Aesthetic Surgery
Upper Eyelid Lift
Blepharoplasty for a more open look
At a Glance
In Brief
Removal of excess skin along the eyelid crease
Treatment Duration
Approx. 60 minutes
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia, sedation on request
Downtime
Usually socially ready after about 1 week
Results
Initial effect straight away, final after 4–6 weeks
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting, often 10–15 years or more
Sessions
Usually a single procedure
Price
On request
An upper eyelid lift, known medically as blepharoplasty, is an outpatient surgical procedure in which loose, excess skin is removed along the natural crease of the eyelid. Depending on the individual anatomy, excess fatty tissue may also be treated. The incision is placed so that the resulting scar lies as discreetly as possible within the eyelid crease.
Hooded eyelids can be an aesthetic concern and, when the excess skin is pronounced, can also affect the field of vision. The aim of the procedure is a more open, alert appearance that preserves the natural shape of your eyes and your facial expression. During a consultation with the doctor, we clarify whether the procedure is suitable for you and which tissue should be treated.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
The focus is on the upper lid, and the tissue treated depends on your individual anatomy.
Hooded Eyelids
Hooded eyelids are often felt to be an aesthetic concern. During the lift, this surplus skin is removed so that the eyes can look more open.
Excess Fatty Tissue
In addition to the skin, excess fatty tissue in the upper lid may also be treated, depending on your anatomy. We clarify during the initial consultation whether this is appropriate in your case.
Tired, Strained Look
Loose eyelid skin can give the face a tired or strained expression. Tightening the lid can make the eyes look more alert and refreshed again.
What is an upper eyelid lift?
In an upper eyelid lift, loose, excess skin is surgically removed from the upper eyelid, and depending on the findings, fatty tissue and, where necessary, muscle tissue are also reduced. The doctor determines before the procedure which tissue will be treated.
This is an outpatient operation, usually carried out under local anaesthesia, with sedation, a light medication-induced sleep-like state, also available on request. After careful marking, the incision is made in the natural eyelid crease. Finally, the wound is closed with very fine sutures.
Because the scar follows the crease, it can later be as discreet as possible. The aim is a harmonious eye area without an artificial look.
- Surgical procedure on the upper eyelid
- Outpatient, usually under local anaesthesia
- Incision in the natural eyelid crease
- Fatty tissue reduced if needed
- Wound closed with fine sutures
Why an upper eyelid lift at Aesthetics Medical?
Discreet Incision Placement
The incision is placed in the natural fold of the eyelid so that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible later on.
Natural Eye Shape
The lift is intended to open up your eyes while keeping their natural shape. Our aim is for you to look refreshed, not changed.
Outpatient Procedure
Your upper eyelids are treated on an outpatient basis at our practice in Zurich, so you can go home on the same day.
Help with Cost Questions
If there is a medical indication, health insurance may cover the costs. We help you prepare the necessary documents.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
In a detailed consultation with the doctor, we assess your upper eyelids and discuss preparation, possible risks and guidelines to follow. If you wish, we also clarify whether combining the procedure with other treatments is an option.
Preparation
Before your appointment, you receive detailed instructions on blood-thinning medication and on avoiding nicotine.
Marking and Anaesthesia
The incision line is carefully marked in the eyelid crease. The area is then numbed with a local anaesthetic, and sedation can be added on request.
Procedure
Excess skin, fat and, where necessary, muscle tissue are removed through the incision. The wound is then closed with very fine stitches, and the operation takes about 60 minutes.
Aftercare
Cooling and rest support healing during the first few days. The stitches are removed after about 5–7 days.
| Upper eyelid lift | on request |
We confirm the exact cost after your initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
After careful marking, a precise incision is made in the natural eyelid crease, through which excess skin, fat and, where necessary, muscle tissue are removed. The wound is then closed with fine sutures. The outpatient procedure takes about 60 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia. Sedation is also available on request, in the form of light medication-induced drowsiness. We agree with you during the medical consultation which option suits your case.
What risks and side effects are possible?
As with any surgical procedure, temporary swelling, bruising, dryness or a mild feeling of tightness may occur. Serious complications such as infection, asymmetry or eyelid malposition are rare. We inform you in detail about the risks in your personal situation before the procedure.
What should I consider before the procedure?
Blood-thinning medication should only be stopped after consulting the doctor and, if necessary, several days before the procedure. You should avoid nicotine, as it can impair wound healing. We go through all further preparations and guidelines with you during the consultation.
What should I consider after the procedure?
Cooling and rest support healing, and contact lenses should not be worn in the days following the procedure. Make-up can be worn again once the wound has healed well, usually after about 10 to 14 days. We then recommend skin-friendly, hypoallergenic products.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Swelling, bruising or a feeling of tightness usually subside within a few days. The sutures are removed after about 5–7 days, and most patients are ready to resume social activities after about one week. Mild swelling can be concealed with glasses if needed.
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When do results become visible?
An initial effect is usually visible straight away, while the final appearance of the eyelids develops over the following 4 to 6 weeks. The scar follows the line of the natural fold of the upper eyelid.
How long do the results last?
The effect is generally long-lasting, with many patients benefiting for 10 to 15 years or longer. During your consultation, we explain how your individual situation may influence this.
Is more than one procedure needed?
A single procedure is normally all that is planned for tightening the upper eyelids. A repeat operation is generally not needed until many years later, if at all. If you wish, the lift can be combined with other treatments, which are planned individually.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
An upper eyelid lift may be considered for people with loose eyelid skin, hooded eyelids or a tired, strained appearance. Good general health and realistic expectations are required. Your doctor assesses during the initial consultation whether this surgery is right for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The price is available on request and after your initial consultation. As an aesthetic procedure, eyelid surgery is usually paid for privately. If there is a proven medical indication, such as a restricted field of vision, health insurance may cover the costs. We help you prepare the necessary documents.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.