EYELID SURGERY SPECIALISTS

Arlington Heights, IL Eyelid Surgery

Serving you in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove  and the surrounding areas.

847-392-9220

About Blepharoplasty

Your eyes are usually the first thing that people notice about your appearance. As we get older, the skin around our eyes stretches and wrinkles. Fatty deposits cause the upper lids to sag while the tissue under the eye can bulge forward and become discolored. Typically, these characteristics come with age, but hereditary factors can cause a younger person to appear prematurely aged. A surgical procedure may be necessary for those people whose vision is impaired due to this condition.
Through modern techniques and advances in an eyelid rejuvenation procedure called blepharoplasty, the condition can be treated.
  • What conditions can be treated with blepharoplasty?

    There are several different conditions that can be treated with blepharoplasty, including:

    • Loose or sagging skin that makes folds in the upper eyelid. This can impair your vision.
    • Upper eyelid surgery can eliminate any excess fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the upper eyelids
  • How is blepharoplasty performed?

    Blepharoplasty is generally done using local anesthetic. You may be given a mild sedative to help you relax. The duration of the surgery is dependent on the amount of tissue to be removed, although the procedure usually takes about 45 minutes.

Ptosis Overview

Upper eyelid treatment

When performed on the upper eyelids, your doctor will remove the excess skin, muscle and fatty tissue that tend to accumulate along the eyelids. The incisions are made along the natural folds in the skin so that as they heal they become difficult, if not impossible, to see over time. The stitches are self-absorbing and dissolve over the course of a week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

  • What is blepharoplasty?

    Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can improve vision when drooping eyelids block your field of view and can also create a more refreshed appearance.

  • Why would someone need eyelid surgery?

    People choose blepharoplasty for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Eyelid surgery may be recommended if:

    • Excess upper eyelid skin interferes with vision
    • Drooping eyelids make it difficult to see clearly
    • Puffy eyelids create discomfort or a tired appearance
    • Loose eyelid skin affects everyday activities such as reading or driving

  • What conditions can blepharoplasty treat?

    Blepharoplasty may help treat:

    • Drooping upper eyelids
    • Excess eyelid skin
    • Puffy eyelids caused by fatty deposits
    • Loose eyelid skin affecting peripheral vision
    • A tired or aged appearance around the eyes

    Your ophthalmologist will determine whether eyelid surgery is appropriate based on your symptoms and eye health.

  • What is the difference between functional and cosmetic blepharoplasty?

    Functional blepharoplasty is performed to improve vision when excess eyelid tissue blocks the visual field. Cosmetic blepharoplasty is performed primarily to improve the appearance of the upper or lower eyelids. In some cases, a procedure may provide both functional and cosmetic benefits.

  • What is ptosis?

    Ptosis is a condition in which the upper eyelid droops because the muscles that lift the eyelid have weakened or stretched. Unlike excess skin alone, ptosis involves the eyelid itself and may require a different surgical approach than blepharoplasty. Your ophthalmologist can determine which condition is affecting your vision.

  • Am I a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

    You may be a candidate if you:

    • Have drooping upper eyelids
    • Notice excess eyelid skin affecting your vision
    • Have persistent puffiness around the eyes
    • Are in good general health
    • Have realistic expectations about the results

    A comprehensive eye examination will help determine whether eyelid surgery is right for you.

  • How is blepharoplasty performed?

    Blepharoplasty is typically performed using local anesthesia, often with mild sedation to help you relax. Incisions are placed within the natural creases of the eyelids so scars become less noticeable as they heal. Excess skin, muscle, and fat are carefully removed or repositioned before the incisions are closed.

  • How long does eyelid surgery take?

    Most upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures take approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the extent of surgery and whether one or both eyelids are being treated.

  • Is eyelid surgery painful?

    Most patients experience very little discomfort during the procedure because the eyelids are numbed with local anesthesia. Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness are common afterward and typically improve over the first several days.

  • What is recovery like after blepharoplasty?

    Recovery varies from patient to patient, but most people experience:

    • Mild bruising and swelling for one to two weeks
    • Gradual improvement in eyelid appearance
    • Return to many normal daily activities within about a week
    • Continued healing over the following weeks

    Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions to support healing.

  • Will there be visible scars after eyelid surgery?

    Incisions are carefully placed within the natural folds of the upper eyelids or just below the eyelashes for lower eyelid procedures. As healing progresses, scars typically become difficult to notice.

  • Can blepharoplasty improve my vision?

    Yes. If excess upper eyelid skin is blocking your peripheral vision, functional blepharoplasty may improve your field of vision by removing the tissue that is causing the obstruction.

  • Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?

    Insurance may cover functional blepharoplasty when drooping eyelids significantly impair vision and medical criteria are met. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is generally not covered. Your ophthalmologist can discuss whether your condition may qualify.

  • How long do the results of blepharoplasty last?

    The results of blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting. While the natural aging process continues, many patients enjoy improved eyelid appearance and vision for many years.

  • Why choose Northwest Eye Physicians for blepharoplasty in Arlington Heights?

    Northwest Eye Physicians offers eyelid surgery for patients experiencing drooping eyelids, excess eyelid skin, and vision impairment caused by aging or hereditary conditions. Their experienced ophthalmologists use modern surgical techniques to improve both eyelid function and appearance while providing personalized care for patients throughout Arlington Heights and the surrounding northwest Chicago suburbs.