Akinosun Aesthetics
1S660 Midwest Rd. Suite 100
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone: (630) 478-0880
Fax: (630) 478-0881
Hours: Monday–Friday: 9 am–5 pm
Saturday: By appointment only
The eyes often show the first signs of aging. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, addresses hooded eyelids, under-eye puffiness, and excess skin that can make you look tired even when you feel well-rested. Fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon Dr. Akinosun performs eyelid surgery in Oakbrook Terrace with a precise, conservative approach that enhances your natural features while preserving the unique character of your eyes.
What Is Eyelid Surgery?
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. In some cases, eyelid surgery can also improve vision by removing excess upper eyelid skin that interferes with your field of view. Dr. Akinosun tailors the procedure to your unique facial anatomy and concerns, taking special care to maintain your natural expression and eye shape.
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Dr. Akinosun performs upper eyelid surgery for women and men concerned about hooded or sagging lids that contribute to a tired or aged appearance. In some cases, this extra eyelid tissue can interfere with a person’s field of vision.
After making carefully placed incisions within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, Dr. Akinosun removes excess skin and underlying tissue as needed to create a refined, smoother, and more alert appearance. Because she conceals the incision in the eyelid crease, it typically heals discreetly and becomes barely noticeable over time.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower blepharoplasty focuses on improving puffiness, under-eye bags, and contour irregularities. These concerns are often caused by fat displacement under the eyes or changes in skin quality.
Dr. Akinosun most commonly performs transconjunctival blepharoplasty, an advanced technique that avoids an external incision. Instead, she carefully makes incisions inside the lower lids and precisely adjusts fat without visible scarring. This approach is particularly effective for patients with under-eye fullness and good skin tone, offering a smoother transition between the lower eyelid and cheek.
Skin Pinch Procedure
For patients with mild skin laxity or a crepey texture beneath the eyes, Dr. Akinosun may recommend a skin pinch procedure in combination with or separate from lower blepharoplasty. This minimally invasive technique removes a small amount of excess skin just beneath the eyelashes without disturbing the underlying muscle or fat. It is often performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting and typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
The result is smoother, tighter-looking skin with minimal downtime, making it an excellent option for patients seeking subtle refinement.
What To Expect During Recovery
Eyelid surgery recovery is typically straightforward, although the downtime involved depends on whether you undergo upper or lower eyelid surgery, or both. Upper eyelid surgery recovery is measured in days, while recovery after lower eyelid surgery can take 4 to 6 weeks.
Upper Blepharoplasty Recovery
Days 1-3
Expect some swelling and mild bruising around the eyes during the first 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Swelling typically peaks by day 3.
Days 4-7
You’ll begin feeling back to normal at this point. Most patients can return to work, but you should plan to take breaks more often if your job involves extensive screen time.
Week 2
Most of the bruising and swelling will resolve, and you will probably feel comfortable going to a social event. Wear a hat to protect your incisions from direct sunlight.
Week 3 and beyond
Residual swelling continues to resolve, and you’ll start seeing the final results. Scars hidden in the natural eyelid creases fade.
Lower Blepharoplasty Recovery
First Week
You can expect swelling and mild bruising around the eyes during the first several days. You may also experience some tightness or dryness. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light activities within about a week. Applying cold compresses and keeping your head elevated helps minimize these symptoms.
Besides swelling and bruising, other common symptoms during the first week include:
- Dryness
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Excessive tearing
- Sensitivity to light
Weeks 2-3
Bruising continues to fade, and swelling improves significantly. The eyes begin to look more refreshed, though subtle swelling may still be present.
Weeks 4-6
The eyelids appear smoother and more natural as healing progresses. Most patients have returned to their normal routines and feel confident in their appearance.
3-6 Months
Final results continue to refine as residual swelling resolves and incision lines soften.
Dr. Akinosun provides detailed aftercare instructions and follows your progress closely to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Will eyelid surgery change the shape of my eyes?
No. Dr. Akinosun takes care to preserve your natural eye shape while reducing heaviness or puffiness, so you look like yourself but more refreshed.
How long do results last?
The results of upper and lower eyelid surgery are permanent, but the natural aging process continues at the same rate.
Is eyelid surgery painful?
No, most patients describe discomfort, tightness, and dryness after eyelid surgery rather than significant pain. This minimal discomfort can be well-managed with pain medication. During the procedure, anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable. Dr. Akinosun performs upper eyelid surgery with local anesthesia. Lower eyelid surgery can be performed with just local anesthesia, a local anesthetic with sedation, or a general anesthetic.
When can I return to work?
Many patients return to work within 7 to 10 days, depending on their comfort level with any residual bruising and the physical nature of their jobs.
Can eyelid surgery be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. During your consultation, Dr. Akinosun may discuss complementary procedures such as a brow lift or a deep plane facelift, depending on your overall concerns.
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Many patients take advantage of flexible payment options offered by our financing partner, helping make treatment comfortably within reach.
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Dr. Akinosun
A blepharoplasty consultation is the first step in understanding what’s possible and creating a plan tailored to your features and goals. From the beginning, Dr. Akinosun’s calm demeanor puts patients at ease, while her thoughtful, individualized approach guides you through each stage of the process. Patients visit from Oakbrook Terrace, Naperville, and surrounding Chicagoland communities to experience her personalized care.
