The eyes have been called the windows to the soul for good reason: as the most expressive feature of the face, the eyes help reflect mood and personality. The thin skin and tissue around the eye area is also more susceptible to the early signs of aging compared to other areas of the face and body. The combination of droopy upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes can leave you looking tired or prematurely aged. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can help you look younger and more alert by repairing and subtly correcting the delicate skin and muscles around the eye area.
Dr. Otto Placik is a specialist in eyelid surgery in Chicago. A board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Placik can perform blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons, to correct obscured vision resulting from drooping lids or can perform double eyelid surgery in ethnic eyes. In addition to eyelid surgery, Dr. Placik also offers a range of facial cosmetic surgery procedures that can address a number of aesthetic or age-related concerns.
Please contact us online or call our Chicago or Arlington Heights plastic surgery offices for more information on eyelid surgery, including prices.
Dr. Placik is a board certified plastic surgeon in Chicago and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University where he also completed residencies in general and plastic and reconstructive surgery.
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Like other areas of the body, the appearance of your eyes changes with age. For some, this may mean sagging upper lids that could partially interfere with vision, while others may notice excess puffiness below the eyes. A sleepy or saggy look to the eye area can also be due to heredity rather than age, with some men and women noticing problems as early as their 20s or 30s. This is often associated with a low set brow.
Eyelid surgery can improve the appearance of visible age through the eye area by correcting the placement of the lids and eliminating fatty deposits and excess tissue that create under-eye bags. Eyelid surgery can be performed to improve aesthetics, or to help your vision by adjusting the lids out of your line of sight. Blepharoplasty can include the removal of fatty tissue, loose skin or both.
During blepharoplasty in Chicago, Dr. Placik makes carefully placed incisions: for upper eyelid surgery, these will be hidden in the natural contours and creases of the eye, while incisions for lower eyelid surgery run just along the lash line. Working through these access points, Dr. Placik is able to remove excess fat, then excise skin for a smoother appearance. If double eyelid surgery is being performed, Dr. Placik reshapes the upper eyelid to create a natural-looking low crease without looking too “Westernized.”
When looking at the upper eyelid, Dr. Placik will often discuss the role of the forehead and brow and its contribution to the appearance. He will also assess the position of the cheek when addressing the treatment of the lower eyelid. A recommendation for a brow lift or cheek surgery/midface lift, or fat transfer may also be suggested.
Since blepharoplasty is typically performed using local anesthesia plus oral sedation, most patients are able to return home the same day of their surgery. If more extensive procedures are performed on the lower eyelid region, general anesthesia may be recommended. Typically, men and women can return to work within a week, although residual bruising and swelling may be visible for a bit longer.
If your eyelids are noticeably saggy, have become droopier with age or have a naturally “sleepy” look, you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery. Men and women of Asian descent may consider double eyelid surgery to create a defined double upper lid. Eyelid surgery can also improve the appearance of bags under the eye and help your entire upper face look younger.
Because of the way eyelid surgery is performed, this procedure won’t remove the fine lines and wrinkles at the outer edges of the eyes known as crow’s feet. Instead, Dr. Placik may recommend including BOTOX® Cosmetic to address this specific concern.
Dr. Placik will meet with you at our office in Chicago or Arlington Heights to talk about your goals for blepharoplasty as well as examine your facial structure. It’s important to recognize what eyelid surgery can and cannot accomplish. For example, if your eyes are overshadowed by a heavy brow, Dr. Placik may suggest combining brow lift surgery with your blepharoplasty for better results. If lower eyelid bags are associated with sagging in the midface and a “drawn” or “gaunt” appearance, Dr. Placik may recommend a midface lift or fat transfer.
Your costs will vary depending on whether undergoing upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or surgery on both lids. Including additional procedures will also affect the total cost of surgery, which will include Dr. Placik’s fee, the cost of the surgical facility and the anesthesiologist’s fee. Some portion of costs may be covered by your insurance plan if your provider considers the procedure medically necessary. Dr. Placik and his staff strive to provide excellent value and can help you with cosmetic surgery financing to make your procedure even more affordable.
Blepharoplasty, when treating excess skin of the upper eyelids, is viewed as a relatively simple surgery both in terms of the procedure itself and the recovery. Surgery is typically less than an hour. When addressing the lower eyelids, surgery takes an hour or two, depending on which type of eyelid surgery is being performed (lower or both lower and upper) and whether other procedures are included at the same time. In this instance the procedure may be more complex. During recovery, you’ll notice swelling and soreness, both of which can be alleviated with cold compresses. Scars will be small to begin with, and should heal up to nearly invisible.
The risks associated with eyelid surgery are considered minor, and include the same concerns that could occur with any surgery like infection, scarring or bleeding. With blepharoplasty, there is a possible risk of dry eyes or sensitivity to sunlight, although these side effects are less common when recommended precautions are followed. More serious problems can occur but are exceptionally rare.
Dr. Placik promises you his best possible care and attention. If you would like to schedule a private consultation to learn more about eyelid surgery, please contact us online or call us at 847-398-1660.
To meet with double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Otto J. Placik, you can request a consultation online or call our Arlington Heights office at 847-398-1660 or our Chicago office at 312-787-5313 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you look your very best.
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