„I have drooping eyelids, do I need an eyelid lift?“ This is a question we hear regularly. The term „drooping eyelid removal“ is widely used colloquially, but is medically inaccurate. The correct term is blepharoplasty, i.e. surgical eyelid correction. However, it is not quite that simple: not every heavy upper eyelid is a classic drooping eyelid, and not every eyelid lift only affects excess skin.
What are drooping eyelids?
Drooping eyelids are defined as excess skin on the upper eyelid that partially or completely covers the natural eyelid crease. There are many causes: loss of skin elasticity, displacement of fatty tissue, a sunken eyebrow or simply genetic predisposition. With increasing excess skin, the expression can appear tired. In severe cases, the eyelid even restricts the field of vision.
Important to understand: Fat pads around the eye are generally useful. They protect the eye. It only becomes problematic when volume and skin structure no longer fit together harmoniously.
What is an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)?
Blepharoplasty is the generic medical term for surgical correction of the upper or lower eyelid. Procedures with which we can remove excess skin, reduce or redistribute fatty tissue and tighten fine muscle structures.
The upper eyelid lift is performed along the natural eyelid crease and the scar is barely visible later on. In the lower eyelid, the incision is made either just below the lash line or, if only fat pads are corrected, from the inside (transconjunctival). The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes about an hour.
So is there any difference at all?
In short, „drooping eyelid removal“ is a form of eyelid lift. The difference lies less in the procedure than in the initial situation.
Drooping eyelids: The term is used colloquially, is mostly aesthetically oriented and primarily affects the skin.
Eyelid lift: It is about aesthetic and functional improvements. The skin, fatty tissue and muscles are affected.
In many cases, the two terms coincide. When people say „drooping eyelid removal“, they usually mean an upper eyelid lift. Sometimes, however, the actual cause lies elsewhere.
If the eyelid is not the real problem
The drooping eyebrow is often partly responsible. If the eyebrow drops, it pushes the skin downwards. The upper eyelid appears heavy or overhanging, even if the eyelid skin itself is still sufficiently firm.
In such cases, it is not enough to simply remove skin from the upper eyelid. A gentle lifting of the brow (brow lift) or a combination of both procedures may be more appropriate. For this reason, a careful anatomical analysis is also required before any decision is made.
Upper eyelid and lower eyelid, two different issues
The upper eyelid is usually caused by excess skin. In the lower eyelid, the focus is often on bags under the eyes, caused by bulging fatty tissue, sagging eyelid skin or loss of volume in the midface.
It is not enough to simply remove skin. If too much tissue is removed, the result will look unnatural.
Are injections an alternative?
Hyaluronic fillers are not or only very rarely suitable for the sensitive eye area. Swelling or visible irregularities may occur, particularly on the lower eyelid. Side effects such as lymphatic congestion are possible. Minimally invasive procedures such as laser or radiofrequency can tighten the skin slightly in some cases, but they are no substitute for significant surgical correction.
Why are eyelid lifts currently „on trend“?
Video conferencing draws more attention to the eye area than ever before. Social media shows masses of filtered faces that hardly age at all. Men and women are increasingly interested in eyelid corrections. Another reason: functional limitations, such as a restricted field of vision, are also being perceived more consciously.
Statistically, around 85% of eyelid corrections are performed for aesthetic reasons and around 15% for medical reasons. Both are legitimate starting points, but require honest information and a realistic assessment of the possibilities and risks.
What you should know before making a decision
Eyelid correction is a voluntary procedure and should remain so. The consultation at the Swiss Derma Clinic lasts around 45 minutes. We explain anatomical relationships, point out realistic possibilities and limitations and ask open questions about expectations. Sometimes good medicine also means advising against a procedure.
The healing phase requires patience: most patients are socially acceptable again after two to three weeks. The final result only becomes apparent after several months.
FAQ
Is an eyelid lift covered by basic insurance in Switzerland?
Only under one condition: if there is a demonstrable functional restriction, such as a significant narrowing of the visual field. In this case, compulsory health insurance (OKP) generally requires an ophthalmologic examination with visual field measurement as a basis. Purely aesthetic procedures are not covered and are self-pay services.
Can the shape of the eyes change after an eyelid lift?
The aim of a professionally performed blepharoplasty is to restore a clear eyelid contour, not to change the shape of the eye. However, if too much skin or fat is removed, the eye may appear unnatural or hollow. Modern eyelid surgery is therefore tissue-sparing. Less is often more.
At what age does an eyelid lift make sense?
There is no fixed minimum age. Some people develop pronounced drooping eyelids at the age of 30 for genetic reasons, others much later. What counts are the findings: skin quality, tissue structure and personal impairment.
When can I return to work and exercise after the operation?
Light everyday activities are usually possible after a few days. Physical exertion, intensive sport, sauna or strong sunlight should be avoided for around two to three weeks. We will discuss the exact recommendations during aftercare. These depend on the individual healing process.
