in natural eyelid folds, so scars are barely noticeable.
How long do results last?
Most patients enjoy results for 8–10 years.
Does it affect vision?
No – in fact, it can improve vision if sagging skin was blocking your sight.
YOUR BLEPHAROPLASTY EYELID SURGERY EVALUATION IN HOFFMAN ESTATES, OAK BROOK, BARRINGTON, & CHICAGO
During your initial consultation, you’ll want to have an idea of where you feel your problem areas are. The surgeon will have you point out what it is specifically that you are hoping to fix so that he can start to create a plan for you. It’s important to also inform your plastic surgeon of any medications you’re currently on or any medical history, especially if the history pertains to your eyes. Once your personalized surgical plan has been created, video imaging will show you what the results of what your procedure will be.
If you’re a younger patient, you will probably be looking at a procedure named “no-scar eyelid surgery” also known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty; this procedure removes only fat, not skin.
BLEPHAROPLASTY RISKS
Complications during a blepharoplasty are rare. As with all surgeries, the risks may include:
- Hematoma or a collection of blood beneath the skin
- Infection
- Changes in sensation
- Scarring
You can minimize your risk by following the instructions of your surgeon for before and after your procedure. It’s also important to keep follow-up appointments for after surgery so that your doctor can ensure that you’re healing correctly.
EYELID SURGERY PRE-OPERATION
If you are a smoker, your surgeon will strongly urge you to quit well before your surgery as smoking can interfere with the healing process. Also, medications that can increase the risk of bleeding should be stopped. As this surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, it’s important to arrange for transportation.
DAY-OF BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE
A blepharoplasty is done as an outpatient procedure at our surgical site and the surgery itself only lasts between 30-90 minutes. You will be given a form of anesthesia, usually local or intravenous, however, you and your doctor will discuss those options during your consultation and decide the best route to take. You will be hooked up to machines that will monitor your vitals during and after the procedure to ensure your safety.
Incisions on the upper eyelids will be hidden within the natural crease. Incisions on the lower lids will be made underneath your lashes.
Once your surgery is complete, you will be placed in a recovery area for a few hours where you will be monitored closely. Initially, your vision may be blurry due to ointment used to soothe and protect your eyes during the procedure. You may also feel mild discomfort. Lasers will be used to seal the blood vessels during surgery so that stitches won’t be necessary; this also allows for less bruising and swelling along with faster healing.
EYELID SURGERY RECOVERY
It’s important to remember that recovery from any procedure will vary greatly from person to person. You’ll be expected to rest for the first few days and to keep your head elevated. Applying cold compresses to the area will also help with any swelling or discomfort but you’ll also be provided with medication for relief. Remember to avoid using any medications that may increase the risk of bleeding. You may feel an initial “tightness” which is normal and should alleviate quickly. If the tightness doesn’t wear off, it’s important to inform your doctor as soon as possible.
During the first 48 hours, you may have swelling, this should go down in a few weeks. Bruising may be apparent as well but should be relieved within 7 to 10 days. Remember, blurry vision is possible within the first few days. Also, you may initially feel sensitive to light; wearing dark sunglasses will help this. It’s normal to have some tearing or sense of dryness after this procedure but it won’t last long. For the first week or so, avoid any heavy lifting and bending. You will be able to read and watch TV within 3 days and back to normal life within 7 to 10.
BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS
Eyelid surgery can last years. If you only have excess fat removed, it’s permanent and likely won’t recur. Your scar incisions will heal over a period of several months. Remember, it may take several weeks to see full results.
EYELID SURGERY COST
An eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an elective surgery and therefore will likely not be covered by insurance. A free quote will be given to you following your initial consultation.
Dr. Dhaval Patel is an accomplished Double Board Certified Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon, who is skillful enough to restore your youthfulness which has been lost with the effects of aging & gravity. He is the man behind the famous Chicago Institute of Plastic Surgery.
