Eyelid Operations
Upper Eyelid Operation
The upper eyelid correction (upper blepharoplasty) is a low risk procedure when it is correctly performed by an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. It is usually carried out as an outpatient operation under local anesthesia and takes approx. 20 minutes per side. A small amount of excess skin and fat deposits is removed from the lid, and the incision cosmetically sealed and covered with a thin strip of surgical tape. Once the tape is removed after about two days, Bepanthen eye ointment is carefully applied to the incision area. The stitches are removed five or six days after the operation. To avoid postsurgical bleeding and to minimize bruising, we recommend applying cooling pads (especially during the first night), lying in an upright position and avoiding physical strain during the first few days.Generally, swelling and bruising will subside within the first seven days, making it no longer necessary to wear sunglasses. In rare cases where swelling persists, a lymph drainage accompanied by an anti-swelling medication such as Aniflazym® is very helpful. Your doctor will advise you as appropriate. Approximately two weeks following your operation, you will be able to resume a normal social life. Once the scar has fully healed, even the trained eye will have difficulty recognizing it. You may also resume all sports activities two weeks subsequent to surgery. Often the actual cause of sagging eyelids is a fallen forehead/eyebrows, in which case a browlift is indicated. (also see Browlift)
Lower Eyelid Operation
Although this procedure is much more difficult, healing does not take significantly longer. It is, however, even more important that an experienced surgeon perform this operation, as the removal of too much skin can lead to an unattractive and functionally disturbing tightening of the lower lid that is very difficult to correct. In addition to removing a thin strip of skin, just enough fat tissue is removed from the lid to eliminate the baggy appearance. It is important that no excess amount is removed to prevent the eye from sinking into the eye socket. As with the upper eyelid operation, hardly any scarring can be detected once the healing process is complete, as the incision is made directly along the lid crease or inside a laugh line.In cases of pronounced eyelid drooping, the indication for surgery must be carefully considered. Often a so-called canthopexy is necessary, in which the lower lid is tightened from the side. This results in a change in facial expression, giving the eyes a more almond-shaped appearance.
The operation is typically performed under local anesthetic or twilight sleep as an outpatient procedure. The incision is then cosmetically sealed and covered with a thin band-aid strip and subsequently cooled. The band-aid may be removed one to two days following the operation, after which Bepanthen eye ointment is carefully applied to the incision area for a further week. The stitches are usually removed on day five after surgery.
In cases where a lower lid operation is combined with a mid-facelift, (lifting of sunken cheek fat deposits through the same incision; also see Mid-facelift), bruising around the lower lid area and swelling can persist for three weeks, but can be covered well with make-up/camouflage and usually does not require the patient to wear sunglasses.
As with upper eyelid operations, the patient should rest in an upright position and cool the incision area. Physical strain should be avoided in order to prevent postsurgical bleeding.
The patient may resume all sports activities two weeks after surgery. With both operations, a prophylactic antibiotic treatment is often administered to prevent infection.
If indicated, a combination upper and lower eyelidplasty is often a wise choice, as it reduces recovery time from two operations.
Visitor Information
We understand your interest in learning about the qualifications of your operating surgeon. Unfortunately, as of April 4, 2006, the German Law on Therapeutic Products prohibits the use of before and after photos. This applies to the information material and photos we previously provided as a download. This limitation is only relevant for German-located websites.Because the Law on Therapeutic Products does not classify detailed information which is specifically requested as advertising, we are able to present before and after photos in the context of a thorough personal consultation in my practice or via the Internet. If you require an Internet consultation that provides photo material, please complete the form below. Please note that this consultation does not replace any pre-operation personal consultation or examination.
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