Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Lift)

Blepharoplasty, also known as an eyelid lift, is a surgical procedure that rejuvenates the upper and/or lower eyelids. This procedure can be performed to rejuvenate the eyelids, effectively addressing excess or droopy skin along the upper eyelids or puffiness or eye bags under the eyes.

Dr. Utku Dolen is a distinguished board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery. He has helped many patients in both the United States and Europe achieve each of their aesthetic goals.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Dolen and learn more about how you can benefit from blepharoplasty, please contact our Algonquin office by calling (847) 854-3522.

About Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a procedure performed to enhance the appearance of either the upper or lower eyelids. The eyelids are made up of delicate skin, muscle, and connective tissue, and are unique for their minimal fat content, making them the thinnest skin on the body. ⁽¹⁾ As we age, this skin and tissue can begin to lose its tone and laxity, causing it to loosen or sag. These effects can be compounded by certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking and sun exposure.

Over the past decade, blepharoplasty has become one of the five most commonly performed surgical procedures worldwide. ⁽²⁾ This procedure continues to grow in popularity; In 2024, over 120,000 eyelid lifts were performed in the United States alone. ⁽³⁾

Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty offers several benefits that each patient can enjoy for years. Some of these benefits include:

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty typically include those experiencing sagging skin around the eyelids. Patients experiencing an obstructed field of vision due to drooping skin, as well as those experiencing an angry or tired eye appearance due to sagging, may also make suitable candidates.

All patients interested in blepharoplasty should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can accomplish. Patients should be nonsmokers or willing to quit using nicotine at least two months before and after their procedure. Dr. Dolen will determine each patient’s candidacy for blepharoplasty during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing blepharoplasty, each patient is asked to attend a personal consultation. Dr. Dolen will explain what blepharoplasty entails before evaluating each patient’s eyelids. Each patient is also asked about their medical history, symptoms, and desired results.

This information is used to determine each patient’s candidacy for blepharoplasty and develop their personalized procedure plan. Each patient will receive a set of pre-operative and post-operative instructions based on their specific procedure and goals. Dr. Dolen can answer any questions you may have about blepharoplasty or aesthetic surgery in general, as we want our patients to leave this meeting feeling informed about their procedure.

To schedule your personal consultation and receive your personalized treatment plan, please contact our Algonquin office by calling (847) 854-3522.

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Preparation

Each patient will receive a set of detailed preparation instructions from Dr. Dolen. These instructions may vary between patients depending on the details of their procedure plan, but each one should be followed to facilitate a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

Patients will need to discontinue using medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties. Alcohol should be avoided at least two weeks before and after the procedure, and nicotine use should be completely ceased at least two months in advance and throughout the recovery period. Transportation home from the procedure should also be arranged, and we strongly recommend having a trusted friend or family member assist around the house for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.

Procedure

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. This procedure usually takes between one to two hours, depending on the complexity and extent of correction.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Dr. Dolen will begin this procedure by creating an incision that follows the natural crease of the upper eyelid. ⁽⁴⁾ Excess skin, tissue, and fat are carefully excised while the remaining skin and tissue are repositioned and tightened. Dr. Dolen can perform this procedure in the clinic under local anesthesia in select patients.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Dr. Dolen will begin a lower eyelid blepharoplasty by placing an incision either inside the lower eyelid or below the lash line. ⁽⁴⁾ Excess fat and tissue are removed or repositioned alongside any excess skin. With lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Dolen aims to reduce the appearance of any puffiness or address under-eye bags. Dr. Dolen performs this procedure in the operating room under general anesthesia.

Recovery

Blepharoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis; therefore, each patient will be released home on the same day as their procedure. Time away from work and other social commitments should be taken to focus on recovering. Many patients experience bruising and swelling, but these effects often dissipate within a week and may be managed using pain medications.

Patients can often return to work within one to two weeks with Dr. Dolen’s approval. However, physical activities and other strenuous tasks should continue to be avoided. Any scarring will fade until it has become barely noticeable, and Dr. Dolen may recommend using scar-minimizing agents to help them fade faster. Further recovery instructions will be provided during each patient’s personal consultation.

Results

The results of blepharoplasty will become more noticeable as each patient continues to recover. Patients will be able to enjoy a more youthful-looking appearance as the skin around their eyes is tightened and puffiness, wrinkles, and creases are eliminated. A widened field of vision may be experienced, as well as a more energetic and alert eye expression. The results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing their results for several years.

Corresponding Procedures

Botulinum Toxin

Many patients choose to combine their blepharoplasty with another procedure for more cohesive results. For those interested in restoring a more youthful-looking appearance to their face, we recommend pairing your treatment with Botulinum Toxin!

This FDA-approved injectable treatment is designed to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines around the face. This treatment is a neuromodulator, meaning it stops the transmission of certain neurotransmitters to help produce its effects. When administered, Botulinum Toxin relaxes the muscles responsible for repeated facial contractions. This not only allows the skin to relax and smooth itself out, but also simultaneously prevents wrinkles and creases from developing if treatments are consistent.

To learn more about the other procedures and treatments that can be performed alongside your blepharoplasty, we encourage you to read Dr. Dolen’s blog!

Cost of Blepharoplasty in Algonquin

The cost of each patient’s blepharoplasty can vary, as each procedure is customized to address their concerns and unique anatomy. Dr. Dolen will discuss the pricing of your procedure during your personal consultation once your plan is established.

To learn more about the cost of your customized blepharoplasty, please contact our Algonquin office by calling (847) 854-3522.

FAQ

References

1. Cochran ML, Lopez MJ, Czyz CN. Anatomy, Head and Neck, Eyelid. PubMed. Published 2020. Accessed June 27, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482304/
2. Miotti G, Zeppieri M, Pederzani G, Salati C, Parodi PC. Modern blepharoplasty: From bench to bedside. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2023;11(8):1719-1729. doi:https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v11.i8.1719
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2024 Plastic Surgery Statistics. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Published June 24, 2025. Accessed June 27, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
4. Rebowe RE, Runyan C. Blepharoplasty. Nih.gov. Published July 24, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482381/#article-18372.s4