Drooping upper eyelids make the eyes appear smaller and the face look tired and old. However, extreme drooping eyelids can also severely restrict the field of vision. With an eyelid lift, we improve the aesthetics and functionality of the eye area.
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Facharzt für Mund-Kiefer-Gesichtschirurgie
Ästhetisch-Plastische Operationen
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery
Aesthetic plastic surgery
Eyelid plastic
Facts
Eyelid lift treatment goal:
- Drooping eyelids are removed
- Restricted field of vision is rectified
- Facial expression appears friendlier and more relaxed
Operation duration
1-2 hours
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia or light twilight sleep
Hospitalization
Outpatient or 1 overnight stay
Aftercare
Cooling, lymph drainage, removal of the stitches after 6 days
Socially acceptable
After approx. 7 days for an upper eyelid correction and after approx. 10 to 14 days for a lower eyelid correction
Rare complications
Post-operative bleeding (in the first few hours after an operation). Visible, reddened scars or swelling. Asymmetries. Temporary irritation of the conjunctiva, drooping of the lower eyelid margin.
Inquired at
Dr. Muggenthaler
What is the difference between an eyelid lift and a brow lift? When is which technology called for? Are operations such as an eyelid lift or forehead lift performed on an outpatient basis? What are the risks and side effects? When will I be socially acceptable again after an eyelid correction or brow lift? And how long does the result last? In this video, Dr. Muggenthaler answers the most important questions about eyelid correction and brow lifting.
Before and after
The combination of a brow lift with upper eyelid correction has also produced a particularly harmonious result here.
Excess skin, fat and connective tissue on the upper eyelids makes the look tired and sad. After upper eyelid correction, the gaze appears more open and the face looks fresher and more alert overall.
Excess skin, fat and connective tissue on the upper eyelids makes the look tired and sad. After upper eyelid correction, the gaze appears more open and the face looks fresher and more alert overall.
Thanks to the combined lifting of the brows, the incisions on the upper eyelids can be reduced to a minimum.
Combination of brow lift and upper eyelid correction with the aim of balancing the position of the brows and “opening up” the eye area.
This patient underwent a brow lift and eyelid correction.
This patient underwent a brow lift and eyelid correction.Patient voices
Treatment procedure
Preparation for eyelid lifting / eyelid correction
Before an eyelid lift or eyelid correction, we check your state of health and arrange for appropriate examinations. The function of the lacrimal glands is of particular importance here. To optimize wound and scar healing, you should avoid the sun and nicotine before the operation. As you will need at least a week after the eyelid correction to be socially acceptable again, you should take this into account in your schedule.
Eyelid lift surgery
Eyelid corrections are performed under local anesthesia or in a light twilight sleep. If the bags under the lower eyelids are less pronounced, a skin incision is not necessary at all. Instead, fat is removed through a completely invisible approach from the back of the eyelid. The necessary incisions are made using a special radio wave device. By dispensing with a scalpel, there is significantly less swelling and discoloration than with conventional methods. The wound is closed on the upper and lower eyelids with a single suture, which holds the edges of the wound together under the surface of the skin and is removed after a week.
The procedure is performed by Dr. Dr. Muggenthaler at the renowned Vista Clinic in Binningen (Switzerland). The clinic specializes in facial procedures and offers state-of-the-art medical infrastructure as well as the highest standards of safety and patient care. Of course, the procedure can also be carried out at our clinic in Gutach near Freiburg (Germany). There, you can likewise expect the highest medical quality standards along with an exceptionally high level of comfort, particularly in the context of an inpatient stay.
Aftercare for eyelid correction
The after-effects of an eyelid correction, such as swelling or discoloration, are reduced to a minimum by intensive cooling immediately after the operation. In most cases, eyelid corrections can be performed on an outpatient basis. The stitches are removed after one week. If self-dissolving sutures are used, no further appointment for suture removal is necessary. After one week, most patients are fully socially acceptable again. Any remaining redness can then be covered with make-up. After about six weeks, all swelling has subsided. Sporting activities should be restricted until then.
Depending on the initial situation, a forehead lift can make an upper eyelid lift superfluous. In some cases, however, it is precisely the combination of the two methods that leads to optimum results.
Dr. Dr. Frank Muggenthaler
Our holistic approach
The eye region is a very characteristic part of the face. Corrections to the eyelids therefore require special attention. During the in-depth consultation, we work with you to determine where incisions should be placed, how far the brows should be lifted and whether additional measures such as peelings are advisable.
Frequently asked questions about eyelid lifting
When does an eyelid lift make sense?
Large, open eyes with clearly defined folds, an exposed lid and flawless skin are the definition of a youthful eye area. However, changes occur with age. The eyelids become heavy, bags under the eyes and age wrinkles appear and the eyes appear tired. Environmental influences such as excessive sun exposure, particular lifestyle habits such as nicotine consumption or a hereditary predisposition can also play a role.
The eyelid correction procedure removes the excess skin, fat and muscle tissue that cause eyelid drooping and tightens the skin.
Is the treatment covered by the health insurance provider?
If there are medical reasons—such as a significant restriction of the visual field caused by drooping upper eyelids—coverage of the costs may be possible. As we perform the procedures at the specialized Vista Clinic in Binningen, the medical necessity can be assessed directly at one of our 35 locations in Switzerland, and the required diagnostic examinations (e.g. visual field testing) can be arranged. On this basis, we support you in clarifying reimbursement with your health insurance provider.
Of course, the determination of a medical indication may also be made by another ophthalmologist in Switzerland or abroad. Patients from Germany or Austria may likewise be eligible for reimbursement of at least part of the treatment costs, even if the procedure is carried out at our clinic in Gutach im Breisgau. We will be happy to assist you with this process.
Is eyelid correction permanent?
If eyelid correction is carried out correctly, a projection of around 10 years can be achieved and maintained.
Is eyelid lifting or eyelid correction painful?
The treatment as such is not painful. Any wound pain is minimal. Painkillers are rarely necessary.
Where will I be operated on?
The procedure is performed by Dr. Dr. Muggenthaler at the renowned Vista Clinic in Binningen (Switzerland). The clinic specializes in facial procedures and offers state-of-the-art medical infrastructure as well as the highest standards of safety and patient care. Of course, the procedure can also be carried out at our clinic in Gutach near Freiburg (Germany). There, you can likewise expect the highest medical quality standards along with an exceptionally high level of comfort, particularly in the context of an inpatient stay.
Where are the incisions made during an eyelid lift?
In upper eyelid correction, the incisions are made in the fold, about 7 – 9 mm above the edge of the eyelid. In lower eyelid correction, the incisions are about 3 mm below the edge of the eyelid.
Are scars visible after an eyelid lift?
After the healing phase, a fine, inconspicuous line will be visible. Very rarely, a light line may be visible.
When can I put my glasses back on after eyelid correction?
Directly after the operation.
When can contact lenses be worn again?
After one week
When will I be socially acceptable again after the eyelid lift?
As a rule, you can return to work after 2 days. However, there may still be clearly visible signs of surgery (plaster, discoloration, swelling). You will be socially acceptable after an upper eyelid correction in about 7 days and after a lower eyelid correction in about 10 to 14 days.
Is hospitalization necessary?
Usually not. However, if the journey is very long, we recommend one or two overnight stays at the clinic.
When are the stitches removed during an eyelid lift?
After 6 days
