Eyelid surgery – blepharoplasty
Open and alert eyes make us appear likeable, fresh and energetic.
Indication
With increasing age, the eyelids tend to sag and droop. Puffy eyes, drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes can occur from the age of thirty and make those affected look older. Eyelid surgery is a well-established procedure in plastic surgery and offers an effective solution to maintain a refreshed appearance and enhance the overall look.
Blepharoplasty types
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed on the upper or lower eyelids, depending on the individual needs, to revitalise tired-looking eyes.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty
Drooping eyelids, often caused by excess skin, are corrected through a precise incision in the natural crease of the eyelid. The operation is performed under local anesthetic or in twilight sleep and takes about an hour.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
During treatment of the lower eyelids, the fatty tissue of the bags under the eyes is redistributed and the patient’s own fat (lipofilling) is used to create a harmonious transition between the eyelid and cheek. If the skin has good elasticity, the fatty tissue of the bags under the eyes can be removed through an incision through the conjunctiva on the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival technique). In the case of excess skin and correction of the eyelid angle or muscle, an incision below the lash line is required. The operation is usually performed under twilight sleep or general anesthesia and takes between 1 and 2 hours.
Aftercare and result
After the operation, you should cool your eyes several times a day to minimise swelling and bruising, as is common after surgical procedures.
If there are external sutures and small brown steristrips, these will be removed after a week.You should not wear make-up in the eye area beforehand.
A blepharoplasty improves the appearance of the periorbital area and gives a fresher, more alert look. An aesthetic improvement is visible after just a few weeks.
Summary
Type of intervention
outpatient treatment under general or local anaesthesia (with sedation)
Pain level
low to moderate
Suture removal
7 days
Scars
in the eyelid crease (upper eyelid) under the lash line or on the inside of the eyelid (lower eyelid)
Final result
6 months
Return to regular activity
1-2 weeks
Avoid sport
4 weeks
Cost
from 2 500 CHF
Frequently asked questions about blepharoplasty
How often do we perform blepharoplasties?
Blepharoplasties are one of the most common procedures in our practice and we perform them several times per week.
Why do we prefer fat redistribution over fat removal?
Our technique is mostly aimed at not removing any fat in order to avoid hollow eyes in the future.
What do I need to consider before and after a blepharoplasty?
The wound takes about 7 to 10 days to heal. During this time, you should keep your head elevated as much as possible, avoid the sun and wear sunscreen and sunglasses even on cloudy days. We will of course provide you with further detailed instructions that you should follow before and after your blepharoplasty. You can also read general recommendations for pre- and post-operative care in the “For Patients – Resources” section.
Will the eyelid correction change the shape of my eyes?
No, the shape of your eyes generally remains unchanged. However, by removing excess skin and redistributing fat tissue, a fresher appearance can be achieved, and the eyes natural beauty becomes more visible again. Your eyes appear more open, giving you a rested and more youthful look.
Is the eyelid correction permanent?
The results of a blepharoplasty last for many years, but the natural ageing process continues, which may include the renewed formation of eye bags. If needed, another procedure can be performed after about 10 years.
Will the scars be visible after a blepharoplasty?
The incisions for an upper eyelid lift are made within the natural crease of the eyelid and are barely visible once healed. For a lower eyelid lift, the incision is usually placed on the inside of the lower eyelid or just beneath the eyelashes, providing a discreet and well-concealed approach.
What are the risks associated with eyelid surgery?
As with any procedure, there are risks, including discomfort, bruising, bleeding, delayed healing and scarring problems. In rare cases, an ectropion (lower lid malposition) can occur during a lower eyelid correction due to swelling of the conjunctiva, but this is usually temporary and can be treated.
When can I resume social activities?
After the operation, it takes around 7 to 14 days for swelling and discoloration to largely subside. Any remaining discoloration can be concealed with make-up just a few days after the sutures have been removed.
When can I exercise again?
Exercise should be avoided for about 2 weeks after the operation so as not to disrupt the healing process.
How much does eyelid surgery cost?
The cost of eyelid surgery depends on the type and extent of the procedure. An upper eyelid correction costs from 2 500 CHF and a lower eyelid correction from 5 000 CHF. We will be happy to discuss the exact costs with you during a personal consultation.
Are the costs covered by health insurance?
Eyelid correction is usually a purely aesthetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. In exceptional cases, costs may be covered for drooping upper eyelids that significantly impair the visual field, provided an ophthalmologist considers the surgery medically necessary. However, we offer eyelid surgery exclusively as a self-pay procedure.