Can a Blepharoplasty Solve Issues with Droopy Eyelids?

Those who suffer from droopy eyelids often wonder if there is a solution to their problems. While droopy eyelids may cause an individual to look older than they really are, they can also significantly reduce the person’s ability to see. Their peripheral vision can be impacted, leading to reduced ability to see from the side. Undergoing eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can realign the eyelids and eliminate droopiness. It can also reduce or completely fix problems patients experience with peripheral vision.

Why Would Eyelid Surgery Be Performed?

Undergoing eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty – can allow individuals who experience sagging eyelids or overextended lower eyelids to improve their vision and obtain a younger appearance. This type of procedure is typically used to help those with droopy eyelids, excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids, or those who have bags under their eyes. In some cases, it may be considered a cosmetic procedure, but if the condition impacts the patient’s ability to see, insurance may cover it.

What Occurs During Eyelid Surgery?

Before undergoing eyelid surgery at our aesthetic plastic surgery center, you’ll engage in a consultation with Dr. Karol Gutowski. During the consultation, Dr. Gutowski will ask you for your full medical history and goals for your treatment. You’ll provide any information about prior surgeries that you’ve had or any types of eye conditions you have been diagnosed with. He will perform a full examination of the eye area to design an appropriate treatment program for you.

The examination will include looking over the structural parts of the eyelids as well as performing a vision examination. If the vision tests reveal problems with your eyesight, you may be able to have the blepharoplasty covered by your insurance plan. We’ll also take photos of your eyelids to assist with planning the surgery.

A blepharoplasty is an outpatient procedure. This means that you’ll be able to return home after it is performed. There won’t be a need to stay overnight. 

During the actual blepharoplasty, Dr. Gutowski will make specific incisions to your eyelids to remove excess fat or tissue that is leading to the sagginess you are experiencing. If your lower lids are also an issue, a cut will be made below the eyelashes to remove excess skin. In some cases, eyelid droopiness may be caused by muscle damage. If this is the case for you, we may provide treatment to give additional support to the eyebrow muscle.

After the procedure is over, you’ll be placed in a comfortable area within our facilities to recover for a few hours. We’ll make sure that you don’t have any complications before we allow you to go home.

The results patients obtain from upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery can improve their ability to see as well as create a more youthful appearance. The results are generally permanent. Although in some cases, the droopiness may reappear down the line. In this case, patients may decide to have another operation. 

What Causes Eyelids to Droop?

As the skin ages, it gradually loses elasticity. This lack of elasticity, combined with gravity, may lead to drooping of the eyelids, especially for those who are older. In some cases, droopiness may be a hereditary development or something that the individual was born with. 

Our eyelids contain some fat. Fat that cushions the eyeball from the skull may cause bulges in the upper and lower eyelids. This thin membrane may weaken with age, allowing the fat to come forward into the lids, resulting in droopiness.

Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

The best candidates for an eyelid surgery blepharoplasty are people who are in relatively good health and have an idea of what they want. Dr. Gutowski will ensure that he understands your specific goals and related medical history before determining whether you are a candidate for the surgery or not. 

Before deciding to undergo a blepharoplasty, make sure you understand what you are seeking to accomplish. A blepharoplasty is not a face lift, and it will not result in any alteration to your facial structure. If you’re looking to combat other issues, such as loss of volume in your face, you’ll want to consider them as part of a separate treatment. In some cases, additional minor treatments may be performed during the same appointment as your blepharoplasty. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Blepharoplasty?

The time it takes to recover from a blepharoplasty will vary by the treatment performed and the individual. Dr. Gutowski can advise you of the length of time you will need to recover after eyelid surgery. He will also give you information about how to care for your eyelids following the surgery. 

What If I’m Nervous About Undergoing a Blepharoplasty?

If you’re nervous about eyelid surgery, that’s okay. It can be scary to consider undergoing a blepharoplasty, especially since it is performed on thin skin in a sensitive area. However, Dr. Gutowski is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is highly skilled in performing blepharoplasties. He will ensure that you are given all of the information you need before you make a decision on the treatment. 

Would You Like to See If You’re a Candidate for a Blepharoplasty?

If you’re thinking about undergoing a blepharoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karol Gutowski at our Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Center in Chicago, Illinois. During the consultation, he’ll speak with you about what you are seeking to obtain from a blepharoplasty and perform a simple examination. Once he understands your goals, he can work with you to set up an appropriate treatment plan.