The initial examination serves to clarify whether the annoying change to the lower eyelid has been caused by protruding fat tissue (tear sac), skin and muscle slackening, or a combination of these factors. The operation plan for the lower eyelid correction is drawn up on the basis of this analysis. If slackened skin is the sole cause, the skin on the lower eyelid is ablated by making a fine incision below the eyelashes and extending the incision sideways into a laugh line. It is also important to assess the elasticity of the lower eyelid in advance, as it is necessary in some circumstances to additionally suspend the edge of the lower lid to avoid a droopy eyelid after the operation. If a tear sac is present, this is generally opened and the protruding fatty tissue distributed in a hollow (tear duct) leading to the cheek. Thus it is possible to pad out and permanently correct the racoon eyes in the area of transition from the lower eyelid to the cheek.
OP duration
1.5 - 2.5 hours, up to 3 hours in complex cases.
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic with sedation (half-sleep).
Hospitalization
Out-patient.
Post-op
The lower eyelids are sealed with a plaster for one week after the lower eyelid correction until the sutures are removed. The skin in the lower eyelid is very thin, meaning that blue discolorations are inevitable. These generally disappear after 2-3 weeks.
Risks
Secondary bleeding and infection occur rarely, while scar problems are hardly ever observed. The risk of a droopy eyelid is low with secure suspension at the edge of the lower eyelid and appropriate skin removal.
Recovery time
Work: 2 weeks (office). Reading: 2-3 days. Physical exertion/sport: 4 weeks. Avoiding exposure to strong sunlight or extreme cold: 6-8 weeks. Final result after 6 months.
Outcome
Permanent. The redistribution of the tear sac towards the cheek remains stable, but the skin may slacken again after 10 years at the earliest as the ageing process continues.
before / after
Your doctor
Dr. med. Andreas Tschopp
T: 031 970 30 70 Contact form
Dr. med. Hyunju Kim Haemmig
T: 031 970 30 84 Contact form
Prof. Dr. Daniel F. Kalbermatten
T: 031 333 33 10 Contact form
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Upper eyelid correction
The upper eyelid correction is one of the most frequent and “appreciated” procedures in plastic-aesthetic surgery.
