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Eyelid lift

Blepharoplasty | Ptosis surgery

Drooping eyelids (upper eyelids): For the most part, this is a typical sign of ageing. In some cases, however, it is a genetic predisposition that can appear at an early age. Drooping eyelids occur because the fat pads under the skin recede and the skin above them sags and tends to droop.

Bags under the eyes (lower eyelids): Are a result of fat deposits protruding from the eye socket and bulging forwards because the supporting membrane of the skin is too weak. Bags under the eyes are not caused by water retention or fatigue, as is often claimed.

Eyelid lift: before and after

Skin and fatty tissue (blue) are removed

Drooping eyelids (upper eyelids)

Drooping eyelids (upper eyelids) are a typical sign of ageing and occur when excess skin pulls downwards. The eye area under the eyebrows presses on the eyelids as the skin's elasticity decreases, giving those affected a tired and melancholy look (puppy dog eyes) and, in the worst cases, can even impair their vision. Excess skin and fatty tissue are removed during drooping eyelid surgery. The suture site runs along the eyelid crease.

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The operation

Drooping eyelid surgery is performed in our outpatient operating theatre and takes approximately one hour. You will be discharged home the same day after a short stay.

Before the operation, you will be prepared for the upcoming procedure by the nursing staff and your doctor. This includes taking so-called before pictures and drawing in the future eyelid contours. The upper eyelid lift is performed under local anaesthetic or, if desired, in twilight sleep.

In eyelid drooping surgery, excess skin and fatty tissue is removed with an incision in the eyelid crease. The suture site runs along the fold, slightly beyond the corner of the eye.

Aftercare

The suture is removed five to seven days after the eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). You will then receive small plasters over the wounds for a further four days. Temporary discolouration and swelling may occur. It will take around ten days for complete healing. You can then care for the eye area and apply make-up as usual.

We recommend taking it easy for a few days after the eyelid correction. Make sure that you do not bend your head forwards/downwards too much. When sleeping, you should keep your head slightly elevated. When outdoors, use sun cream with a high protection factor and sunglasses to protect the scars from the sun's rays. Avoid extreme cold during the winter months.

Bags under the eyes (lower eyelids)

Bags under the eyes (lower eyelids) usually consist of fatty tissue and are not water retention. The fat deposit protrudes from the eye socket and bulges forwards because the supporting membrane is too weak. Bags under the eyes are perceived as particularly disturbing as they give the impression of a sick, puffy and even deflated face. Drooping eyelids occur with age, but are often also a genetic phenomenon in young people.

When operating on bags under the eyes in patients with good skin elasticity, we remove the fatty tissue with an incision below the row of eyelashes or on the inside of the conjunctiva.

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The operation

The operation to remove bags under the eyes is performed on an outpatient basis in the day clinic of the Centre for Plastic Surgery and takes about an hour. After the operation, you will spend a few hours in our care. You can leave the clinic on the same day.

Before the operation, our nursing staff and your doctor will prepare you for the upcoming procedure. We will take some pictures of your eye contour and draw in the future eyelid contours. The eyelid lift is performed under general anaesthetic.

When operating on bags under the eyes, we remove the fatty tissue with an incision below the row of eyelashes or on the inside of the conjunctiva. If wrinkles and excess skin are already present, the excess skin must be removed in an additional step.

Aftercare

The stitches are removed five days after the operation. You will then receive small plasters over the wounds for a further four days. Temporary discolouration and swelling may occur. It will take around seven to ten days to heal completely. After this, you can care for the eye area and apply make-up as usual.

We recommend taking it easy for a few days after the eyelid correction. Make sure that you do not bend your head too much and that you are in an elevated position when sleeping. Protect the scars from sunlight by using sun cream with a high protection factor and sunglasses when outdoors. In the winter months, you should avoid extreme cold.

Consultation hour

Facts and figures on eyelid lifting

Operation

Approx. 1 hour, with local anaesthetic

Aftercare

Outpatient surgery, plasters and stitches removed 5 days after the operation

Sport

Nach 2 Wochen

Sociability

After 1 to 2 weeks

Costs

From CHF 5,000 to CHF 8,000

Häufige Fragen zum Thema Augenlidstraffung

Does an eyelid lift change the shape of the eye?

No, the shape of the eyes is not changed. Only the superfluous skin and fatty tissue is removed. An upper eyelid lift or lower eyelid lift naturally has an effect on the facial expression because the eye area is preserved. The look afterwards appears much more open and fresh. The face appears more rested and less tired.

Are the scars visible?

In an upper eyelid lift, the incisions are made in such a way that they are normally no longer visible once they have healed. In a lower eyelid lift, the incisions are made below the eyelashes, running out to the side and are therefore also barely noticeable.

When will I be able to "socialise" again?

This depends on the individual healing process and the patient's own requirements as well as professional and social commitments. It takes seven to ten days for the swelling and discolouration caused by the operation to completely disappear. However, any discolouration can be gently covered with make-up just a few days after the stitches have been removed.

Is an eyelid lift permanent?

The results of an upper eyelid lift last for many years. Although the natural ageing process continues, the effect achieved by the eyelid lift remains. If, over the years, the upper eyelids begin to droop again due to an unfavourable disposition, lifestyle, facial expressions or skin quality, leading to renewed impairment, the operation can be repeated. The removal of bags under the eyes, on the other hand, is permanent, as the unwanted fat deposits are removed.

Do I have to tell them if I am taking medication?

In any case, it is extremely important that you inform the doctor treating you about any illnesses and medication you are taking. Medication containing aspirin must not be taken for a fortnight before the eyelid lift (blood thinning effect). Such medication can lead to increased bleeding during the operation and delay the subsequent healing process. The doctor may decide not to perform a planned eyelid lift at any time if the risk of surgery is increased as a result of prior medication.

What are the risks of an eyelid lift?

In principle, every operation harbours certain risks (e.g. drug intolerance, haematoma, wound healing disorders, inflammation or scarring problems). They also depend on the individual's state of health. The doctor will discuss possible risks with you during the consultation and preparatory discussions.

In extremely rare cases, an ectropion (protruding lower eyelid) can occur during a lower eyelid lift. Occasionally, conjunctivitis can also occur. However, both are usually temporary phenomena and can be treated.

Does health insurance pay for an eyelid lift?

A lower eyelid lift is a purely aesthetic procedure, a cosmetic operation. For this reason, the treatment costs are not covered by health insurance. In cases of pronounced drooping upper eyelids, which impair the field of vision, for example, the costs are occasionally covered by insurance. Cost sharing by health insurance is rare and requires comprehensive medical clarification.

Podcast on the subject of eyelid lifting

In the podcast series with Radio 1, our doctor, Dr Georg Noever, answers questions about eyelid lifting:

Listen to podcast

We are happy to advise you personally

Our doctors are all FMH specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. We are a well-rehearsed team that takes care of your wishes competently and comprehensively. You can rely on our extensive experience at all times. Book your personalised appointment now.

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