Eye lid lift surgery (Blepharoplasty)

With an eye lid lift surgery, one can remove superfluous skin (droopy eye lids) or small fat deposits (lachrymal sac). It can be done only one during a surgery (upper or lower lid) or both (upper and lower lid).

Basic preconditions:
	You are over 18 years old, in good physical and psychological condition and have a realistic idea.

Preparations:
	About 4 weeks before the surgery, you should reduce smoking. Moreover alcohol should be avoided.
	About 2 weeks before the surgery you should not take anticoagulants (Aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid containing drugs).
	About 2 weeks before the surgery you should avoid sunbathing or solarium particularly on the face.

Surgery preparations and examinations:
	For the surgery you need a blood count and an ECG. Your GP can provide both. Please bring the findings with you (it should not be older than two weeks).

Length of the surgery:

The surgery usually takes about 1-2 hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Course of action:

Before the surgery you will be informed during a detailed counselling talk on how the surgery is done, possible complications, risks, and alternatives. Maybe you want to write done your questions on the surgery. The eye lid surgery is done under regional anaesthesia. Before the anaesthesia you will be advised by an anaesthetist about the risks, complications and possible alternatives to a narcosis. The anaesthetist will be present during the surgery. A general anaesthesia means stress for the body. During narcoses risks or complications can occur, depending on previous diseases and your general state of health.

Lower eyelid surgery:

DThe lift of the lower lid is done by removing superfluous skin of the lower lid. Usually the wafer-thin incision is made under the eyelashes. Skin and musculature under the eyes are lifted, thus possible fat can be hidden nicely. This technique requires great expertise of the surgeon.

Upper eyelid surgery:

The lift of the upper lid is done by a very fine incision. Superfluous Skin is removed. It is possible to reduce the fat at the upper lid and thus optimise the lifting effect.

The sutures are all very thin, thus only hardy visible scars at the epicanthus and at the lower lid remain. The stitches can usually be taken out 1 week after the surgery by your GP.

Perceptions and possible complications:

After an eyelid lift you may feel a slight cauterisation. This can usually be alleviated by eye ointments and eye drops. After the treatment there can occur swellings, "black eyes", and a feeling of tautness. These symptoms however subside within a few weeks. Like after every other surgery there are risks of possible infections, unaesthetic scars, an enduring feeling of tautness, pain, and haematoma. A circulatory disorder as a result of nicotine can lead to a wound necrosis. A very rare complication is a permanent facial musculature disorder which can occur in case nerves are injured. Particularly after large surgeries in the area of the eyelid musculature, it is possible that the eyelids cannot be completely closed. Another very rare complication would be a deterioration of eyesight.

Even when the wound healing is normal, scars can initially become red or harden. After a while they will fade, they become inconspicuous. You will be informed on further risks and possible side-effects in a comprehensive handout.

After the surgery:

You should have sun glasses with you, to wear it after the surgery in order to protect the fresh scars. When travelling home, you should not drive yourself, as the eyes still need a lot of rest and are very sensitive.

During the first few days after the surgery you should reduce your activities to a minimum. After about 1-2 weeks you can carry out your ever-day activities as usual again. Usually taking showers one day after the surgery is not a problem, however you have to take care that the eyes are protected. After about 4 weeks you can do sports again.

You should avoid sunbaths, solarium, and sauna for about 6 weeks. After about 4 weeks you can apply eye makeup again. Please look after the scars after the stitches have been taken out (after about 5-7 days) by applying panthenol-containing ointments. After about 10 days you can use moisturiser for the eye region again. Please make sure that you don't massage this region but tap the crème into the skin.


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