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Drooping eyelids surgery (upper eyelid lift)
Drooping eyelids are not only a cosmetic problem, but can also cause very specific complaints. For example, the field of vision is restricted in some people. The lowered eyelids can also put pressure on the eyes or cause skin irritation. In some cases, it is therefore advisable to correct the drooping eyelids surgically in the course of an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty). We speak of drooping eyelids when the upper eyelid skin gradually lowers over the eyes. Then the look appears tired, although you feel fresh and vital. A drooping eyelid operation is one way of visually opening up your eyes again. Excess skin and tissue are surgically removed, thus restoring a natural eyelid contour.
How do drooping eyelids develop?
As a rule, drooping eyelids are a harmless side effect of age. It is quite normal for the connective tissue to lose elasticity over the years. Especially if you have a predisposition to this, pronounced excess skin can form as a result.
External factors and personal lifestyle habits can also promote drooping eyelids. For example, stimulants such as nicotine or UV radiation cause the skin to age more quickly. Stress, lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet can also accelerate the development of drooping eyelids.
When is a drooping eyelid operation advisable?
Most patients decide to have a drooping eyelid operation for aesthetic reasons. Drooping upper eyelids make the face look tired and often aged. Many of those affected would like to have a correction in order to bring their visual appearance in line with their perceived vitality. From a medical point of view, upper eyelid correction is indicated if the drooping eyelids cause discomfort such as skin irritation or a restriction of the field of vision. However, the decision for a drooping eyelid operation is ultimately always left to the patient. You yourself are the best judge of how much you feel restricted by the drooping eyelids.
What is the procedure for an upper eyelid lift?
If you are thinking about an upper eyelid operation, your doctor will first advise you in detail about the advantages and disadvantages. You will learn exactly how an eyelid correction works and what you should pay attention to after the operation. Of course, you will also be fully informed about the risks. A drooping eyelid operation is performed in our eye clinic both as an outpatient and as an inpatient procedure. Depending on the findings, the doctor will decide which procedure makes more sense for you. The upper eyelid lift can be performed using a scalpel or laser surgery. You should not drive yourself on the day of the operation. You should bear this in mind if you have made an appointment for an outpatient operation. The correction of the drooping eyelids is usually a routine operation that takes about 1 hour. The surgeon makes an incision in the crease of the eyelid. Through this incision, he removes not only excess eyelid skin, but also muscles and, if necessary, protruding fatty tissue. With this very differentiated tissue removal, the surgeon can restore the cosmetically important upper eyelid furrow so that the eyelid contour looks natural again after the operation.
What should I bear in mind after the upper eyelid surgery?
After the upper eyelid lift you should take it easy for about 1 week and sleep with your upper body slightly elevated if possible. Careful cooling during the first few days can counteract initial swelling and bruising.
The skin is still sensitive immediately after the eyelid operation and should therefore be treated with particular care. When applying cosmetic products, you should avoid the eye area. At work, most patients experience only short periods of downtime. However, you should bear in mind that slight swelling may still be present during the first 14 days. In consultation with your doctor, you should refrain from sports and physical exertion for about 1 to 2 weeks.
Are there any scars after upper eyelid lifting?
Only very fine incisions are made in the crease of the eyelid, which are inconspicuous. Here the scars are not or only barely visible later when the eyes are open. Generally, the fine scars fade with time and are then hardly noticeable. The appearance of the scars can also be improved considerably by careful scar care. It is especially important that you expose the treatment areas as little as possible to the sun during the first months and use a good UV protection. Your doctor will be happy to give you further advice on wound and scar care.
Are there any scars during upper eyelid lifting?
Only very fine skin incisions are made during the eyelid surgery, which are placed inconspicuously in the crease of the eyelid. Here, the scars are not or only barely visible later when the eyes are open. Generally, the fine scars fade with time and are then hardly noticeable. The appearance of the scars can also be improved considerably by careful scar care. It is especially important that you expose the treatment areas as little as possible to the sun during the first months and use a good UV protection. Your doctor will be happy to give you further advice on wound and scar care.
Are there any risks associated with upper eyelid surgery?
Nowadays, upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a routine procedure that rarely leads to serious complications. However, as with any operation, these can never be completely ruled out. For example, in individual cases it is possible that secondary bleeding may occur or that the wound may not heal as planned. Swelling and skin discolouration, on the other hand, are no cause for concern. These will disappear by themselves after some time.
If slight asymmetries become visible after healing, these can be corrected in a follow-up operation. This is rarely necessary and should be done at the earliest 6 months after the initial operation.
after the initial operation.
Can drooping eyelids recur?
With our modern surgical procedures we achieve lasting results. Nevertheless, the natural ageing processes continue to progress after the upper eyelid lift. Therefore, a certain sagging of the tissue may occur again over the years. In individual cases, it may therefore make sense to perform another eyelid lift at a later date.