Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Dr. Horn performs upper, lower, and quad blepharoplasty (combined upper and lower) to address drooping eyelid skin, under-eye bags, fatty deposits, and periorbital aging. Upper blepharoplasty incisions are hidden within the natural eyelid crease; lower blepharoplasty uses a transconjunctival (inner eyelid) approach that leaves no external scar. Both procedures can be combined with facelift or brow lift surgery. Most patients return to work within one week.

Eyelid surgery — blepharoplasty — is among the highest-impact, most efficient rejuvenation procedures available at Michael Horn Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Chicago. Because periorbital skin is among the thinnest on the body, it ages relatively quickly, and even subtle changes to the upper or lower eyelids can meaningfully affect how rested, alert, and youthful a person appears. Dr. Michael Horn's blepharoplasty program covers the full spectrum of periorbital rejuvenation. Upper blepharoplasty corrects excess upper eyelid skin that folds downward over the eyelid crease, creating a hooded or heavy appearance. In more pronounced cases, this redundant skin can encroach on the superior visual field, making the procedure both cosmetically and functionally relevant. Dr. Horn places the incision within the natural upper eyelid crease, ensuring that the healing scar is hidden in normal eye position. Through this incision, excess skin is removed and underlying fat pads or muscle are addressed as needed. Lower blepharoplasty addresses the under-eye region — specifically the puffiness and bulging caused by prolapsed orbital fat that creates persistent under-eye bags, as well as excess lower eyelid skin that contributes to a tired appearance. Dr. Horn's preferred lower blepharoplasty technique uses a transconjunctival approach — placing the incision on the inner surface of the lower eyelid — which completely eliminates external scarring. This approach is particularly well-suited to patients whose primary concern is fatty bulging rather than skin excess. For patients with concerns in both the upper and lower eyelids, quad blepharoplasty addresses all four eyelids in a single surgical session, providing comprehensive periorbital rejuvenation with a single recovery period. This is frequently the most cost-efficient and recovery-efficient option for patients in their mid-forties and beyond. Eyelid surgery can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with a facelift, brow lift, or non-surgical treatments such as injectables for a comprehensive facial result. Recovery is swift — acute swelling and bruising largely resolve within the first seven days, and most patients return to work and social activities within one week. Consultations are available in person at River North and virtually.