Blepharoplasty (Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery) in Chicago

The eyes are the most expressive part of the face. As they give way to the effects of aging, they can project a tired or sad appearance. Excess skin can obscure the natural fold of the upper eyelids, drooping into the line of sight; or puffiness can develop in or around the lower eyelids. If you have noticed the unpleasant side effects of aging on your eyes, Dr. Robert Galiano can help by performing eyelid surgery on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. The result is a rested, pleasant appearance that projects youth and happiness.

Eyelid Surgery Benefits

Eyelid surgery is designed to address common age-related changes in the eyelid, including the following:

• Excess skin that obscures the natural fold in the upper eyelid
• Skin that droops over the lash line, possibly obstructing vision
• Wrinkled skin on the upper eyelids, possibly making it difficult to apply makeup
• Thin, “crepey” or paper-like skin in the lower eyelids
• Puffiness, dark circles or “bags” that develop under the lower eyelids
• Fine lines or wrinkles around the eyelids

Surgery can address the upper lids, lower lids or both. The specific treatment plan depends on the patient’s individual eyelid concerns and desired cosmetic outcomes.
During a consultation with Dr. Galiano, he will examine your eyes, noting excess skin and fat and lax muscles. You will be asked to describe your ideal results of eyelid surgery. Based on this information, Dr. Galiano will develop a plan of treatment that considers your needs and goals.

Eyelid Surgery Procedure Details

Every operation is tailored to the needs of the individual patient and therefore unique in its own way. Generally, surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with anesthesia. The operation takes approximately one to two hours, depending on the extent of the treatment plan.
During surgery, Dr. Galiano makes tiny incisions on or around the eyelids. If he is treating the upper eyelids, he places the incisions in the natural fold of the lid, so any scarring is concealed by the skin creases. If he is treating the lower lids, he places the incisions just below the lash line so scarring is not visible.
Through the incisions, Dr. Galiano removes excess fat and tissue and re-configures the eyelid skin to create firmer, smoother lids. He may redistribute fat or tighten lax muscles if needed to achieve the desired eyelid contour. Once Dr. Galiano is finished making these modifications, he closes the incisions with small sutures.

Eyelid Surgery Recovery

The eye area may be bruised, swollen, tender or numb immediately following surgery. Light sensitivity, double vision and tearing are also common side effects. Over time, the side effects subside and the lids start to look tighter and smoother.
Most patients take about a week or so off work to recover, and resume work once Dr. Galiano has cleared them. Strenuous exercise must be avoided for three to four weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eyelid Surgery

Is There a Difference Between Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Although they share a name, upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are two separate procedures, each involving different techniques.

Upper eyelid surgery primarily deals with a condition known as “hooding.” That is where extra weight on the brown causes the upper eyelid to droop lower on the eye. The surgery removes some of the excess skin and fat to reposition the eyelid to the desired level.

Lower eyelid surgery tackles the bags directly beneath the eyes. Dr. Robert Galiano repositions fat to fill in the undereye hollows for a smoother texture. Afterwards, the patient looks younger and less tired.  

Can I Get Both Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Yes, some patients choose to have surgery on the upper and lower eyelids since both procedures contribute to a younger, more refreshed-looking appearance. If you are considering both surgeries, it is often smart to have them done at the same time so the recovery periods can run concurrently. Speak to Dr. Galiano about this possibility during a consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for both.  

How Will My Eyelids Look After Surgery?

There is not one single look achieved by eyelid surgery; eyelid surgery is personalized to each patient, so your eyelids should appear in the way you have specified. Looking across a sea of faces, you may notice that eyelids come in a variety of shapes, most of which are achievable through surgery. Before coming in for a consultation, consider your ideal eyelid shape (and find a visual reference, if possible) to communicate that to Dr. Galiano. 

Why Is Blepharoplasty So Popular Among Men?

Though eyelid surgery makes improvements for men and women alike, it has become one of the more popular procedures for men in particular. Speaking to male patients, they recognize that the skin around their eyes adds years to their appearance. Whereas women are often more concerned with facial wrinkles, lines are often considered dignified on a man’s face, so having more alert, bagless eyes is the more common treatment for men.    

My Eyelids Are Asymmetrical — Can Surgery Fix That?

Some people are born with — or develop — eyelids that do not match those on the other side of their faces. These patients often wish to adjust one or both eyelids to make them more perfectly correspond. At the hands of a skilled surgeon, blepharoplasty is the best solution for achieving matching eyelids.     

How Is Eyelid Surgery Different for Men and Women?

Although the goals of eyelid surgery are often similar for men and women (rejuvenating the eyes and reducing puffiness or sagging) the approach is customized to suit each patient’s anatomy and aesthetic preferences. For women, Dr. Galiano may focus on creating a smoother, more open contour that complements the natural brow arch. For male patients, preserving a more defined, structured eyelid with minimal feminization is key. Incision placement and fat removal are carefully tailored to avoid altering masculine features while still achieving a refreshed appearance.

What Is the Right Age to Have Blepharoplasty?

There is no specific age requirement for blepharoplasty. Most patients seek the procedure in their 40s to 60s, when signs of aging around the eyes become more prominent. However, younger patients may benefit from surgery if they have inherited traits such as under-eye bags or drooping eyelids. Dr. Galiano evaluates each patient’s eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and overall health to determine the most appropriate timing for surgery.

What Is the Timeline for Eyelid Surgery Recovery?

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort in the first few days after blepharoplasty. These side effects typically improve within 7 to 10 days. Stitches are usually removed around day 5 to 7. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or social activities within 10 to 14 days. Final results continue to improve over the following weeks as swelling fully subsides. Dr. Galiano provides personalized post-op instructions and monitors your healing progress during follow-up visits.

When Is Blepharoplasty Medically Necessary?

While often performed for cosmetic reasons, blepharoplasty may be medically necessary if excess upper eyelid skin obstructs the visual field or causes functional issues like eye fatigue, headaches, or irritation. In these cases, the procedure may be partially covered by insurance. Dr. Galiano will perform a visual field test and clinical evaluation to determine if your condition qualifies as medically necessary.

How Soon Can I Wear Contacts Again After Eyelid Surgery?

Patients are typically advised to wait about 1 to 2 weeks before wearing contact lenses after blepharoplasty. It’s important to allow the eyelids to heal and avoid putting pressure on the area during early recovery. Dr. Galiano will let you know when it’s safe to resume wearing contacts based on your healing progress during follow-up appointments.

Can I Combine Eyelid Surgery With Other Cosmetic Procedures?

Yes, blepharoplasty is often combined with other facial procedures such as a brow lift or facelift to enhance overall rejuvenation. Combining surgeries can improve facial harmony and reduce total downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Galiano will discuss whether a combination approach is appropriate for your goals.

How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?

Eyelid surgery results are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying the benefits for 10 years or more. While the procedure cannot stop the natural aging process, it effectively resets the clock by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat. Maintaining healthy skin habits and protecting your eyes from sun exposure can help preserve your results.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Galiano?

Dr. Galiano is an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon with a keen eye for aesthetics and a well-established reputation for quality results. Throughout his career, he has helped his Chicago patients attain attractive, rejuvenated faces. He takes pride in ensuring his patients are informed, comfortable and satisfied through every step of their plastic surgery journey. 

To ask one of the best plastic surgeons in Chicago additional questions about upper and/or lower eyelid surgery, call Dr. Galiano’s office at (312) 926-4382.

Schedule A Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery Consultation

If you would like to determine whether eyelid surgery is a suitable anti-aging solution for your unique needs, please contact the office of Dr. Robert Galiano and request a consultation. You can reach us by calling (312) 926-4382, or fill out our consultation form online.