Eyelid surgery is one of the procedures I perform most frequently – more than 200 every year. Many people who come to me for a consultation describe the same thing: they feel awake but look tired. Here I answer the most important questions before you decide on a consultation in Pfäffikon SZ.
When eyelid surgery may be advisable
Over the years, the skin loses elasticity. This shows early on the upper eyelid, because the skin there is particularly thin. Typical signs are:
- The eyes look smaller and tired
- The skin of the upper eyelid presses on the eyelashes (“hooded eyelids”)
- The eyelid feels heavy, especially in the evening
- In pronounced cases, the upper field of vision is restricted
- On the lower eyelid: bags under the eyes, slack skin or dark shadows caused by protruding fat pads
Not every heavy eyelid is a hooded eyelid. Sometimes a drooping eyebrow is the cause. This can only be clarified during an examination.
How the procedure is carried out
Eyelid surgery is an outpatient procedure lasting no more than 90 minutes. On the upper eyelid, the incision lies in the natural eyelid crease; on the lower eyelid, just below the eyelashes – with bags under the eyes alone, the fat can also be removed via the inside of the eyelid, without a visible scar. The shape of your eyes is preserved. You will need someone to accompany you home, as driving yourself is not possible on the day of surgery.
Healing: what you can expect
The result is visible practically immediately. The stitches are generally removed after five to eight days; many people feel comfortable in public again after about a week. Swelling and discolouration usually subside within one to two weeks. You should therefore plan about a week without important appointments – a pair of sunglasses for your first walks by the lake both protects and conceals.
And health insurance?
Eyelid surgery for aesthetic reasons is generally covered neither by basic health insurance (KVG) nor by supplementary insurance. If the excess skin demonstrably restricts the field of vision, the procedure may be medically justified. This is then usually based on a visual field test carried out by an ophthalmologist. Please clarify possible cost coverage with your health insurer before treatment.
Discussing risks openly
Eyelid surgery is considered a comparatively low-risk procedure. Possible risks include secondary bleeding, wound-healing problems, temporarily dry eyes, asymmetries and – particularly on the lower eyelid – malposition of the eyelid margin. I discuss all risks with you in detail before the procedure.
You can find detailed information on the upper and lower eyelids, on preparation and on the course of healing on the Eyelid surgery page. You can make an appointment for a consultation via the Contact page.
