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The delicate skin around the eyes is typically the first area to show the signs of aging. Sagging tissue of the upper eyelid, or fine lines around the eyes (crow’s feet), can make you appear weary, less energetic, and older than you feel. The eyelid skin, which is constantly in motion, can become lax and saggy due to sun exposure, aging, smoking, lifestyle, and your genetic background. 

What is Eyelid Surgery?

If you have saggy, creased, or folded eyelids, eyelid surgery in Chicago can dramatically rejuvenate your overall facial look. This custom procedure is performed to repair lax, drooping skin that tends to make you look older, tired, angry or unhappy, even on your best days. During the operation, excess skin and sagging tissue are removed with precision and ultimate care for a natural-looking outcome.

The bulging fat pads of the upper and lower eyelid can be corrected, leaving you with a well-rested, refreshed look. The procedure can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or a combination of both, depending on your unique condition. For a full rejuvenation of the upper face, an eyelid surgery may be performed in conjunction with a custom brow lift.

How much does an eyelid surgery cost?

The exact cost of blepharoplasty will reflect the techniques necessary, and the extent of correction needed in your case. At the consultation appointment, Dr. Moynihan will determine the exact cost of your custom blepharoplasty. Our helpful patient coordinator will discuss the payment and financing options with you. Dr. Moynihan accepts cash, all major credit cards, and healthcare financing.

Before & After Eyelid Surgery Photos

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What Are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

If you’re dealing with aesthetic or vision-related eyelid issues, eyelid surgery may be able to provide you with some or all of the following benefits:

  • More youthful-looking eyes and eyelids
  • Reduces or eliminates excess eyelid skin and fat
  • Improves your field of vision
  • Makes your eyes appear more rested and alert
  • Increased self-confidence
  • Long-lasting results
  • Minimal scarring
  • Reduces or eliminates dark circles or bags underneath the eyes

Who is an eyelid surgery candidate?

The best candidate for an eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Chicago is a person who is in good general health, is safe to undergo minor surgery, and who is tired of looking tired due to sagging, creased, folded eyelids. If you want to refresh your look and achieve an outcome that does not appear to be the result of surgery, you can trust Dr. Moynihan and his team of medical professionals. Your friends and colleagues will notice you look healthy and refreshed but will not guess your look is the result of surgery.

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The eyelid surgery procedure

Blepharoplasty can be performed individually on the upper eyelids or the lower eyelids, as well as on a combination of both, depending on a patient’s individual needs. Dr. Moynihan normally performs blepharoplasty as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, IV sedation or local anesthesia. The surgery can take between one and three hours to complete. 

Dr. Moynihan has developed his own innovative blepharoplasty techniques that provide better results, with less bruising or complications. Patients may choose to combine blepharoplasty with other rejuvenating procedures, such as a facelift or a fat transfer, for optimal results.

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Upper eyelid blepharoplasty in Chicago

The thin tissue of the upper eyelid can lose its elasticity over the years, eventually pulling down over the eyes. This droop will give the eyes a tired, less energetic, older look. At times, this heavy tissue may even begin to impair eyesight. Upper lid blepharoplasty removes the excess, stretched tissue from the eyelid and smooths the skin to create a more youthful, refreshed look.

In performing an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, Dr. Moynihan will make a tiny incision across the crease of the upper eyelid. From here, he will remove excess fatty tissue and skin. The remaining muscle and skin will be carefully tightened and repaired. After the correction is complete, sutures are meticulously applied to hold the repaired tissues safely in place during healing.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty in Chicago

The fatty tissues beneath the eyes, with aging,  can sink or pull away from the face. This can result in the appearance of dark circles or heavy bags. By removing lax tissues, the puffy look is corrected to create a more well-rested, smoother appearance. Volume may be added under the eye and along the upper cheek to restore a more youthful, healthy facial appearance.

Dr. Moynihan will begin the lower lid blepharoplasty by placing a delicate incision within the lower eyelid or just under the lower lash line. Through the incision, he will meticulously reposition or remove the excess fatty tissue from under the eye along with any excess skin. The remaining tissue will be lifted, and the muscles tightened for a smoother look. Once repositioned, Dr. Moynihan applies sutures to secure the repaired tissues during healing.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty

The recovery from a blepharoplasty in Chicago could take between 10 and 14 days. Initially, bruising and swelling will occur. These are usually minimal and will diminish quickly over the first several weeks. Only mild pain is associated with the surgery, but you may feel some tightness and soreness at the upper or lower eyelids. Dr. Moynihan will prescribe appropriate medications to keep you comfortable.

Within a week, you should feel well enough to return to work or other activities. Vigorous activity and strenuous exercise must be postponed for 10 -14 days. Light activities can be resumed in five to seven days.

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Tips for a smooth eyelid surgery recovery:

  • Fill your prescriptions prior to the day of surgery.
  • Keep your head elevated, even when sleeping.
  • Use an ice pack to reduce swelling: 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
  • Steer clear of stress. Allow yourself a peaceful recovery period.
  • Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.

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What are the risks of an eyelid surgery?

Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is considered a leader in blepharoplasty in the Chicago area. Our eyelid surgeries are extremely safe and effective. As the procedure is an invasive surgery, there is always the small chance for complications to occur. Risks include hematoma, bleeding, infection, scarring, and blindness.

To minimize any chance of complications, ensure your surgery is performed by a well-respected specialist in facial plastic surgery. Gold Coast Plastic Surgery has been performing eyelid surgeries for many, many years, with great success. Dr. Moynihan is double-board-certified by the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He has extensive experience and employs advanced surgical techniques. Dr. Moynihan and the professionals at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery perform these surgeries in our private, onsite AAAASF-certified surgery center rather than in an impersonal, busy hospital or surgical center.

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Your journey: What to expect at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is located in downtown Chicago and features an AAAASF-accredited private surgical suite equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure patient health and safety, in a private, exclusive setting. Dr. Moynihan is an accomplished, double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon with decades of experience and thousands of procedures performed to date. 

Why choose Gold Coast Plastic Surgery for an eyelid surgery?

An eyelid surgery, when executed by Dr. Moynihan, our double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, will be performed with ultimate precision and the most advanced surgical techniques. Eyelid surgery, when performed correctly, should leave you looking rested, more youthful, and refreshed. No patient will ever be left with a wide-eyed, overdone look! Dr. Moynihan is a true artist in this delicate surgery, known for his ability to create the most natural-looking result. He is credentialed by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Loyola University Medical Center and Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Moynihan was educated at Villanova, Loyola, and the renowned Rousso Facial Plastic Surgery Center.

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Excellence in facial plastic surgery

Looking for a result that appears entirely natural? Dr. Moynihan is known for his artistry, professionalism, and expertise in eyelid surgery. Your journey will be under the care of a team of extraordinary medical professionals, each of whom is passionate about delivering a superior patient experience from start to finish.

Your private consultation for blepharoplasty

Prior to committing to eyelid surgery in Chicago, a private consultation with Dr. Moynihan will be scheduled. At this time, he will perform a brief exam of your facial anatomy, review your medical history, and discuss any current medications. Dr. Moynihan will go over all of the surgical and noninvasive techniques for an eyelid surgery and show you before and after photos of recent blepharoplasty patients.

He will speak with you about your aesthetic goals and desires. If an eyelid surgery is determined to be the right procedure for you, a unique surgical plan will be created. At this time, Dr. Moynihan will determine the exact cost of the surgery, and our patient coordinator can speak with you about the payment options at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

Where is blepharoplasty surgery performed?

What anesthesia is used for the blepharoplasty procedure?

How long will the blepharoplasty procedure take to perform?

Where are the incisions placed in an eyelid surgery?

Will I have scars after an eyelid surgery?

Is a blepharoplasty painful?

When can I return to work after an eyelid surgery?

Can I exercise after undergoing blepharoplasty?

When are the stitches removed?

How long will my eyelid surgery results last?

What are the complications that can occur?

Can I finance my blepharoplasty procedure?

Where is blepharoplasty surgery performed?

Dr. Moynihan performs eyelids surgery at his state-of-the-art, AAAASF-certified, onsite surgical suite.

What anesthesia is used for the blepharoplasty procedure?

Intravenous sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia could be administered.

How long will the blepharoplasty procedure take to perform?

Blepharoplasty typically requires one to two hours to complete, after which you can return home, driven by another adult, to rest and recover.

Where are the incisions placed in an eyelid surgery?

The incisions for an upper eyelid surgery are made within the natural crease of the upper eyelids; a lower eyelid surgery requires an incision inside of the bottom eyelid or under the lower lash line.

Will I have scars after an eyelid surgery?

The scars from an eyelid surgery are virtually invisible once healed, as the incisions are placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or within the lower eyelid.

Is a blepharoplasty painful?

After blepharoplasty, it is normal to expect mild discomfort and a tight or sore sensation. Dr. Moynihan will prescribe the appropriate pain medication to keep you comfortable for the first few days.

When can I return to work after an eyelid surgery?

Most people feel well enough to return to work in seven days after surgery.

Can I exercise after undergoing blepharoplasty?

A week after your surgery, light exercise can be resumed. More strenuous workouts and activities should be avoided for between 10-14 days, depending on your unique healing time.

When are the stitches removed?

Lower eyelid surgery usually does not involve stitches. Upper eyelid surgery does, and these tiny stitches are removed in one week.

How long will my eyelid surgery results last?

The results of an eye lift are long-lasting. Normal aging of the tissues and the forces of gravity will continue to occur over time.

What are the complications that can occur?

All surgeries come with some risk. In an eyelid surgery, the risks include cosmetic asymmetry, swelling, dry eyes, insufficient eye closure, and lid malposition (ectropion).

Can I finance my blepharoplasty procedure?

Yes, patients have the option to pay for their blepharoplasty, and other procedures from Gold Coast Plastic Surgery using cash, credit cards, or healthcare financing options.

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