Corrective Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure to remove loose skin and other tissue which causes the skin to hang over the eyelid or eyebrows. Due to its weight, the excessive skin makes the eyes heavy which is distinctive especially when the eyes are tired and at late hours when it can even close the visual field. The procedure has its aesthetic as well as functional aspects since the loose skin can narrow the visual field. The loose skin can be accompanied by the ptosis or eyelid drooping which means that due to different reasons, the levator muscle is not able to sufficiently lift the eyelid.

For a successful procedure an eyebrow lift is also required along with the loose skin removal. Without it, the forehead skin would be additionally pulled down and the condition could be repeated in a few months due to it.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia through an incision into the skin fold of the upper eyelid. The patient can leave the clinic immediately after the procedure.

The stitches which fixate the eyebrows to the forehead in the subcutaneous tissue can pull the skin for several weeks which is visible as a temporary dimple under the eyebrow. Swelling and bruises last for about ten days; however, it varies from patient to patient (based on experience, from one to several weeks). In people with eyes sensitive to the wind, who work behind the computer, or have an allergy to pollen, and if their common reaction is conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva manifested as pink eyes with or without the lacrimation), such problems can also be expected after the eyelid operation. Similarly, problems with dry eyes can also appear when there is a lack of tears and it is manifested as a burning and tingling sensation in the eyes.

The scar is usually minimal and not visible when the eye is open. Sometimes, this scar is a little lifted in long-lasting swelling. However, it subsequently always lowers into the skin fold in the upper eyelid and hides there.

The most common post-operative problem is the tight feeling in the stitches. The asymmetry correction is also complicated and after careful measurement of the eyebrow position the patients are warned about it before the operation. Asymmetry is not an anatomical problem but is a consequence of asymmetrical facial expressions, asymmetrically used facial muscles. Therefore, the asymmetry cannot be completely corrected with anatomic surgery.

During the first days, watching television, reading, and using a computer is not advised. Resting and sleeping with an elevated pillow is recommended. During the first two weeks, avoiding cold and wind is also recommended. Swelling and bruises can be hidden with sunglasses after the removal of stitches (approximately one week after the procedure). It is best to avoid make-up for about two to three weeks.

After the Procedure, lymphatic drainage is recommended which can shorten the time of recovery.