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Eyelid surgery – the process step by step
Eyelid surgery is a short outpatient procedure. This is how it typically proceeds – from preparation and the day of surgery to healing.
Eyelid surgery is one of the procedures I perform most often – more than 200 every year. That is exactly why it is worth knowing the process: it is manageable, and healing can be planned well.
The process at a glance
- 011–3 weeks beforehandPreparation
Examination of the eyelids, planning and informed consent; medication is discussed.
- 02Day of surgeryOperation
Outpatient procedure of no more than 90 minutes; afterwards home with someone accompanying you.
- 031–2 weeksAftercare
Cooling, suture removal after a few days; swelling usually subsides within one to two weeks.
What happens during the operation
Phase 1: Preparation
- Examination I assess excess skin, fat pads, eyelid position and eyebrows – sometimes a drooping brow is the actual cause.
- Ophthalmologist’s report If your field of vision is restricted, it may be needed for possible coverage of the costs.
- Medication Only pause anticoagulant drugs after consulting a doctor.
- Contact lenses Have glasses ready for the first few days after the procedure.
- Organization Someone to accompany you home – you will not be able to drive yourself on the day of surgery.
Phase 2: The day of surgery
- Marking The strip of skin to be removed is marked precisely while you are sitting up.
- Anesthesia The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis; we discuss the type of anesthesia beforehand.
- Upper eyelid Excess skin is removed through an incision in the natural eyelid crease, and if necessary also some muscle or fat.
- Lower eyelid Depending on the findings, through an incision just below the lashes; under-eye bags are smoothed.
- Sutures and cooling Fine sutures, followed by cooling.
- Getting home After a short rest, you go home with someone accompanying you. The procedure takes no longer than a maximum of 90 minutes in total.
Phase 3: Aftercare and healing
- Day 1–3Cooling, head raised, rest your eyes; slight bruising is normal
- Day 5–7Sutures are removed; many people now feel comfortable in public again
- Week 2Swelling and discoloration have usually largely subsided; make-up after consultation
- Week 3–4Sports and contact lenses possible again after consultation
- Month 3Scars in the eyelid crease are hardly visible anymore
The result of eyelid surgery is visible almost immediately – it looks more natural with every day as the swelling goes down. Sunglasses offer protection in the early period and conceal at the same time.
Contact us immediately if you experience visual disturbances, severe or increasing pain, tense swelling or fever.
Your checklist
- Glasses instead of contact lenses for the first few days
- Have cold compresses or cooling pads ready
- Sunglasses for your first walks
- Someone to accompany you home
- Plan about one week without important appointments
Frequently asked questions about the process
Can I have my upper and lower eyelids done at the same time?
Yes, this is often possible. Whether it makes sense is something we decide after the examination.
When can I work at a screen again?
Usually after a few days – with breaks, because your eyes tire more quickly at first.
Upper and lower eyelids, risks and all questions