Frequently Asked Questions

What is eyelid surgery?

What happens in an initial consultation?

Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?

How safe is the treatment?

How does the procedure take?

Is the procedure painful?

Does an inpatient stay have to be scheduled?

When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?

What precautions are to be taken after the operation?

Is eyelid surgery always possible?

Will there be any visible scarring?

Are there any risks or side effects?

What types of anesthesia are used and will I have to stay overnight?

Can I see before and after photos?

Plastic and Cosmetic Operations / Eyelid Surgery

What is eyelid surgery?
In eyelid surgery excess skin is removed. This is usually done to the upper lid where the excess is particularly visible. For some patients it is a matter of wrinkles that have accumulated under the lower eyelid because of a herniated fat underneath the opening of the eye causing a swollen lower eyelid.

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What happens in an initial consultation?
We show a sketch of how the excess skin looks. We examine the extent of the herniated fat and discuss the medical possibilities. It is determined whether the problem is an e xcess of skin or just sagging. The medical examination is made on an individual basis using measurements. It must also be determined whether an eyebrow lift or a face lift might be necessary. Using the fingers the doctor tightens the lids to see if they can be made normal again. In the case of excessive sagging of the eyebrows, also called ptosis, there is too much skin on the upperlid and rapid eye fluttering. If the forehead droops along with the eyebrows and the lids are tightened, the problem cannot be repaired but instead the situation may only be worsened.
The initial consultation and the clinical examination are very important and strongly effect further treatment.

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Who is a good candidate for eyelid surgery?
Eyelid surgery is for those who suffer from blepharitis, a small lid opening, an excess of skin on the upper and lower lid, as well as increased herniation of the fat which is visible because it pushes the musculature outwards.

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How safe is the treatment?
Risks include possible bleeding, excessive swelling, and inflammation of the corneas.
More skin can be removed from the upper eyelid than from the lower eyelid.
There is risk of an ectropion where the lower lid hangs down so that the eyelids can no longer close. This causes the eyes to constantly tear. A second operation is then necessary. This is more extreme in the lower eyelids but can also occur in the upper eyelids. Should this occur antibodics and eyedrops will be necessary for a week following the operation. Blindness has been reported but only in an occurance of 0.3 per million.

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How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes per eyelid.

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Is the procedure painful?
The procedure is not painful even when done under local anesthesia. No pain is experienced except for the prick of the needle.

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Does an inpatient stay have to be scheduled?
A stay is recommended if all four lids are operated on at once. The patient is kept in a normal position and the eyes are bandaged closed for the first night so that the patient does not continuously open and close their eyes and the lids do not start bleeding.

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When will I be fit and ready to get back to daily life again?
It takes a week to ten days for the patient to get back on their feet. There is always a small hematoma to be dealt with. This is unavoidable no matter what surgeon operates or how dry the operating area is. In principle the patient is fit after the operation but not necessarily presentable.

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What precautions are to be taken after the operation?
After surgery strenuous activity and exposure to heat are to be avoided. Activities like cooking should be avoided.

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Is eyelid surgery always possible?
Eyelid surgery is not always possible. It is only possible if deemed necessary after a clinical examination.

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Will there be any visible scarring?
Scarring is usually up to 99% undetectable after about 6-8 months.

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Are there any risks or side effects?
Risk as already mentioned include swelling, inflammation and in rare cases scarring.

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What types of anesthesia are used and will I have to stay overnight?
Local anesthetic is used but general anesthetic is used in cases where all four eyelids are operated on at the same time. An inpatient stay is necessary in these cases. We include the cost of a one-day stay is in the price of the procedure.

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Can I see before and after photos?
Sample before and after photos are available.

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