Repairing Droopy Eyelids In Chicago

Droopy eyelids can be repaired through a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty. This condition may be inherited, occur as a result of disease or relaxation of the eyebrow or forehead. Dr. Bloch is board-certified plastic surgeon who can correct your droopy eyelid if you live in Chicago area. Blepharoplasty corrects abnormalities in both upper and lower eyelids. Excess droopiness in the upper eyelids may obstruct vision from the sagging skin while droopiness in the lower eyelids may expose the white area below the iris. Surgery may correct droopiness by removing excess skin and fat which causes puffiness in upper or lower eyelids. Both eyelids can be worked in a single procedure. Droopiness caused by relaxation of forehead skin can be corrected with a forehead lift.

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

The best candidates for an eye lift are people who are in good health and who have realistic expectations. Most are 35 years or older, but if baggy eyelids or droopy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have the surgery done sooner.

Eyelid surgery can enhance your appearance and help build your confidence. However, it may not result in your ideal look or alter your facial structure. Before you decide to have surgery, think about your goals and discuss them with your surgeon.

Blepharoplasty procedure

Blepharoplasty or eyelift is an outpatient procedure done under sedation. After you are relaxed, your doctor will inject some numbing medicine around your eyes to alleviate pain in the course of surgery. This is followed by making of tiny incisions in the natural crease of your eyelids. Through the tiny cuts, excess skin and fat are removed. Lax eyelid muscles are then carefully tightened. Incisions are then closed with fine stitches. After closing incisions, Dr. Bloch applies ointment on your eyelids and covers them with a bandage. You will be kept under observation for sometime before you are discharged to go home. Bring someone to drive you home after surgery as your eyes will not have clear vision in the first few days.

Risks

Risks of anesthesia include:

Breathing problems

Reactions to medications

Risks of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection

Risks of an eyelid lift may include:

• Damage to eye or loss of vision (rare)
• Difficulty closing the eyes while sleeping (rarely permanent)
• Double or blurred vision
• Temporary swelling of the eyelids
• Tiny whiteheads after stitches are removed
• Slow healing
• Uneven healing or scarring

Medical conditions that make blepharoplasty more risky are:

• Diabetes
• Dry eye or not enough tear production
• Heart disease or disorders of the blood vessels
• High blood pressure or other circulatory disorders
• Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and Graves disease

Recovering from eyelid surgery

As the numbing medicine wears off, your eyes may feel sore and tight but can be controlled by pain killers. Swelling and bruising are also normal but will disappear in 2 to 4 weeks following surgery. Icepacks wrapped in a towel will help relieve bruising and control swelling. You will be able to see after 2 to 3 days. You will be instructed to sleep with your head elevated and avoid wearing glasses for about 2 weeks. Stitches are removed after about a week. Dr. Bloch and most board-certified plastic surgeons in Chicago may recommend eye drops to relieve burning or itching which may be caused by dryness. Any strenuous activities and sports that you take will be discouraged for 3 weeks. Eye blurring, tearing, sensitivity to light and wind may persist in the first few weeks but will eventually subside. Though eye droopiness will have disappeared after 6 months, scars will be slightly pink but will continue to fade into a slightly white line. Blepharoplasty results are permanent and the youthful look will last for long.