Upper Blepharoplasty
in Chicago

What is an

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift surgery, is aimed at improving sagging of the eyelid skin and fat around the eyes. This drooping of the eyelids or bags under the eyes can make patients appear tired and aged. Sometimes the drooping eyelid skin can even impair vision.
The upper eyelids are addressed by removing excess skin and fat which are causing the sagging of the lids. The incision is hidden within the natural eyelid crease, and is usually invisible after it heals.

The Consultation

During your visit, Dr. Shastri will start by asking what your goals are regarding your facial anatomy. Following a thorough analysis, he will discuss the ways in which he may be able to help realize your goals while still preserving a natural, balanced facial appearance. Image modification can be done in real time with your photographs to help make sure you are both on the same page about what a realistic outcome may look like. Dr. Shastri will take the time to make sure you feel heard and are confident in the surgical plan.
Upper blepharoplasties can be performed alone, but are often combined together with lower blepharoplasty or with other procedures such as brow lifts, facelifts, neck lifts, and chin implants. During the consultation, Dr. Shastri can review your images and help you to determine a treatment plan which can comprehensively address all of your facial concerns.

Upper blepharoplasties can be performed in-office with just local anesthesia, or can be combined with lower blepharoplasty or other facial surgeries under general anesthesia.
In an upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Shastri carefully marks incision lines along the natural creases of the upper eyelids, then uses these to remove excess/sagging skin and fat. The remaining tissues are tightened and repositioned to create a smoother eyelid contour.

At the end of the procedure, ointment and ice are applied to the closure. Patients typically spend 1-2 hours in a recovery room after surgery, and can be taken home after. Sutures are removed typically 5-7 days after surgery.

Recovery varies from person to person and depends on how much work is needed, but generally healing can be thought of in 3 phases
- Phase 1: A pressure dressing is typically applied to the forehead after surgery, and can be removed at home or in-office 1-2 days later. Patients are given detailed instructions for routine wound care for staples or sutures at the incision sites. Patients are encouraged to take the first week for rest and recovery at home, and typically can return to work after the first week postoperative appointment.
- Phase 2: Gradually, between weeks 2-6 after surgery, swelling and bruising improve; any residual bruising can be easily concealed with makeup during this time. Patients may start to resume exercise and heavy lifting by 3-4 weeks after surgery. By week 6, approximately 75-80% of swelling has resolved.
- Phase 3: While after 6 weeks the majority of swelling from a forehead lfift has improved, the face continues to heal and settle for several months. Results are typically not considered final until 1 year out from surgery.

During an upper blepharoplasty, excess skin and fat are removed from the upper eyelid after careful measurements and markings. Small sutures are used to close incisions, and scars are well-hidden within the natural eyelid crease.

How painful is eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgeries are typically not considered to be very painful. Most patients are able to stop prescription pain medications and use just Tylenol after 2-3 days. Some bruising around the eyelids may occur, which typically resolves 5-7 days after surgery.

Patients undergoing eyelid surgery are recommended to take 1 week off of work or school after the procedure. Light work or activity, such as answering emails from home, can start 2-3 days after the procedure, but give yourself time to rest and recover.

Blepharoplasties are generally considered safe surgery with a relatively quick recovery time and limited pain. Risks and complications are rare, but certainly are possible no matter how experienced a facial plastic surgeon may be. Risks include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scarring
- Asymmetry
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation
Dr. Shastri will thoroughly discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure during your consultation and take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of complications.

Costs of browlifts can vary depending on insurance coverage and complexity of the surgery. These costs will be discussed during a consultation.

Yes! If a patient has visual field obstruction related to sagging upper eyelid skin, insurance is typically able to cover a portion of the procedure. Visual field testing can be completed and submitted to insurance companies for authorization prior to the procedure.

The results of upper blepharoplasty are long-lasting, but it’s important to note that the natural aging process will continue. While the excess skin and fat that were removed will not return, the remaining tissues will still age over time. However, many patients are satisfied with the long-term improvement achieved through upper blepharoplasty and find that the procedure provides lasting rejuvenation to their upper eyelid area.