Upper eyelid lift

Upper eyelid lifting is a surgical procedure to correct the upper eyelids, and is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery removes slackened skin, fat and muscle tissue as required. This allows us to open up the patient’s eyes, once again rendering their expression alert and radiant. The entire procedure lasts around one hour and, in most cases, can be performed under local anaesthetic. It’s also possible to combine it with surgery to correct the lower eyelid.

Upper eyelid tightening is an effective way to remedy drooping eyelids with long-lasting results. In many cases, a surgical procedure is the only effective solution to heavily drooping eyelids. Many minimally invasive forms of eyelid tightening only provide superficial results. However, surgical eyelid tightening also allows us to remedy protrusions of fatty tissue and purposefully tighten slackened tissue. This means we can achieve beautiful results, even for heavily drooping eyelids.

Just like bags under the eyes, drooping eyelids are a typical symptom of the ageing process. As the years go by, the sensitive skin around our eyes loses its elasticity. The areas of skin which slacken form folds above the upper eyelid, making a person’s expression tired and sombre. This excess skin can also restrict a person’s vision.

With drooping eyelids, it’s often the case that not only the skin but also lower layers of tissue have become slack. Consequently, fatty tissue moves forward and becomes prominent. As it protrudes, it makes the eyes look even more swollen and puffy. Such subcutaneous fat must be considered when performing an upper eyelid correction, as must slackened muscle tissue below the eyes. The latter is a further contributor to drooping eyelids.

We can combine various separate stages within an upper eyelid correction procedure in order to achieve an optimal treatment result. Depending on the findings in a personal examination, the surgery could simply involve skin tightening; however, it could also comprise removal and tightening of skin, fat and muscle tissues. In many cases, surgery to correct both upper and lower eyelids are combined in a single procedure.

We predefine where incisions will be made for each patient. In doing so, we consider the shape of the individual patient’s eyes in order to achieve effective results without visible scarring. Incisions are usually made in the skin fold above the upper eyelid. This means the tiny scars are hidden within this fold, barely noticeable to the naked eye.

Before surgery to lift the upper eyelid, your surgeon will explain the prospects and risks involved in the procedure. They will work with you to define the precise scope of treatment and plan of action. They will also provide some important tips on how to prepare for the surgery. For instance, you should avoid alcohol and nicotine as far as possible in order to support the healing process. You should also temporarily stop taking any blood-thinning painkillers and medication. Other than that, no specific preparation is required for an upper eyelid lift.

Surgery to correct the upper eyelid is an outpatient procedure which takes around one hour; local anaesthetic is usually sufficient. At the start of the procedure, the surgeon maps out precisely where incisions are to be made. In doing so, they follow the natural contours of the patient’s eye area in order to achieve a natural result without noticeable scarring.

After the anaesthetic has been administered, the surgeon starts the eyelid correction procedure. To begin with, they remove any excess skin or fat tissue, and also work to tauten any slackened muscle tissues. The surgical wounds are then carefully sutured together. A narrow bandage is applied directly after the procedure to protect the wounds. The patient can then leave the practice a short time later.

You can get back to your usual activities straight after the lid lift. Aftercare simply involves cooling the area at regular intervals and taking special care for several days. The sutures are removed a few days after the procedure, at which point the surgeon will review and inspect the treatment results.

Slight bruising or swelling can develop for a short time directly after the lid lift. However, systematically cooling the area should keep such symptoms to a minimum.

The results of upper eyelid correction are long-lasting. As the years go by, new areas of excess skin will likely develop as the natural skin ageing process continues. In some circumstances, this might give cause for a further eyelid lift.

When carried out properly, lid lifts pose very few risks for patients. In rare cases, the procedure may result in vascular injuries, secondary haemorrhages or intolerance reactions. As we usually perform eyelid corrections under local anaesthetic, the risks of a general anaesthetic do not apply.

Upper eyelid corrections only create tiny scars that are barely noticeable to the naked eye. To further reduce scarring, we make incisions in inconspicuous locations directly along the fold above the eyelid. In some cases, the doctor may also suture under the skin.

The costs of upper eyelid correction is about €2,800, though the final costs may vary depending on the treatment’s scope and complexity.