Eyelid correction / eyelid lift
Correction of the eyelids
Operations on the upper and lower eyelids
Associated terms:
Eyelid correction, drooping eyelids, eyelid lift, blepharoplasty
Eyes radiate personality and individuality. A fresh, alert and relaxed expression triggers positive emotions, sympathy and dynamism, which is often important for personal and professional success.
The particularly delicate and thin skin around the eyes is subject to the ageing process earlier than other parts of the face, so eye wrinkles, drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes can develop. The expression of the eyes often appears tired. If drooping eyelids are particularly pronounced, the field of vision can also be significantly restricted.
Eyelid lifting is an effective method of restoring a fresh and open expression to the eyes. The operation can be performed on an outpatient basis and under local anaesthetic (possibly in combination with twilight sleep). If desired, inpatient monitoring is of course also possible. Upper and lower eyelid lifts can be performed individually or in combination and are among the most common cosmetic operations for men and women.
A sagging of the forehead tissue with subsequent lowering of the eyebrows can also be responsible for drooping eyelids. In this case, a combination procedure with a Forehead lift resp. Brow lift to ensure that an optimum result can be achieved.
What are drooping eyelids?
Drooping eyelids are drooping upper eyelids in which the sagging skin of the upper eyelid covers the natural eyelid crease and sometimes even overlaps the edge of the eyelid or eyelashes. This makes the eyes appear smaller and more tired and, in severe cases, the field of vision may be restricted. The main causes are the natural ageing process and genetic predisposition, less frequently also repeated inflammation or short-term water retention. Drooping eyelids are usually a cosmetic problem, but can also cause functional problems.
Drooping eyelids can be removed or minimised in various ways. Blepharoplasty is the most common procedure. This involves removing excess skin and possibly fatty tissue from the upper eyelid.
In mild to moderate cases, radiofrequency, micro-focussed ultrasound or treatment with Botox or hyaluronic acid may be of interest.
We do not use plasma pen or laser treatment.
Healing and aftercare of eyelid surgery
In order to minimise the risk of swelling and bruising after the procedure, the eye region will be cooled as continuously as possible immediately after the operation using a cooling pad/cooling goggles and the head will be elevated for 2 days.
To protect the conjunctiva, a nourishing eye ointment should be used in the first few days after the procedure, as the eyelids sometimes cannot be closed completely due to the swelling. However, this quickly disappears as the swelling and tension decrease.
The stitches are removed 5 to 7 days after the operation. You should avoid excessive exertion during this time.
The final shape of the eye area usually only appears 3 months after the procedure.
Risks and complications of eyelid correction
Complications are rare with both procedures. Temporary irritation of the conjunctiva, which can be characterised by tearing, a foreign body sensation and redness, is possible. Nourishing and anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments can be used to support this.
Forms of eyelid surgery
The eyelids consist of an upper eyelid and a lower eyelid. Consequently, different surgical measures are required to correct the eyelids.
Upper eyelid correction / upper eyelid lift
Associated terms:
Blepharoplasty of the upper eyelids, upper eyelid blepharoplasty, removal of drooping eyelids
An upper eyelid lift is often very effective. The removal of fat and muscle tissue as well as excess skin quickly increases the radiance of the eyes. Existing asymmetries can also usually be successfully corrected.
After measuring the excess skin, the incisions required for the corresponding removal are made in the natural skin folds of the upper eyelid. The wound is closed with a very fine thread and small plasters (steristrips) so that they are barely noticeable later. You will be socially acceptable again after just a few days; initially, make-up can be used to cover up minor residual haematomas.
At what age can an upper eyelid lift be performed?
The ideal age for an upper eyelid lift cannot be universally determined, as this procedure depends primarily on individual diagnoses, the degree of suffering and the extent of drooping eyelids. As a rule, patients between the ages of 30 and 60 opt for an upper eyelid lift, as age-related changes to the eyelid skin occur most frequently during this period.
However, surgery is also possible earlier, for example from the age of 18, if there are genetic drooping eyelids or functional limitations (e.g. impaired field of vision). There are also older patients who decide in favour of the procedure at a later age. The decisive factors are always the individual skin condition, personal perception and, if necessary, medical necessity - not age alone.
As part of your individual consultation, we will clarify the best time for an upper eyelid lift based on your personal situation.
Brief overview
Upper eyelid correction:
Duration of treatment:
90 minutes
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthetic, with twilight sleep if necessary
Follow-up treatment:
Cooling, upper body elevation, eye ointment
Load restrictions:
1 week
Lower eyelid correction / lower eyelid lift
Associated terms:
Blepharoplasty of the lower eyelids
A loss of firmness of the connective tissue and the skin of the lower eyelid causes "bags under the eyes" to develop over time. A change that also frequently affects men.
A lower eyelid correction is highly effective in tightening the so-called "tear trough" and smoothing the lower eyelid region.
In lower eyelid correction, a fine incision is made 1-2 mm below the eyelashes. Existing fat deposits are redistributed and some excess skin is removed. Fatty tissue and muscles are retained as a natural cushion to achieve a harmonious facial expression.
The wound is then closed with a very fine thread. The resulting scars are hardly noticeable later, even without make-up. A special plaster bandage (tape with steristrips) supports and stabilises the surgical result in the first few days. Swelling in the lower eyelid area can sometimes persist for several weeks.
Parts of the midface can also be shifted and tightened using this method, which has a significantly rejuvenating effect.
Brief overview of lower eyelid correction:
Duration of treatment:
2-3 hours
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia, if necessary with twilight sleep, general anaesthesia
Follow-up treatment:
Cooling, upper body elevation, steristrips, eye ointment
Load restrictions:
1-2 weeks
How painful is an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift is usually painless. Thanks to local anaesthesia, most patients only feel a slight burning sensation when the agent is injected.
After the operation, many people report a slight feeling of pressure, tension or soreness, which is perceived differently from person to person and can usually be controlled well with cooling and light painkillers. Severe pain is rare. Swelling, bruising and temporary itching often occur, which can occur in the first few days after the procedure and subside after around one to two weeks.
How long do the results of an eyelid lift last?
The result of an eyelid lift depends on various individual factors such as genetic predisposition, skin type, lifestyle and the natural ageing process. In many cases, the result lasts for many years. On average, the effect remains visible for around 8 to 15 years, often longer.
A repeat eyelid lift is possible in many cases without any problems.
However, the natural ageing process continues, so the result will not last a lifetime. A healthy lifestyle, sun protection and refraining from smoking can also prolong the result.
How long will I be off work after eyelid surgery?
After eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a recovery period of around 1 to 2 weeks is usually required until swelling and haematoma have subsided and social participation is possible again. It is possible to return to work after about a week, provided that no physically strenuous activities are carried out. The final result of the operation will become apparent after several weeks to months.
What should you look out for when choosing a doctor / clinic?
When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.
Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.
Why should you come to us?
Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and and maximum care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews, our seals and awards.
Benefit from our many years of experience. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.
Do you have questions about eyelid surgery?
Dr Michaela Montanari and Dr Anna Maria Bugariu will be happy to answer all your questions about your eyelid surgery. Arrange your personal consultation.
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