Hooded Eyelid Surgery in Berlin
Our eyes are essential to everyday life, but they are also among the body’s most sensitive organs. The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and delicate, making it more susceptible to damage. As a result of ageing and environmental influences, changes often become visible in this area at an early stage.
The eyes convey a great deal about a person and are often the first feature we notice. Many people therefore want their eyes to appear youthful and alert. Drooping upper eyelids, also known as hooded eyelids, can make the eyes look smaller and more tired, which many patients find troubling.
Drooping upper eyelids affect millions of people worldwide. If you are looking for a long-lasting improvement, surgery may be an appropriate option. During the procedure, excess skin is removed from the upper eyelid, helping the eyes to appear more open, alert and refreshed.
It is important to understand that upper eyelid surgery is not always performed for cosmetic reasons alone. It may also form part of the treatment for conditions affecting the eyelids and vision, such as ptosis. Blepharophimosis syndrome can involve ptosis and an epicanthal fold and requires careful specialist assessment.
- Procedure time
- Approximately 1 hour
- Social downtime
- Approximately 2 weeks
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia or, if preferred, general anaesthesia
- Hospital stay
- Outpatient procedure
- Return to work
- After 2 weeks; longer for physically demanding work
- Exercise
- Light exercise after 2 weeks and strenuous exercise after 4 weeks
- Initial healing
- 2 weeks
- Cost
- Approximately €2,000 to €2,300, depending on the surgical technique
- Aftercare
- To reduce swelling around the eyes, the area should be cooled immediately after surgery. You should also sleep with your upper body elevated. Avoid make-up for at least one week, and avoid physical exertion, direct sunlight and brightly lit environments for two weeks. Contact lenses should likewise not be worn for at least two weeks. Once the sutures have been removed, the recommended wound and scar gel should be applied to the treated areas.
Before treatment, I will discuss your questions, expectations and the available options with you during a detailed, confidential consultation. A small blood count will also be arranged. Immediately before surgery, I carefully measure the eyelid skin to determine how much excess tissue should be removed. I then mark a fine incision line, using the natural eyelid crease as a guide. Before the operation, you can decide whether you would prefer local or general anaesthesia. During surgery, I make a precise incision along the eyelid crease and remove the excess skin. If necessary, a small amount of the underlying muscle or fatty tissue may also be removed. Positioning the incision within the natural crease helps to keep the resulting scar discreet once it has healed. I also operate under magnification and use very fine sutures to support a precise result. This is a relatively limited surgical procedure and usually takes between one and one and a half hours. The sutures can generally be removed after approximately one week.
Upper eyelid surgery is generally considered a safe procedure with a relatively low complication rate and can produce a noticeable improvement. Serious complications are uncommon when surgery is performed by an appropriately qualified and experienced specialist. Nevertheless, it remains an operation and, like any surgery, involves potential risks and side effects. These may include swelling, bruising and redness of the eyes. Some patients experience a pronounced feeling of pressure after surgery, and temporary difficulty closing the eyelids can occur. Less commonly, scar tissue may harden or become inflamed. An unsatisfactory aesthetic result is another possible risk, although careful planning, realistic expectations and treatment by an experienced surgeon can help to reduce it. To minimise avoidable risks, you should not take blood-thinning medication before surgery unless this has been agreed with the prescribing doctor. You should also avoid alcohol and nicotine for at least two weeks before the operation. Mild discomfort when opening the eyes and slight postoperative bleeding can occur immediately after surgery. If pain or bleeding persists, becomes more pronounced or causes concern, please contact my Berlin practice promptly for a follow-up assessment.
Careful aftercare is important following your procedure. To ease swelling and discomfort, cool the eye area regularly using cold packs, cooling eye masks or a recommended cooling ointment. Always do so carefully, as the eyes will still be sensitive. Although many patients experience little or no pain after surgery, I can prescribe suitable pain relief for you to take if required. During the initial recovery period, avoid alcohol and nicotine and do not expose the operated area to heat. You should refrain from exercise and cosmetic products for at least one week. Contact lenses should be replaced with glasses for two weeks. As your eyes will be more sensitive after surgery, wear sunglasses to protect them from direct sunlight and limit screen use as far as possible. The final result is usually apparent after approximately two months.
Facts and Information About Hooded Eyelid Surgery
Hooded eyelid surgery is an operation in which excess skin is removed from the drooping upper eyelid, together with underlying muscle or fatty tissue where appropriate. The aim is to reduce upper eyelid hooding and rejuvenate the eye area, creating a more open, alert and refreshed appearance.
When Is Hooded Eyelid Surgery Appropriate?
Hooded eyelid surgery is primarily an aesthetic procedure intended to improve the appearance of tired or ageing eyes. By reducing excess upper eyelid skin, it can create a younger, fresher and more alert appearance.
However, this type of operation is not always performed for purely cosmetic reasons. It may also be used to treat ptosis when a drooping eyelid obscures the eye and restricts the field of vision.
Hooded eyelids may develop naturally as part of the ageing process. Their appearance can also be influenced by alcohol and tobacco use, an unbalanced diet, stress, lack of sleep and excessive sun exposure. Genetic factors can, of course, also contribute to hooded eyelids and under-eye bags.
Which Techniques Can Be Used for Hooded Eyelid Surgery?
Two different techniques may be used to treat hooded upper eyelids. The incision can be made either with a scalpel or with a surgical CO₂ laser. When using a scalpel, the surgeon places the incision directly within the natural eyelid crease, helping the resulting scar to remain discreet after healing.
Once the excess tissue has been removed, the wound edges are closed with a fine suture. Another option is a CO₂ laser, which is used to make the incision instead of a scalpel. The laser’s heat seals small blood vessels more quickly, although healing may sometimes take longer than with the scalpel technique. A laser-assisted upper eyelid lift may be considered for different degrees of upper eyelid hooding.
Eyelid Surgery in Berlin – Detailed Advice and Personalised Treatment
If you are considering hooded eyelid surgery at my Berlin practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery, you are welcome to arrange a confidential, detailed consultation. During this appointment, I will explain the relevant aspects of the procedure and give you the opportunity to discuss your wishes and expectations.