Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)

The goal of plastic surgery of the upper or lower eyelids is to remove excess skin or fatty tissue that causes an aged and tired appearance. 

It is important to remember that the aging process is complex and involves the entire face. This is why upper eyelid surgery is often combined with lower eyelid surgery and other aesthetic procedures such as face-lifts. In this case, the procedure must be performed under general anaesthesia. 

Blepharoplasty is suitable for both women and men. It is most often performed on clients over 40 years of age, but with certain predisposition it can be performed earlier. The main prerequisite for the procedure is good health of the client. 

The first step is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. Based on the examination, the doctor will offer you the most suitable type of surgery, explaining in detail the entire procedure, including the chosen anesthesia. 

The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia. However, it can also be performed under general anaesthesia after consultation with a doctor.

Before surgery: 

It is important to have a correct indication of whether it is an eyelid problem or a brow droop that has a different solution. 

The plastic surgeon will recommend not only the appropriate technique, but also any pre-operative skin treatment or therapy of the subcutaneous tissue in the eye and face area. 

If the eyelid surgery is to be performed under brief general anaesthesia, a pre-operative examination is necessary at least one week before the surgery. 

The course of the operation: 

After careful sketching, the plastic surgeon makes an incision so that it is hidden in the skin fold of the eyelid and the scar remains perfectly hidden. He then removes the excess skin and, in certain cases, reduces the excess muscle. The wound is closed with fine sutures and covered with a special plaster. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty takes approximately 30 minutes.

After surgery: 

If the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, you can go home immediately afterwards. As you are not allowed to drive a car immediately after surgery, it is advisable to have an escort with you. Your eyes may be sensitive to light for some time, so we recommend wearing sunglasses. 

If the operation is performed under general anaesthesia, hospitalization in our clinic is necessary. 

In the period after the procedure, it is advisable to observe a resting regime and apply cold compresses to prevent the development of more swelling and bruising. The most pronounced swellings disappear within a few days. They usually heal completely within 2 weeks. One week after surgery, we recommend sleeping with your head in an elevated position and limiting physical activity. 

Removal of sutures after upper eyelid surgery  

You will have your stitches removed on the seventh day after surgery. 

On the thirteenth day after the operation, you can start with gentle scar massage several times a day. You can use a perfume-free oily cream or olive oil. You should avoid sun exposure for at least 2 to 3 months, even then it is advisable to protect your eyelids with a cream with a high SPF factor. 

Return to normal activities 

On the third day after the operation, you can already do light office work. Swelling and bruising will persist for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. The final results of upper eyelid surgery can be seen after 4 to 8 weeks, when the swelling has fully subsided. The scar should be very slight by this time.