Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
In Chicago & Glenview, IL

Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago & Glenview, IL is led by Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is quadruple board-certified.

Contact Us

Medically reviewed for accuracy.

On This Page
Eyelid Surgery

What is an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty
Before and After Eyelid Blepharoplasty
What is a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty
How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?
Why Choose Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa
FAQ’s About Eyelid Surgery
Chicago Aesthetics Reviews & Testimonials

What is
Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty or an “eye lift,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to improve the appearance of either the upper or lower eyelids. Blepharoplasty can also be performed for patients whose vision is impaired due to sagging, and excess skin of the upper eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping, bulging, or sagging eyelids that cause people to appear fatigued or much older than their actual age.

Eyelid Surgery can be performed on the top eyelids, bottom eyelids, or both, to improve the appearance of your eyes.

Dr. Rachel is a quadruple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with particular expertise in blepharoplasty. He also performs corrective eyelid surgery for correction of medical problems such as obstruction of the visual field (ptosis), dry eye syndrome, or lower eyelid sagging (malposition). When necessary, Dr. Rachel can perform cosmetic and corrective eyelid surgery together at the same time.

What is an
Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Most patients seek upper eyelid blepharoplasty to correct excess skin on their upper eyelid. The skin may fold onto the eyelashes and even interfere with vision. This is a minimally invasive surgery in most cases and can be done using local anesthetic alone or under IV sedation. An incision is made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid followed by the removal of excess skin and fat. Occasionally the underlying muscle has stretched out of shape and needs to be trimmed. Wounds are closed with a very fine suture, which can be removed in 5-7 days. Patients return to work the next day if they choose.

Before & After
Eyelid Surgery Results

Experience the difference for yourself—our before & after gallery showcases thousands of successful surgeries and satisfied patients. It’s no surprise that Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa surgeons are recognized among the top cosmetic plastic surgeons in Chicago, Illinois. See why so many trust us for their transformations.

eyelid surgery before and after photo by chicago aesthetics surgery & med spa in chicago, il

View Gallery

What is a
Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Most patients seek lower eyelid blepharoplasty to correct baggy protrusions of the lower eyelids. Some patients also have excess skin that needs to be removed. This is a minimally invasive surgery in most cases and can be done using local anesthetic alone or under IV sedation. The surgery can be performed from within the lower eyelid so there are no visible scars (a transconjunctival blepharoplasty), or from the outside where the incision is placed in the crease just below the eyelashes where a scar will be camouflaged. Conservative fat removal can be performed with a laser and while patients avoid vigorous activities for a week, wounds usually heal in a matter of days.

Happy attractive confident young adult or mid aged European woman posing for beauty aesthetic portrait.

How Much Does
Eyelid Surgery Cost?

The cost of Eyelid Surgery will depend on several factors. The number of sessions will influence the final price, as will the severity of the cosmetic issues being addressed.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule your consultation for Eyelid Surgery in Chicago – contact Dr. Rachel and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!

Why Choose
Dr. Rachel

You want a clear recommendation, realistic expectations, and results that still look like you. At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview, we start with an anatomy-led plan based on your goals. We’ll tell you what we think will work, what won’t, and why. We explain your options in plain language, including what we would not recommend, so you can feel confident with your decision.

Dr. John D. Rachel, MD, FACS is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He is quadruple board-certified in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery. He completed residency training in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery at Wayne State/Detroit Medical Center and a Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the Beeson Cosmetic Surgery Institute. He has been in practice since 2001, is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and has published peer-reviewed research in facial plastic surgery and skin rejuvenation.

Book Now

Dr. Rachel and his team at Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago and Glenview

Frequently Asked Questions
Eyelid Surgery

K

L

Am I a good candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

Ideal candidates for Eyelid Surgery have sagging skin and excess fat in the eyelids that create a tired appearance and may obstruct vision. Many patients who undergo the surgery are around 35 years of age or older.

K

L

What other procedures can be performed in conjunction with Eyelid Surgery?

Several other cosmetic procedures may be safely performed at the same time as upper and/or lower Eyelid Surgery. These include skin resurfacing, facelift, necklift, brow or forehead lift, neck liposuction, fat grafting, or dermal filler injections.

K

L

Where do you perform Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery is performed in the comfort of our in-office surgical suite.

K

L

What type of anesthesia is used in Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery can be performed using local anesthesia with the patient awake or IV sedation.

K

L

How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery?

Typically, patients undergoing eyelid surgery should plan for seven to ten days off work or other activities, as there will be some bruising and swelling. You can help speed recovery by applying ice and sleeping with your head elevated. Every patient is slightly different.

K

L

How do you determine what surgical technique will be used in my Eyelid Surgery?

Only a personal evaluation of the condition of your eyes will allow us to determine what surgical procedure will produce the most improvement. Some patients need the muscular structure above the eyes tightened, some require removing excess eyelid skin, and others have bags or deep tear troughs that may need attention.

K

L

Why do some people who had Eyelid Surgery look unnatural?

When Eyelid Surgery has performed too aggressively, the quantity of excess skin removed can leave your eyes looking strange and wide-eyed, or slanted unnaturally. It is imperative that your cosmetic surgeon is familiar with the surgery and understands facial muscle structure thoroughly to create a fresh, youthful look that appears fully natural.

K

L

How Long Does Eyelid Surgery take to perform?

The surgery itself requires about one to three hours, depending upon the extent of correction needed.

K

L

Will I have scars after my Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery requiring the removal of excess eyelid skin involves an external skin incision. These skin incisions are made in the natural creases of the upper and lower eyelids. By placing the incisions in the natural creases of the lids, the surgical scars are well concealed and barely visible once healed. Patients who require only excess fat removal from the lower lid can have the incisions placed on the inside of the lower eyelid, resulting in no visible scarring.

K

L

Is eyelid surgery performed on men, as well as women?

Yes, eyelid surgery is a common procedure requested by our male patients. Eyelid surgery helps to rejuvenate the eyes, making our male patients appear more refreshed and well rested.

K

L

Can Eyelid Surgery correct the “crow’s feet”?

Eyelid Surgery will not improve “crow’s feet”. These fine wrinkles along the sides of the eye are caused by the overactivity of the muscle surrounding the eye. “Crow’s feet” are best treated with neurotoxins. These weaken the overactive muscle, resulting in the correction of “crow’s feet”. Botox and Dysport is a quick, safe, and effective treatment that can be performed in the office with no “downtime” required.

K

L

Will my sagging eyebrows be Improved with Eyelid Surgery?

Eyelid Surgery addresses cosmetic issues involving the eyelids only. It will not provide improvement for aging or sagging brows. It is very common to perform forehead/brow surgery at the same time as Eyelid Surgery. A combination of an eyebrow lift and an Eyelid Surgery is an excellent combination of procedures that can provide total rejuvenation of the upper face and eyes.

K

L

Will Eyelid Surgery treat a drooping eyelid?

A “drooping” upper eyelid is typically caused by a malfunction of the mechanics of the upper lid. This condition is termed ptosis. Ptosis repair can be performed at the same time as Eyelid Surgery.

K

L

When can I wear my glasses after Eyelid Surgery?

Patients can wear their glasses immediately after eyelid surgery as long as the frames do not rest on the upper and lower eyelids.

K

L

When can I wear my contact lenses after Eyelid Surgery?

Typically, patients wait at least 2 weeks after surgery to begin wearing their contact lenses. Patients are evaluated prior to being approved for contact lenses to make sure satisfactory healing and normal lid closure are present to prevent drying of the eye. Patients are also asked to carefully insert their lenses and to refrain from excessively “pulling” on their lids to prevent separation of their incisions.

K

L

Is Eyelid Surgery covered by my insurance?

Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery is not covered by insurance, because it is elective surgery. In cases where there are functional eyelid problems, insurance may cover the functional part of the surgery, but the cosmetic Eyelid Surgery will not be covered.

Chicago Aesthetics
Reviews & Testimonials

Conditions We Treat

At Chicago Aesthetic Surgery & Med Spa, we know that your goals are personal and your concerns are unique. View our complete guide to the most common concerns we treat and the solutions that deliver safe, natural-looking results.

View Conditions

We offer surgical & Non-Surgical
Services

At Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, our team of board-certified cosmetic & plastic surgeons are renowned for their extensive training, unparalleled experience, and dedication to surgical artistry. Our entire staff is committed to helping you elevate your natural beauty and making your transformation journey one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

Take the first step towards your new self today. Schedule your complimentary virtual consultation with Chicago's top plastic surgeons when you sign up online—an exclusive offer valued at $250*.

Facial Plastic Surgery

Lasers

Skin & Body

Injectables

For Men

Wellness

Cosmetic Gynecology

Related
Blogs

Contact Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa
Get In Touch

Hours

Mon & Wed: 9am - 7pm
Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 2pm
Sunday: CLOSED

About Us

Enhance your natural beauty with personalized skin, body, and wellness treatments from Chicago’s trusted med spa, led by Dr. John D. Rachel.

Learn More About Us

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) In Chicago & Glenview, IL

On This Page Eyelid Surgery

What is Eyelid Surgery

What is an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Before & After Eyelid Surgery Results

What is a Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

How Much Does Eyelid Surgery Cost?