Eyelid corrective surgery

Eyelid correction

Every year thousands of people choose to have eyelid corrective surgery. Top and bottom eyelids that have begun to droop have an aging effect on the face. Not only does it make you look older and tired but quite often people interpret this as a sign of an exuberant lifestyle. An eyelid correction is the solution.

Excess skin on the upper and lower eyelids

With a fine scalpel, the surgeon removes the excess skin above each eye in the shape of a half moon. The incision to remove excess skin under the eye is made just under the eyelashes. Then the incision is stitched in a natural crease to hide the scar.

Bags under the eyes

The surgeon can remove the excess fat through an incision just under the eyelashes, or return it to its original position (Hamra transposition), without leaving a scar.

Removing the fatty bag under the eyes is often not ideal: this method can result in "hollow eye syndrome".

 

By transposing the fatty cushion under the eyes - also called the Hamra technique - no fatty tissue is removed. The fatty tissue is returned to its original position.

Dark rings under the eyes can be caused by a lack of fatty tissue in the right place. With the Hamra transposition method the fatty tissue from the bags under the eyes can be used to fill the groove between the eye and the nose.   

Eyebrow lift
Droopy eyebrows

In some cases the eyebrow weighs too heavily on the eye. This is not really an eyelid problem. The best solution is an endoscopic eyebrow lift extending to the cheekbones. The surgeon makes a small incision in the scalp and the procedure takes place under the skin and leaves no visible scar afterwards.

Risks and Complications

At the Wellness Kliniek eyelid corrective procedures are performed in the operating theatre. Even though the environment is completely sterile there is still a small risk of infection. Post-operative bleeding is also possible. Damage to the eyes is very rare and seldom occurs. It is possible that the skin is tighter than it should be after the procedure, this happens mostly with the lower eyelid. Read more about risks and side-effects.

Complications are extremely rare and can usually be treated with a second small procedure. 

Admission and Anaesthetic

Cosmetic surgery for the eyes is performed on an outpatient basis and under a local anaesthetic or intravenous sedation. The latter offers many advantages, and you decide on the level of sedation in consultation with the doctor. You are asleep but breathe independently and don't feel any pain at all. Even a local anaesthetic (you're fully awake but feel no pain) offers many possibilities. The anaesthetic which is used depends on your wishes and details of the treatment.

Length of the operation

Corrective surgery for the upper or lower eyelids, or bags under the eyes takes about an hour. If the upper eyelids, lower eyelids and bags under the eyes are treated then the procedure takes about 2 hours. After the operation you rest at the Wellness Kliniek. A few hours later you can return home or to your hotel.    

Aftercare and Recovery

After the procedure you will receive special aftercare instructions and maybe a special eye salve and a cold pack.

Following the treatment your eyes may be swollen. A cold pack can help to reduce any swelling and prevent bruising. When the anaesthetic has worn off you can take paracetamol if necessary to help with any discomfort.

If the stitches are not dissolving stitches then they will be removed a few days later.

Any bruising and swelling may take up to two or three weeks before it completely disappears. It can be camouflaged with good make-up much sooner. When the stitches have been removed you can apply your make-up as before.

Most patients wait a few days before returning to work. It is better to wait a few weeks before resuming any heavy physical activities.

With upper eyelid corrective surgery the scar will remain visible as a thin red line from a few week to months. This is not a problem because it is usually made in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. With lower eyelid corrective surgery the tiny scar is often under the eyelashes, this means that it is barely visible. When bags under the eyes are removed the scar is not visible. Scars fade in time, after 18 months the fine red line has faded to white and there is no evidence whatsoever of the operation.

After your procedure you will be given our permanent medical emergency number. We are there for you day and night, we are there to support you until you are fully recovered.