Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is not considered a painful procedure, though some mild discomfort, tightness, or sensitivity is normal in the first few days after surgery. Most patients describe the sensation as a feeling of tightness or swelling rather than true pain. Dr. Shah and his surgical team will ensure you’re comfortable both during and after the procedure by using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your treatment plan.

Post-operatively, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications are typically all that’s needed to manage any temporary discomfort. Cold compresses and keeping your head elevated can also help reduce swelling and promote faster healing.

Most patients will have about three to four key appointments throughout their eyelid surgery journey. The first is your initial consultation, where your goals are discussed and a surgical plan is created. Next, you’ll attend a pre-operative appointment, which may include lab work, health screening, and a thorough explanation of what to expect before and after surgery. The day of surgery is your next major appointment, followed by at least one or two post-operative visits to monitor healing, remove sutures, and ensure your recovery is progressing as expected. Additional follow-ups may be recommended depending on your healing process or if you’re combining procedures.

You’ll begin to notice early improvements in the appearance of your eyes within the first 7 to 10 days, once initial swelling and bruising have diminished. However, full results typically become more apparent throughout 4 to 6 weeks, with subtle refinements continuing for up to three months post-surgery. Results are long-lasting and can endure for years, especially with good skincare and sun protection.

One of the best aspects of eyelid surgery is the discreet placement of incisions, which are carefully hidden within natural creases or the inner surface of the lower eyelid. For upper blepharoplasty, incisions are placed in the natural upper eyelid fold, making them virtually invisible once healed. For lower eyelid surgery, if fat removal is the only goal, Dr. Shah may use a transconjunctival incision, placed inside the lower lid for a completely scarless appearance.

If excess lower lid skin needs removal, the incision is made just beneath the lash line, where it fades into a natural crease. Over time, with proper care, these scars become almost imperceptible. Dr. Shah also provides thorough post-op guidance, including tips on scar care and optional treatments such as silicone gel or laser refinement, if desired.

It’s important to allow your body proper time to heal before resuming vigorous activity. Most patients can return to light activities and work within 7–10 days, but should avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over for at least 3 weeks post-surgery. These precautions help prevent swelling, bleeding, or disruption of healing incisions.

Dr. Shah will clear you for exercise during a follow-up visit once your recovery is on track. Walking and gentle movement are encouraged early on to support circulation, but more intense workouts (especially those that raise blood pressure) should wait until your surgeon gives the green light.

Sometimes eyelid lifts are combined with other procedures, such as endoscopic eyebrow and forehead lifts, to improve the height and maintain the contour of the upper eyebrow. During your personalized consultation, Dr. Rajendra Shah or Dr. Samir Shah will discuss whether you might benefit from this combined procedure during your initial consultation.

While eyelid surgery is considered safe and highly effective, it does carry risks, as with any surgical procedure. These include swelling, bruising, dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, or, in rare cases, infection, bleeding, or asymmetry. Some patients may experience temporary numbness or sensitivity around the eyes, which typically resolves on its own. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rajendra Shah or Dr. Samir Shah significantly reduces these risks, all of which will be reviewed in detail during your consultation, so you feel fully informed before moving forward.

When choosing a plastic surgeon for eyelid surgery in the Chicago area, it’s essential to look for a provider who is board-certified, highly experienced in facial surgery, and known for producing natural-looking results. At A New You Plastic Surgery, Dr. Rajendra Shah and Dr. Samir Shah are respected leaders in aesthetic facial procedures, with decades of combined experience, thousands of successful surgeries, and a patient-first approach that prioritizes your safety, comfort, and confidence.

A primary reason for droopy eyes is simply due to age. As everything droops, so do the eyebrows. As the outer parts of the eyebrows droop, the skin of the upper eyelids will look saggy, as if you had developed extra skin that was not there several years before. Trimming this “extra” skin can improve that droopy look.

Another reason for “tired eyes” is droopy eyelid fat. A thin wall of fibrous tissue called the orbital septum holds back this fat, which sags over time. The fat, held firmly back by this wall in youth, can bulge with age, giving you “baggy” upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid lifts trim this extra fat and tighten the skin, restoring a youthful contour.