Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) in Rockford, IL
The aging process gradually changes the appearance of the eyes. Excess skin and puffiness around the eyes can cause a person to look not only older, but also tired and angry. Blepharoplasty (or eyelid surgery) is a cosmetic solution for rejuvenating the skin around the eyes. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Pedro Rodriguez performs both upper and lower blepharoplasty to subtly refresh the face.
The Pedro Rodriguez Difference
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez is an elite plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in breast, body and face procedures. Merging advanced techniques with his keen eye, he produces transformative results for his patients that are both attractive and natural-looking.
Patients in Rockford choose Dr. Rodriguez because of his outstanding surgical skills and attentive care. Through decades of experience, he understands precisely how to rejuvenate the face and achieve appealing breast and body contours. He takes pleasure in helping his patients build confidence by reaching their aesthetic goals.
Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Dr. Rodriguez can achieve the following changes for his eyelid surgery patients:
- Minimizing wrinkles around the eyelids
- Smoothing the skin around the eyes
- Reducing the bags (dark circles) beneath the eyes
- Lifting a drooping eyelid that can diminish the field of vision
- Removing excess skin that covers the top of the upper eyelid
Candidates for Eyelid Surgery
Patients who are non-smokers in good health who wish to rejuvenate their eyes are generally strong candidates for blepharoplasty. During a consultation, Dr. Rodriguez confirms each patient’s candidacy. After evaluating the face, he can also recommend whether the patient could benefit from upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or both.
Eyelid surgery is customizable to each patient, so patients should discuss their preferences with Dr. Rodriguez during the consultation. Additionally, Dr. Rodriguez frequently pairs blepharoplasty with facelift or other facial procedures to rejuvenate the face more uniformly.
Blepharoplasty Procedure Details
For upper blepharoplasty, Dr. Rodriguez makes an incision along the crease of the upper eyelid so that scarring is easily concealed on this natural line. Through this incision, he can tighten the eyelid muscle, reposition fat and tissue and excise surplus fat and skin. For lower blepharoplasty, Dr. Rodriguez makes an incision just beneath the lower eyelash. After removing excess fat and skin, he repositions the remaining fat to smooth out the undereye. Both surgeries are performed with general anesthesia so that the patient remains comfortable throughout the one-to-two-hour procedure.
Blepharoplasty Recovery and Results
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means most patients return home on the same day as their surgery. Though patients may need to take pain medication to ease lingering discomfort, most are able to resume normal activities (aside from strenuous exercise) after a couple days of rest and relaxation. Patients typically wait a week or so to return to work to give the swelling and bruising around their eyes time to subside.
The results from upper blepharoplasty last about seven years before the signs of aging start to appear again. Patients who want to address a drooping upper eyelid a second time may find brow lift (which removes excess skin on the forehead that can weigh the eyelid down) to be useful. Lower blepharoplasty results last indefinitely, with many patients enjoying their smoother, less tired looking appearance for the rest of their lives.
Blepharoplasty FAQs
Is eyelid surgery safe?
Yes, eyelid surgery is considered very safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Rodriguez. However, any surgical procedure carries some modest inherent risks, including infection, reaction to anesthesia, and vision changes. Any applicable risks associated with eyelid surgery will be discussed during a consultation.
Will there be any scarring after blepharoplasty?
While any surgery can leave scars, the techniques used in eyelid surgery aim to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Rodriguez places his incisions along the natural lines of the patient’s eyelids, in the creases of the upper lids, and just below the lashes in the lower lids. Over time, these scars typically fade and become barely noticeable.
Does insurance cover eyelid surgery?
In most cases, blepharoplasty is performed for cosmetic purposes and is therefore not covered by insurance. Insurance policies may cover some or all of upper eyelid surgery if the procedure is deemed medically necessary to improve vision or correct functional issues. Patients should consult with their insurance provider to understand their coverage specifics.
What financing options are available for blepharoplasty?
Our practice offers various financing options to help manage the cost of your eyelid surgery. We work with third-party financing companies like PatientFi, Alphaeon Credit, Care Credit, and Lending USA to offer flexible payment plans for different budgets. During your consultation, our staff can provide detailed information on how to apply for these financing options.
Can blepharoplasty address asymmetry issues around the eyes?
Blepharoplasty can improve symmetry around the eyes by adjusting the skin, muscle, and fat in the eyelids. While perfect symmetry may not be achievable due to natural facial variations, significant improvements can often be made. Dr. Rodriguez assesses each case individually and can discuss how symmetry can be enhanced during a consultation.
Is it acceptable to combine upper and lower blepharoplasty?
Yes, it is quite common to combine upper and lower blepharoplasty to achieve a balanced and comprehensive rejuvenation of the eyes. Combining both procedures can address sagging skin, fine wrinkles, and under-eye bags in a single session, reducing overall downtime compared to having two separate surgeries.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes, eyelid surgery can be combined with other facial procedures , such as a facelift, brow lift, or injectables, to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect. Combining surgeries can also be more cost-effective and reduce overall recovery time. This will be discussed in detail based on the patient’s aesthetic goals during the consultation.
Are there age restrictions for undergoing eyelid surgery?
There are no strict age restrictions for undergoing blepharoplasty it is typically performed on adult patients of any age who meet the health criteria. The suitability of the procedure is based more on the individual’s specific eye condition, skin quality, and overall health rather than age alone. However, most candidates for eyelid surgery are over the age of 35, as this is when skin elasticity begins to decrease and sagging eyelids become more noticeable. Younger patients might consider blepharoplasty if they have congenital eyelid issues or have developed conditions that cause premature aging around the eyes.
Make an Appointment
Dr. Rodriguez is a skilled surgeon who performs blepharoplasty to help patients achieve a younger and happier-looking face. If you would like to discuss upper or lower eyelid surgery with Dr. Rodriguez and learn more about the changes possible with these procedures, please contact his office in Rockford today.
