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Expert Eyelid Lift Surgery in Chicago:
Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty
by Dr. Ahmad
Are you concerned about drooping upper eyelids, puffy bags beneath your eyes, or excess skin that makes you look older and more tired than you feel? These are common signs of aging that can affect both your appearance and your self-confidence. Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid lift surgery, offers a highly effective solution to rejuvenate your eyes and restore a more youthful, refreshed look.
Our approach to eyelid surgery is different; we never rush into this procedure and take the time to get to know the unique needs of our patients. What works with one patient won’t necessarily work with another. Dr. Ahmad understands how to identify which patients are ideal candidates for this procedure and will work diligently to provide a treatment plan that evolves with your needs. We believe in the process and the journey, and Dr. Ahmad really believes that when you educate patients, you empower them to make the best decisions for themselves.
- Amjad Z. Ahmad, M.D. Oculofacial Surgeon
- Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery
- Eyelid Lift Surgery
What Is Upper & Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the eyelids. It is primarily used to address the issue of puffiness and under-eye bags. Puffiness and under-eye bags are often caused by protruding fat deposits and weakened muscles and tissues. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by removing or repositioning excess fat and tightening the underlying muscles and skin. This results in a smoother, more contoured under-eye area and a more refreshed appearance. The goal is natural results, as eyelids are a vital part of non-verbal communication, and overdone eyelids can affect your facial expressions.Â
Dr. Ahmad will be sure to examine your eyes thoroughly to determine the best route forward. He will listen to what the patient is bothered by, take an in-depth look at their anatomy, and consider the specific time allowed for healing, which is very often determined by the patient's type of employment. No matter what, Dr. Ahmad believes that excellent results rely on the trusting relationship established between him and his patient.
Drooping Upper Eyelids (Ptosis)
This condition, characterized by a drooping or sagging upper eyelid, can make you look tired, older, and even impair your vision by obstructing your upper field of view. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin, muscle, and sometimes fat to lift the eyelid to restore a more youthful, alert appearance and improve your sight.
Under-Eye Bags and Puffiness
Puffiness and under-eye bags are often caused by protruding fat deposits and weakened muscles and tissues. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty addresses these concerns by removing or repositioning excess fat and tightening the underlying muscles and skin. This results in a smoother, more contoured under-eye area and a more refreshed appearance.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines ("Crow's Feet")
Blepharoplasty can also smooth out wrinkles and fine lines around the eyes, especially the "crow's feet" that develop at the corners of the eyes. While blepharoplasty primarily addresses excess skin and fat, it can indirectly improve the appearance of some wrinkles and contribute to an overall more youthful look. Some patients are ideal candidates for combining blepharoplasty with other procedures like Botox or laser resurfacing for more comprehensive wrinkle reduction. Dr. Ahmad will be able to determine whether this approach is ideal for you.
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Who Is a Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
Ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are individuals who:
Are in Good Overall Health
Good health promotes proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Motivated to Have Surgery
We want our patients to thoroughly research and think through their options, ensure they have time in their schedules, and be 100% committed to having the surgery. If you’re not that bothered by your eyelids, there are less invasive options.
Have Realistic Expectations
Blepharoplasty can significantly improve your appearance, but it's important to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Dr. Ahmad will discuss what you can expect during your consultation.
Are Bothered by Specific Eyelid Concerns
You should have genuine concerns about the appearance or function of your eyelids, whether it's drooping, puffiness, or excess skin.
Do Not Have Any Serious Eye Conditions
Certain eye conditions might increase the risk of complications during or after surgery. Dr. Ahmad will thoroughly evaluate your eye health to determine if you’re a candidate.
Do Not Have Uneven Vision
If a patient has poor vision in one eye due to a lazy eye or other eye pathology, their treatment must be handled differently. Dr. A will educate them on the risks and benefits and may perform surgery with the knowledge that the patient may need future intraocular surgery (cataract).
Are Non-Smokers
Smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications. Smokers are welcome to schedule a consultation, but no surgery can be done until they quit.
Have Time to Heal
Patients need time to heal after invasive procedures like surgery. This is non-negotiable.
Your Eyelid Surgery Journey with Dr. Ahmad
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In-Depth Consultation
Your journey begins with a personal consultation with Dr. Ahmad, but this won’t be a rushed appointment. He will take the time to listen attentively to your concerns, discuss your aesthetic goals, and answer any questions you may have. His goal is to learn what’s bothering you and assess the symmetry of your face. Then, he will perform a thorough examination of your eyelids and evaluate your overall health to determine if eyelid surgery is the right option for you or if a non-invasive option will be more successful. He will then explain any potential procedure in detail, discuss possible risks and benefits, and show you before-and-after photos of similar cases.
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Customized Surgical Planning
If you are a suitable candidate, Dr. Ahmad will develop a personalized surgical plan tailored to your individual needs, desired outcomes, and how much time you have to heal. He will discuss the specific techniques he will use, the type of anesthesia, and what you can expect during and after your procedure.
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Phone Call
Dr. Ahmad always schedules a personalized telephone call 48 hours prior to surgery to go over the surgical plan, review all the pre and post-op medications, and discuss how best to care for wounds after surgery.
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The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Incisions are strategically placed within the natural creases of the eyelids or just below the lower lash line, minimizing visible scarring. Through these incisions, Dr. Ahmad meticulously removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat, sculpting the eyelids to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
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Post-Operative Care and Recovery
This is the most important part of the entire process. After your surgery, Dr. Ahmad will continue to provide excellent care and be in constant communication with you. You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing, and these instructions will cover how to care for your incisions, manage any swelling or bruising, and gradually resume normal activities. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure you are healing as you should be.
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Dr. Ahmad Stresses
That being active after surgery is very important, such as walking on a treadmill or lifting very light weights. However, we don’t recommend vigorous exercise until the sutures are removed. We also don't recommend any makeup on the area operated on until the sutures have been removed. Dr. Ahmad stresses the importance of sleeping slightly elevated to decrease wound edema and allow for faster healing. Our laser patients are told to avoid direct sunlight on the eyelids 4 weeks before and 4-6 weeks after laser resurfacing of the eyelids.
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Follow-Up Visits and Long-Term Results
Your long-term satisfaction is always prioritized. We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing, address any concerns, and ensure you are achieving the best possible results. We like to see our patients at 3 months after surgery and then at the 1-year mark to assess the results. The outcome of eyelid surgery is generally long-lasting, so you’ll be able to maintain a more youthful and refreshed appearance for years to come.
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Recovery After Blepharoplasty: What to Expect
Following blepharoplasty, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the eyes, and those who are diabetic, have sleep apnea, or have a history of trauma will take longer to heal. Your vision, especially while reading, may be blurry, and you may develop some dry eye symptoms like foreign body sensation or burning. Frequent icing is the most effective at minimizing pain and swelling, and should be prioritized in the first 48 hours after surgery. We’ll make sure to give you detailed information on how to ice properly in advance. Most patients can return to work and other non-strenuous activities within 7-10 days after surgery, and you should avoid more strenuous activities for several weeks. Dr. Ahmad will provide detailed instructions on how to optimize your recovery and minimize downtime.
Inspired by Our Patients' Stories? Read Their Testimonials.
Read More Patient Success StoriesThe Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Chicago
The cost of eyelid surgery is determined by several factors, the most important factor being previous eyelid surgery. Patients who have already had eyelid surgery are more complicated and take longer, as they have scar tissue in their eyelids. Other factors are ex-smokers, patients who lost weight from bariatric surgery, and those who have significant sun damage. All these things make the eyelid skin looser and difficult to work with. Patients with sleep apnea may already have eyelid edema and have to use a mask at night after surgery. Some patients may need ptosis repair (muscle procedure), which needs to be done at the time of blepharoplasty. This will increase the time for healing and can put the patient at risk of difficulty closing the eyes after surgery.Â
Some patients may have mild complications after surgery; if Dr. A can repair this in the office, he will do so and waive his professional fee so the patient will only need to pay for the supplies for surgery, which is usually only several hundred dollars. If the patient requires a redo due to another surgeon's complication, he will not waive his professional fee as these patients have difficult cases and usually require multiple procedures to get the best result.
During your personal and in-depth consultation, Dr. Ahmad will provide a transparent and detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your specific procedure so you know what to expect.
Why Choose Dr. Ahmad for Your Eyelid Lift?
Dr. Amjad Ahmad is a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in oculofacial surgery who provides expert blepharoplasty procedures in Chicago. From the first consultation, you’ll see that his approach is different, and you’ll see that he truly cares about building relationships with his patients. Through advanced surgical techniques and a personalized, patient-centered approach, he’s able to achieve beautiful yet natural-looking results that enhance your unique facial features.
Dr. Ahmad offers several key advantages:
Specialization & Expertise
Dr. Ahmad focuses exclusively on eyelid surgery. This specialization, combined with his years of experience, allows him to achieve exceptional results that enhance your natural beauty without looking "overdone."
Health Above All
Dr. Ahmad never sacrifices the function and comfort of your eyes for appearance. His first priority is the health of your eyes, and he takes your pre-existing conditions into account, including severe dry eye or need for upcoming eye surgeries.
Natural-Looking Results
He prioritizes achieving natural, balanced results that complement your unique facial features. His meticulous surgical techniques and artistic eye for detail ensure a harmonious and refreshed appearance.
Personalized Care
Dr. Ahmad is dedicated to providing a personalized, patient-centered approach. Honesty and trust are key to achieving beautiful results. He believes in taking the time to listen to your concerns, address your questions, and thoroughly explain the procedure. As a result, you’ll feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
Proven Track Record
His extensive experience and numerous successful procedures make him a trusted and sought-after expert in eyelid surgery. His patients consistently express high satisfaction with their results.
Serving Chicago & Lisle
We are conveniently located in both downtown Chicago and Lisle, making our services accessible to patients throughout the Chicagoland area. We welcome patients from numerous surrounding communities, including but not limited to the neighborhoods near our offices, such as Gold Coast, River North, Streeterville, Lincoln Park (Chicago), Naperville, and Downers Grove.Â
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Schedule Your Comprehensive Consultation Today
Ready to discover how eyelid surgery can rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence? Contact our office today to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Ahmad to see how his unique approach and years of experience can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.