Purpose

For surgery of the upper and /or lower lids (technically: blepharoplasty), the surgeon removes excess flabby skin in the vertically adjacent areas of the eyes (upper and lower, not right or left side). Eventually excess fat within these areas will also be removed. The most satisfying results with an eyelid lift can be achieved by having it done before the age of 50 in case of Dermatochalasis or before the age of 45 in case of Blepharochalasis. The final goal of the eyelid lift is to attain the optical rejuvenation of the face by smoothing and refreshing the mentioned skin areas on the eyes. This procedure can improve the look of the face dramatically.

 Methods and procedures 

Classic Eyelid Lift: In most cases the eyelid lift is carried out under local anesthesia. Incisions are made inside the upper eyelid fold (with the lift of the upper lids) and/or directly underneath the lower eye lash (with the lifting of the lower lids). Small strips of skin and accumulations of fat are removed.  Finally the muscle is refreshed and repositioned.

Laser Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty: The Laser Transconjunctival Method represents a version of the lift of the lower lids. The incision is made usually with a laser or with a radio scalpel at the inside of the lower lid. Surplus fat is removed.  In contrast to the classical version, no visible scars remain. Since with this intervention it is impossible to also remove excessive skin, the results are not always comparable to a traditional blepharoplasty. Therefore the pros and cons should be discussed in detail with the surgeon before a decision is made.

 Anesthesia 

Classical eyelid lift in local anesthesia, transconjunctival eyelid lift usual in general anesthesia 

 Hospital stay 

Classical eyelid lift usually ambulatory. The patient leaves the hospital the same day.  Transcongiunctival eyelid lift, when performed in general anesthesia: 1 day of hospital stay.     

    Recovery 

Swelling and bruising disappear after 7-10 days. Sutures can be removed after 3-6 days. Light swelling can persist for some weeks. After some time the extremely fine incisions become almost invisible.   

    Longevity

Very long-lasting. Although the natural aging process will continue, revisions should not be necessary for ten years or so.