Droopy Eyelids

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chicago, IL

Both blepharoplasty and ptosis repair are surgical procedures designed to treat droopy eyelids. As we age, our eyelid skin loses elasticity and often starts to sag. Sometimes the eyelid muscle attachments that raise the eyelid can become weak. These conditions may affect how we look and can make us appear more tired than we feel. The eyelid is an often overlooked yet central component of our overall facial aesthetics. Many people seek out this procedure to address cosmetic concerns such as drooping or sagging eyelids, puffy bags beneath the eyes, and excess skin that can sometimes impair vision. If you are struggling with any of these symptoms, you could be an ideal candidate for an eyelid lift.

Dr. Paul Phelps and his team at Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery are among the best in the Midwest for cosmetic procedures and can provide exceptional treatment for drooping eyelids. Dr. Phelps offers both surgical and non-surgical options to address drooping eyelids for a smoother, more youthful-looking appearance. Schedule a personal consultation to begin planning your treatment by contacting us online or calling us directly at (312) 888-5754.

About Eyelid Lifts for Treating Droopy Eyelids

Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world. (1) It is designed to help rejuvenate the eye area by removing excess skin, repositioning or removing fat, and tightening specific muscles. This procedure benefits not only aesthetic aspects but can also serve functional purposes, especially if the upper eyelids have drooped so low that they interfere with one’s field of vision. (2) The popularity of eyelid surgery has increased over the years because it has proven efficacy and impressive results. We can also provide a non-invasive eyelid lift with Sofwave™ for mild to moderately droopy eyelids. Some patients choose to undergo double eyelid surgery to subtly lift droopy eyelids and create the appearance of an eyelid crease. If you wish to look more alert and refreshed, an eyelid lift may be an excellent option for you.

Types of Eyelid Lifts

Different procedures, methods, and strategies can be used to help refresh the appearance of one’s eyes. These procedures can be performed separately to target specific concerns or simultaneously to restore a more youthful appearance.

Upper Eyelid Lift

Upper eyelid lifts focus on correcting droopy or sagging upper eyelids, where excess skin, muscle, or fat has descended. During surgery, incisions are typically made along the natural fold of the eyelid, allowing them to be easily hidden. Dr. Phelps can remove excess skin, tighten the underlying muscles, and redistribute any fat as necessary.

Lower Eyelid Lift

Lower eyelid surgery aims to reduce puffiness or sagging bags under the eyes, which can make individuals appear tired or older. The incisions for this procedure can either be made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach), leaving no visible scars, or just below the lower lash line (transcutaneous approach).

Ptosis Repair

Ptosis repair aims to tighten the upper eyelid muscles and raise the eyelid margin to a higher baseline position. Internal incisions may be made if a small lift is needed and there is no excess skin. However, external incision through the eyelid crease may be preferred if more lift is needed or if there is excess skin above the eyelid.

How Can I Benefit from an Eyelid Lift?

Eyelid lift procedures, especially when performed by Dr. Phelps, can provide a wide variety of benefits for patients. Some of these benefits might include the following:

  • Improved Appearance: Patients often report a more natural, youthful-looking expression after undergoing their procedure. By targeting excess, drooping eyelid skin, and puffy eye bags, patients can experience smoother and tighter skin alongside a more revitalized appearance.
  • Long-lasting Results: The results of blepharoplasty can last many years, making it an effective choice for long-term aesthetic improvement.
  • Customizable Treatment Options: Each blepharoplasty is fully tailored to each patient’s anatomy and goals. In addition, we can combine each eyelid lift with other cosmetic procedures like facelifts or brow lifts for enhanced results.

Additionally, by eliminating eyelid drooping, eyelid lift procedures often give patients a boost in confidence, ultimately leading to overall improvements in the quality of life for many patients. (3)

Who Makes an Ideal Candidate?

Eyelid lifts can appeal to many different types of people experiencing a variety of symptoms. Generally speaking, ideal candidates for an eyelid lift consist of those who:

  • Have sagging eyelids that may be obstructing their vision.
  • Are suffering from excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids.
  • Are experiencing bags or puffiness underneath the eyes.
  • Are in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their procedure.

Both men and women can benefit from this procedure. Dr. Phelps will determine your eligibility for an eyelid lift during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

If you are interested in addressing your drooping eyelids, the best place to begin is by scheduling a personal consultation with Dr. Phelps. During this meeting, Dr. Phelps will review your medical history, discuss your goals, and assess your eyelids. He will examine factors such as skin quality, fat distribution, and asymmetries. Once he has enough information, Dr. Phelps will work to create a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve your goals. Your consultation is meant to be informative and is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions regarding the procedure or recovery process.

Contact us online to begin your rejuvenation journey, or call (312) 888-5754 to reach either our Chicago or Winnetka offices.

Preparation

Preparation for an eyelid lift will differ between each individual. You will be given a detailed set of preparatory guidelines to help ensure your procedure runs smoothly. Generally speaking, patients will need to avoid using medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. Patients will also need to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure, as nicotine can cause complications during healing. It is also recommended to pre-arrange any time away from work and social activities to focus on resting, as well as transportation home after the procedure. Because anesthesia is also used, patients should arrange for assistance during the initial recovery phase.

Procedure

Specific details about the eyelid lift procedure may differ for each individual depending on their custom treatment plan. Each eyelid lift procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia with sedation, general anesthesia, or IV sedation to ensure each patient’s comfort. Once they are relaxed, Dr. Phelps will make an incision at a predetermined location to minimize visible scarring. For upper eyelids, the incision tends to be made at the eyelid crease. For lower eyelids, it may be placed below the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid.

After the incisions are made, Dr. Phelps removes the excess skin and, if necessary, repositions or removes fat deposits to correct puffiness. Additionally, he may tighten muscles to maintain tension in the eyelid area before Dr. Phelps closes the incisions using sutures. The duration of the procedure often lasts between 1-2 hours, with exact timing differing for every patient.

Recovery

Recovery from an eyelid lift will look different for every patient. Generally, patients can expect some bruising or swelling that will gradually subside in the subsequent weeks. Swelling can be minimized by using ice packs and maintaining an elevated head position during the first 48 hours of recovery. Most patients return to regular activities within about a week or two, though strenuous exercise should continue to be avoided until Dr. Phelps gives you clearance. Your recovery process and healing will be monitored by Dr. Phelps during follow-up appointments in the weeks after your procedure.

Results

Once you have fully recovered from your eyelid lift, you can expect a significant improvement in the way your eyes look and how you feel about your appearance. You can see smoother, tighter skin alongside a more revitalized and alert appearance. It is important to note that the recovery process is gradual, with patients often not seeing the full extent of the results until they have fully healed. Dr. Phelps uses advanced techniques that are associated with high patient satisfaction rates. (3)

Cost of Droopy Eyelid Treatment in Chicago

The cost of an eyelid lift will vary for each patient and will depend on whether or not additional treatments are performed in conjunction. During your personal consultation, Dr. Phelps and his team will provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options for those who qualify. To schedule a personal consultation, contact Dr. Phelps and the Chicago Oculofacial Plastic Surgery team by calling (312) 888-5754 or submitting our online contact form.

FAQ

How long will the results of my eyelid lift last?

Results from blepharoplasty can last for several years, although aging will continue to affect the eyelids normally over time.

What is the average recovery time following an eyelid lift?

Most individuals can return to normal activities within a week or two. However, complete recovery may extend for several weeks as any residual swelling completely dissipates.

Will there be any visible scarring from my blepharoplasty?

Any visible scarring will be minimal and strategically placed to be less noticeable. Dr. Phelps will provide detailed instructions on scar care post-surgery.

Will my blepharoplasty be painful?

During the procedure, anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort. Following the procedure, patients report some discomfort post-surgery. Pain relief options approved by your surgeon can alleviate this.

Can my blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Yes! Your eyelid lift can be complemented by other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts or brow lifts, for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

References

  1. Bater KL, Ishii M, Nellis JC, et al. A Dual Approach to Understanding Facial Perception Before and After Blepharoplasty. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. 2018;20(1):43-49. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamafacial.2017.1099
  2. An SH, Jin SW, Kwon YH, Ryu WY, Jeong WJ, Ahn HB. Effects of upper lid blepharoplasty on visual quality in patients with lash ptosis and dermatochalasis. International Journal of Ophthalmology. 2016;9(9):1320-1324. doi:https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2016.09.15
  3. Vasović DD, Karamarković MLj, Jovanović M, et al. Comprehensive Evaluation of Quality of Life following Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Prospective Analysis. Medicina. 2024;60(3):500. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60030500