Cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a facial procedure that either removes excess fat and wrinkled, drooping skin of the upper eyelids, or eliminates bags under your eyes and tightens your lower eyelid skin. The result is a more rested appearance.
Dr. Gregory Wiener in Chicago has extensive oculoplastic experience. To perform an eyelid surgery, Dr. Wiener uses incisions hidden within the natural folds of the upper eyelid, and just below the lashes of the lower eyelid. If your lower eyelid skin is reasonably tight, the fat that causes the bags can be removed through an incision inside the lower lid leaving no visible scar.
Upper Eyelid Lift
An upper eyelid lift focuses on restoring a smooth, youthful contour to the upper eyelid. During this procedure, Dr. Wiener removes excess skin and fat while repositioning remaining tissue to create a more open and refreshed appearance. Because of the delicate anatomy of the upper lid, incisions are placed within the natural crease, allowing scars to remain virtually invisible once healed.
One of the key advantages of the upper eyelid lift is its convenience. In most cases, the procedure can be performed comfortably under local anesthesia, minimizing downtime and allowing patients to return home shortly after surgery.
This approach is ideal for patients who experience hooded or drooping upper eyelids that make the eyes appear tired or heavy. The result is a more alert and rejuvenated expression without changing the natural character of the eyes.
Lower Eyelid Lift
A lower eyelid lift targets puffiness, under-eye bags, and loose or sagging skin beneath the eyes. Dr. Wiener makes a discreet incision either just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (a transconjunctival approach) when skin tightening is minimal. Through this incision, excess fat is repositioned or removed, and the skin is gently tightened for a smoother, more youthful look.
Because this procedure involves deeper tissue repositioning, a lower eyelid lift is typically performed under general anesthesia. Many patients choose to combine it with a mid-facelift surgery, which helps lift the cheek area for a more seamless transition between the lower eyelid and upper face. Together, these procedures create balanced, natural rejuvenation.
Laser Eyelid Surgery (Laser Blepharoplasty)
Laser technology can also be used to tighten both the lower and upper eyelid skin without making any incisions at all. This is called a Laser Blepharoplasty and can be done in minutes under local anesthesia or mild sedation.
In addition, loose or low-hanging eyelids can be tightened by placing the eyelid itself in a better position. This is called a Canthopexy or, in some cases, a Canthoplasty. A more extensive (or supercharged) lower eyelid lift is done when the upper cheek is lifted to blend with the lower eyelid. This effectively removes dark circles and the deflated look of the eyelid and upper cheek that occurs with aging. This procedure is called a Mid-Face Lift.
Laser eyelid surgery can correct the same concerns that are addressed during traditional blepharoplasty surgery. With age, the eyelids often start to look loose, crepe-like, and baggy. These are all indications for blepharoplasty as well as laser blepharoplasty, which achieves very similar aesthetic outcomes but using different incision techniques.
Laser eyelid rejuvenation is often performed in the office using local anesthesia. The procedure can take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your individual case. After administering the anesthetic and confirming its effects, Dr. Wiener uses a handheld laser device to create precise incisions from a beam of laser energy. The incisions are then closed using sutures for smooth, natural healing.
Who Is a Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Most healthy adults who want to rejuvenate the appearance of their eyes can be good candidates for blepharoplasty. To determine candidacy, the doctor performs a thorough consultation, medical history review, and examination of the eyes and surrounding structures.
Ideal candidates often experience drooping skin that interferes with the natural contour of the upper eyelid or puffy under-eye bags that create a tired look. Non-smokers in good health and with realistic expectations tend to achieve the best results.
Eyelid Surgery Recovery and Results
Recovery depends on whether the upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated. Most patients experience mild swelling or bruising for 7 to 10 days. Cold compresses are recommended during the first few days, and makeup can typically be worn again within two weeks. For lower eyelid or combined surgeries, full recovery may take slightly longer due to the deeper tissue work.
Most patients return to work within 7–10 days, with final results becoming more apparent as swelling subsides. The eyes appear brighter, smoother, and more rested—without visible scarring, thanks to discreet incision placement.
Why Choose Dr. Wiener for Eyelid Surgery
Choosing the right surgeon is essential for achieving results that look refreshed and natural—not overdone. Dr. Gregory Wiener is a board-certified plastic surgeon with decades of experience performing precise eyelid and facial rejuvenation procedures. His expertise in both upper and lower blepharoplasty allows him to customize each treatment to the patient’s anatomy, ensuring a balanced, harmonious outcome.
Patients throughout Chicago trust Dr. Wiener and his dedicated team for their technical skill, attention to detail, and commitment to patient comfort and safety. Every consultation includes a thorough evaluation of facial structure, discussion of goals, and explanation of all available techniques—including upper, lower, and laser-assisted approaches.
From state-of-the-art technology to a compassionate, personalized care experience, Dr. Wiener’s practice emphasizes natural beauty and lasting confidence. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinement or a more comprehensive rejuvenation, you can expect expert guidance and exceptional results.
Most Commonly Asked Questions About Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty):
Eyelid surgery scars are hidden within the natural folds of the upper eyelid as well as just below the lashes of the lower eyelid. Once healed, these scars are very difficult to see, though there will be a permanent mark in these areas. Eyelid surgery scars continue to fade and soften with time. Incisions done inside the lower eyelid are impossible to see, and laser blepharoplasty also leaves no visible scars.
Most eyelid surgery patients have some degree of swelling that lasts for 7 to 10 days. However, there may be subtle amounts of swelling that persist for several weeks or months after the surgery. Often, this persistent swelling is very mild and difficult to see.
Typically, after 7 to 10 days most patients can return to social situations. Make-up can be worn 5 to 7 days after surgery and the use of cold compresses will help minimize bruising and swelling. There may, however, be some degree of swelling that persists beyond the 7 to 10 day period.
Often light, low-impact exercise can begin within three weeks of eyelid surgery. This would include a stationary bike, elliptical machine, or brisk walking. More strenuous workouts will have to wait until 6 weeks after eyelid surgery.
Within 5 to 7 days after eyelid surgery, makeup can usually be worn.
As with any surgery, there are risks and these will be discussed in complete detail by Dr. Wiener during your consultation. Some of these risks may include bleeding, (hematoma), poor scarring or lid asymmetry. However, it is unlikely that these types of complications will occur.
To read more about eyelid surgery and our other offered services, visit The Art of Plastic Surgery’s blog!
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Gregory Wiener proudly provides Chicago, IL, with advanced eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) procedures. For upper eyelid surgery under local anesthesia or lower eyelid surgery with general anesthesia—often combined with a mid-facelift—our team tailors every plan to the patient’s anatomy and goals. Contact 773-763-3990 to schedule an appointment or fill out a contact form.