Frequently asked questions about upper eyelid lift

FAQ

• What should be considered before the surgery?

  During the consultation, the attending physician will inform you individually about what you need to consider before and after the surgery, and provide you with comprehensive information about possible risks and side effects.

  In general, anticoagulant or blood-thinning medication should be discontinued two weeks before the surgical procedure. If the intake is necessary for medical reasons, this should be clarified with the treating doctor.

  It should be noted that many non-prescription drugs such as flu and painkillers also contain acetylsalicylic acid or acetylsalicylate and lead to blood thinning. Vitamin C and E must also be avoided before the procedure.

  Prior to the procedure, the patient must be cleared for surgery under local anesthesia.

  We recommend to get a cooling mask or cool packs from the pharmacy or drugstore for aftercare.

• How long does the result of the upper eyelid correction last?

  As a rule, an upper eyelid lift achieves aesthetic results that are permanently effective. You will look younger and fresher and – if flaccid eyelids previously caused a limitation – you will also be able to see better.

  The result of a professionally performed eyelid lift lasts about 8-12 years.

• How long does an upper eyelid lift take?

  After a detailed preliminary consultation, which takes about half an hour, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. With preparation you can assume that the treatment will take about an hour, the actual procedure usually takes 30 to 40 minutes.

  After 5-7 days the suture is removed during a control appointment, which is done in 15 minutes.

• Are the costs for upper eyelid lifting covered by health insurance?

  In case of a medical indication, the limitation of the visual field, it has to be determined by the ophthalmologist. A certificate can be used to apply to the health insurance company for reimbursement of costs. As a rule, health insurance companies reimburse up to 400 euros.

• Where is the upper eyelid lift performed?

  The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is performed on an outpatient basis on the premises of the Dermacare institute.

• Can the eye be injured during the eyelid lift?

  The surgery is performed with the eye closed on the surface of the eyelid so that the eye is not affected. The experienced specialist takes care to avoid injuries. The risk is very small.

• What should be considered after an upper eyelid lift?

  Immediately after the surgery it is recommended to cool the wound, as this can reduce the swelling. Cooling goggles are available in the trade for this purpose. Sleeping with a raised upper body also counteracts swelling.

  Physical exertion should be avoided for at least 14 days after the procedure. When showering and washing hair, the wound should be kept as dry as possible, eye cosmetics should be avoided as well as direct sunlight.

• When will you be socially acceptable again after the eyelid lift?

  As a rule, it is possible to resume unrestricted everyday life after one, in rare cases two weeks.

• When can I do physical activity again after the upper eyelid lift?

  After the procedure, patients should rest for at least three days. For 2-4 weeks – depending on the type of sport – you should avoid sports, physical exertion, direct sun and sauna.

  Contact lenses must not be worn for at least 3 weeks.

• Can you see a scar after the eyelid lift?

  When correcting the upper eyelid, the incision is made so that the scar is hidden in the crease of the eyelid. Two weeks after the procedure, the eyelid may be made up again. After a few months, the scar usually fades, but should be protected from direct sunlight, like any scar. We recommend the use of sun protection with a factor of 30 and higher for 1 year.

• When can I put make-up on the upper eyelid again after an eyelid lift?

  If the healing process is normal, the upper eyelid can be made up again 10-14 days after the procedure.

• When can I go out in the sun again?

  Direct sunlight should be avoided for at least one week. The scar, like any scar, should always be protected from direct sunlight. We recommend the use of sun protection with a factor of 30 and higher.

• Who does the follow-up examination for an eyelid correction?

  The follow-up examination for upper eyelid lift is carried out by the attending specialist.

• What are the known side effects of an eyelid lift, what are the risks?

  Eyelid lifting is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic operations and is considered to be low-risk, but like any surgical procedure it carries the risk of possible complications. This makes it all the more important to have the treatment carried out by an experienced specialist who is aware of the risks and side effects and who can react if they occur.

  Your attending physician will inform you in detail during the obligatory preliminary consultation.

  It is normal for bruising and swelling to occur as a result of an upper eyelid lift. How quickly these disappear depends on the individual wound healing and varies greatly. A temporary loss of sensation at the edge of the eyelid and a feeling of dryness in the eyes are also among the harmless after-effects of the operation. Post-operative complications such as bleeding, infections, wound healing problems or disturbing scarring are very rare; in these cases the attending physician decides on the further procedure.

  Nerve failures very rarely occur in the adjacent facial area. Please contact us immediately in case of complaints or uncertainties.