Eyelid lift
An eyelid lift, also known medically as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, and sometimes muscle tissue from the upper and/or lower eyelids. The goal of the treatment is to achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance by correcting drooping upper eyelids and puffy lower eyelids.
Types of Eyelid Lift
1. Upper eyelid lift:
Refers to the tightening of the upper eyelid to remove drooping or sagging skin. This skin can not only be aesthetically disturbing, but in severe cases can also impair the field of vision.
2. Lower eyelid lift:
Treats bags and excess skin or fat under the eyes. The goal is to achieve a smoother and tighter appearance of the under-eye area.
Benefits of Eyelid Lift
Rejuvenated appearance
Elimination of wrinkles and excess skin: By removing excess skin and smoothing the eyelids, the face becomes more youthful and fresh overall.
Increased self-esteem
Aesthetic satisfaction: Many patients report increased self-confidence and greater satisfaction with their appearance after the procedure.
Functional Improvement
Improved field of vision: If the upper eyelids droop severely, an eyelid lift can expand the field of vision and thus make daily life easier, especially when reading or driving.
Long-lasting results
Permanent improvement: The results of an eyelid lift can last for many years, and in some cases the improvements are permanent.
minimally invasive treatment
Outpatient procedure: The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis, often under local anesthesia with sedation, which allows for a quick recovery.
combinability with other interventions
Complementary treatments: An eyelid lift can easily be combined with other cosmetic procedures such as a facelift, forehead lift or Botox to achieve a more harmonious overall result.
Eyelid surgery is usually a minimally invasive procedure performed on an outpatient basis and has a relatively short recovery time. It can be performed alone or in combination with other aesthetic treatments to achieve the desired results.
The treatment
An eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that is performed in several steps. Here is a detailed overview of the typical procedure:
Rules of conduct before and after an eyelid lift
Before eyelid surgery
1. Preparations and general rules of conduct
- Avoiding medication: Avoid blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain dietary supplements (eg vitamin E, ginkgo) that may increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will give you a list of medications you should stop taking before surgery.
- Nicotine and alcohol: You should avoid smoking and alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery, as both can impair blood circulation and delay healing.
- Nutrition: A healthy, balanced diet can promote healing. Avoid heavy meals and drink plenty of water in the days before surgery.
- Skin care: To avoid irritation, do not use harsh skin care products or scrubs around the eyes in the days before surgery.
2. Practical preparation
- Organization of support: Plan to have someone accompany you home after surgery and help you during the first few days after the procedure.
After eyelid surgery
1. Immediately after the operation
- Cooling: Regularly cool the eye area with cold compresses or gel pads to minimize swelling and bruising. Be careful not to place the cooling elements directly on the skin.
- Pain management: Take any pain medication prescribed by your doctor as directed. Avoid blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin.
- Keep your head elevated: Sleep with your upper body elevated (e.g. on several pillows) to reduce swelling.
2. First days after surgery
- Protect your eyes: Avoid activities that may strain your eyes, such as reading, watching television, working on a computer, or looking at screens for long periods of time.
- Avoid physical exertion: Avoid heavy physical activity, bending and lifting for at least two weeks. Sports and intense exercise should also be avoided until the doctor allows it.
- Hygiene: Keep the eye area clean and avoid rubbing the eyes. Use prescribed eye drops and ointments to aid healing and prevent infection.
3. Other important information
- Scar care: After healing, special scar care creams or silicone gels can be used to minimize scarring.
- Reduce eye strain: During the first few weeks after surgery, avoid activities that may strain your eyes, such as long periods of reading or working on a screen.
FAQ
Will the procedure affect my vision?
Not usually. Blurred vision may occur for a short time, but this quickly returns to normal.
Is the procedure painful?
Thanks to the anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the operation. After the procedure, you may experience slight pain or tension.
Are the scars visible after the operation?
The incisions are made in such a way that the scars lie in natural skin folds and are barely visible after complete healing.
How long does the procedure take?
The operation usually takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on whether the upper and/or lower eyelids are treated.
How long do the results of an eyelid lift last?
The results are usually long-lasting. However, the natural aging process cannot be stopped, so the skin can sag again over the years.