Eyelid correction and eyelid lift
(blepharoplasty of the upper eyelid)

If the traces of time are noticeable on the eye in the form of drooping eyelids, the
upper eyelid lift under local anesthesia can help to achieve a clearly visible rejuvenation effect
. From the age of 30, the skin loses its natural elasticity. The skin of the
upper eyelid loses its elasticity and so-called drooping eyelids form. It is not uncommon
for this to give the impression of a somewhat tired facial expression. Occasionally,
the facial expression appears somewhat irritated or weary, although you actually feel quite
different. The lack of elasticity and excess skin on the upper eyelid
is also often noticeable in women, where the eyeshadow blurs relatively easily
when applying make-up.
Surgical planning also requires precise consideration of the forehead region. It is not
uncommon for sagging of the forehead muscles to be partly responsible for the tiredness effect
. What is the procedure for eyelid correction?
We usually perform the upper eyelid lift under local anesthesia or, if desired, in a
short twilight sleep. The procedure is painless. During the outpatient
procedure, a fine skin fold is marked about 10 mm above the edge of the eyelid so that the
scar lies in the natural fold and is barely visible. The incision is made precisely
so that subsequent scars are as little visible as possible.

The upper eyelid is anaesthetized with a
barely noticeable injection, making the operation painless. First,
the excess skin is removed, often also some of the underlying muscle and
fatty tissue, to make the upper eyelid appear slimmer. If the fatty tissue at the inner
corner of the eye is too bulging, some of this fatty tissue is removed.
The remaining fatty tissue is not removed because the eyelid should not appear hollowed out. The
skin is closed with a very thin suture.
What are the risks of the procedure?
The risks are low. In rare cases, small bruises may occur in the upper eyelid. The
risk of infection, the risk of secondary bleeding or the risk of an undesirable
cosmetic result is very low. Temporary double vision due to swelling or dryness of the eye may occur very rarely
Does swelling and pain occur?
Eyelid correction is painless, apart from a brief moment during the
anaesthetic. Mild pain may occur until the evening, but can be alleviated with
painkillers. Swelling is normal and usually subsides within 1-2
weeks. An elevated head position on the day of the operation and during the first night can
reduce swelling.

Is the procedure performed on an outpatient basis?

After the procedure, you can go home again after a short observation phase.
After around 7 days, the smallest skin sutures are removed at the Lucerne ENT Center. What should be observed after the operation?
After the outpatient procedure, the patient is given cooling bags to use and should regularly moisten the
eyes with eye drops. More important than cooling is
elevation with an elevated upper body position. Television and screen work should
be avoided for the first 2-3 days. After one to two weeks, the
blue coloration of the eyelids will disappear and you will be able to work again. Sporting activities
should only be resumed after the fourth week. What does the aftercare look like?
There is usually only a slight swelling, which disappears again within the next one to two days
. Despite the careful surgical technique, you must allow for a small
bruise, as the blood supply under the skin is not always visible during the incision and
when preparing the skin. Small scabs usually fall off by themselves
after a few days. Small bruises are best covered with sunglasses for
a few days.

Ideally, sun protection with a high
sun protection factor (SPF 50+) should be used.

Can drooping eyelid surgery be combined with another procedure?
If the forehead skin has also sagged, this indicates a brow ptosis. In this case, the
procedure can be combined with lifting the eyebrow. The eyebrow is then slightly
lower. It can also be combined with a nose correction.

Are the costs of the operation covered by health insurance?
As a rule, drooping eyelid surgery is an aesthetic procedure. Aesthetic procedures
may not be covered by health insurance. Only in very rare
cases is there a visual impairment or eye inflammation that would justify
the assumption of costs. What is discussed in the consultation?
In the detailed consultation before the operation, we discuss your wishes, the expected result
and the risks of the procedure. Possible complications are
rare and include minor bruising, sensitivity to light and, in very rare cases,
secondary bleeding or infection. The questions of how the operation will change your
appearance and whether this corresponds to your personal wishes will be clarified in a personal consultation at
. After the operation,
sun protection should be used. We recommend discontinuing painkillers,
which contain aspirin, 14 days before the operation and abstaining from nicotine.

How much does an upper eyelid correction cost?

An upper eyelid correction must be planned and performed very carefully and cautiously,
so that a natural result is achieved. An upper eyelid lift under local anesthesia
costs CHF 4000.