Upper lid surgery (correction of drooping eyelids and eyelid lift)

The eyes are essential for making facial expressions. The first visible signs of the natural ageing process in the face are the accumulation of skin folds and swelling around the eyelids in the morning. Puffiness in the upper lids and folds of skin causing drooping eyelids, as well as dark circles around the eyes, tear sacs and deep creases in the lower lids, may create a bleary-eyed, sad or tired expression. Sufferers are found to raise their eyebrows to minimize the pressure in their eyelids, meaning drooping eyelids may eventually also lead to lines developing in the forehead.

Eyelid surgery (eyelid lift) aims to eliminate tired or sad expressions, whilst simultaneously enhancing facial harmony. To ensure this is possible, the patient’s eyebrows and forehead may need to be treated at the same time. It is enough to correct the upper eyelids and lower eyelids alone if they are the sole area betraying a patient’s true age in an otherwise youthful face.

If the upper eyelids and lower eyelids display the same signs of ageing, both parts should be treated to avoid facial disharmony. If patients have been suffering from drooping eyelids for a long time, they often have strained forehead muscles. These muscles relax following upper eyelid surgery, potentially leading to the eyebrows sinking and crows’ feet becoming more prominent. Undergoing a forehead lift (brow lift) at the same time may prevent these undesirable side effects.

An eyelid lift or upper lid surgery and lower lid surgery conducted by a qualified specialist doctor results in a fresher, rejuvenated face without altering your overall appearance. The specific operation or combination of operations which will lead to the best results are explained and discussed in full during your initial consultation.

An upper lid procedure involves removing excess skin and any pockets of fat, improving the appearance of puffy upper lids and correcting any asymmetry. The incision follows a naturally occurring line in the skin, meaning the scar is not visible following healing. Asian eyelid surgery requires additional procedures on the folds of skin in the upper eyelids and on the inner corners of the eyes (see photo). Patients can start wearing make-up again after two weeks.