The surgical procedure includes tiny incisions made in the natural contours of the eyelids, which should leave little to no visible scarring. The upper eyelids are usually operated on first to remove excess skin and fat, then the lower eyelids are completed to eliminate puffiness and excess skin folds. In some instances, laser technology, chemical peels, or Botox may be used to smooth lower eyelid areas.
Anesthesia
Local or general (eyelid surgery alone can be done in the office)
Length of surgery
45 to 90 minutes
Length of stay
Outpatient (home the same day)
Back to work
3 to 7 days
Exercise
May after 10 days
Discomfort
Very mild
Swelling
Mild to moderate; should be significantly resolved in 2 to 3 weeks
Bruising
Common, but should fade 2 weeks following surgery
Bandages
None
Final result
Appearance will improve for several months following surgery, but the most dramatic results are visible in the first 2 to 3 weeks.
Why did my surgeon talk about my eyebrows during my consultation?
Many times browlift surgery is combined with eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in order achieve a maximal result. The brow and eyelids often go hand-in-hand when it comes to facial rejuvenation surgery. If you have sagging brows and this is not addressed during your eyelid surgery, your result may be suboptimal and result in your ultimate dissatisfaction. If you have significant sagging of your brow, your surgeon will likely recommend that you also have a browlift in order to give you the best results.
Will I be awake or asleep for surgery?
Most eyelid procedures, including both upper and lower eyelids, can be done in the office under local anesthesia only. This is dependent on your preference and also your surgeon’s preference. Some patients want to be under “twilight” because they feel it’s safer than general anesthesia, and other patients prefer general anesthesia because they just “want to be out” and not know what’s going on. It is important to keep in mind that general anesthesia is very safe for those patients who are generally healthy. Additionally, some surgeons have a very strong preference and will only perform your blepharoplasty surgery one way or the other.
Will I be able to go home on the day of my procedure?
If you are only having eyelid surgery, you will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. If you are having other procedures in addition to this, like a facelift, you may be required to stay in the hospital overnight or have a nurse go to your home with you for the first night. Your surgeon can discuss your options with you. If you are coming in from out of town and would like to stay in the Chicago area, please ask our office for hotel options. You will need to stay near Chicago for 7-10 days for post-operative care.
Why did my surgeon talk about my entire face during my consultation?
Facial harmony is a term used to describe how all of the different components of your face fit together to create an overall pleasing appearance. When you have finally decided that you would like to speak to a surgeon regarding your eyes, you should expect a thoughtful and thorough discussion. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to discuss your specific concerns related to your eyes. It is important that the surgeon understand exactly what is bothering you. He or she will then discuss these issues with you and provide you with options. A thorough facial evaluation in preparation for surgery will entail your surgeon discussing your entire face with you, not just your expressed concerns. This is done for multiple reasons.
First, it is important that you understand the aging process and what is happening to your facial tissues. Second, your overall facial appearance is made up of many components – changing only the thing you have pointed out to your surgeon may have an impact on another part of your overall facial harmony. Third, if you are thinking about more than one aspect of your face, it is often easier to undergo one operation rather than a second operation in the future. And lastly, your surgeon wants you to have the most exceptional results possible and will discuss not only your concerns, but what he or she feels may be necessary to help you achieve that goal.
