Upper Eyelid Lift in Berlin
Few areas of the face influence our expression and how others perceive us as strongly as the eyes. However, the natural ageing process and environmental factors can affect the particularly delicate skin around the eyes at an early stage. Hooded eyelids, loose skin, eye wrinkles and dark circles can alter the expression of the entire face, making it appear tired, sad or older. Plastic and aesthetic surgery offers effective ways to improve these changes with long-lasting results.
I would be pleased to advise you on your individual options for an upper eyelid lift. You can arrange a no-obligation consultation at my specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin.
- Duration of an upper eyelid lift
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia and twilight sedation. General anaesthesia is possible for very anxious patients or when an upper eyelid lift is combined with another procedure. After outpatient surgery, you will have a short recovery period at the clinic.
- Clinic stay
- Outpatient treatment or a 24-hour inpatient stay at the clinic affiliated with my specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin
- Ready to socialise
- After approximately one week
- Return to work
- After one week for non-physical work; after two weeks for physically demanding occupations or work involving a risk of facial injury
- Exercise
- Light exercise after two weeks; more strenuous exercise after four weeks at the earliest
- Wound healing
- Two weeks
- Cost
- Between €1,800 and €3,400, depending on the extent of surgery and the technique selected
- Aftercare
- Cooling the eyes and keeping the head slightly elevated for the first two days; avoiding creams and eye make-up during the first week; suture removal approximately five days after surgery
I perform upper eyelid lift surgery at my practice in Berlin. The procedure may be carried out on an outpatient basis or with an inpatient stay. Before surgery, I use a surgical skin marker to draw the precise position of each incision on your upper eyelids. I will ask you several times to open and close your eyes. You will then receive a sedative to place you in light twilight sedation. Four small injections, which are generally barely noticeable, are administered to numb the eyelids. I perform the operation using a scalpel or radiofrequency instrument. Removing loose skin and excess fat and muscle tissue from the upper eyelids requires meticulous plastic surgical technique. The incisions are closed with surgical sutures. The procedure takes no more than one hour, and the sutures are usually removed five days later. Most patients can return to work and social activities after approximately one week.
An upper eyelid lift is generally considered a low-risk procedure. Nevertheless, as with any operation, risks and unwanted side effects cannot be ruled out entirely. These include bleeding, delayed wound healing, infection and allergic reactions to medication or anaesthetic agents. My team and I take extensive precautions at my specialist practice for plastic and aesthetic surgery in Berlin to minimise these risks.
Some swelling and bruising around the eyes may occur after an upper eyelid lift, although this usually subsides considerably within one week. Rest, sufficient recovery time and regular cooling are important immediately after surgery. You may use compresses soaked in a cooling solution, a cooling eye mask or soft cold packs.
Eyelid Surgery: Long-Lasting Improvement of Hooded Eyelids and Eye Wrinkles
Eyelid lift surgery is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic operations, and many patients visit my practice specifically for an upper eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty. It is a relatively short and straightforward surgical procedure, usually performed under local anaesthesia and taking no longer than one hour.
Before upper eyelid surgery, I discuss the procedure and the expected outcome with you in detail. I also assess whether combining the eyelid lift with other treatments may help to achieve a balanced overall result.
A More Open, Refreshed Appearance with an Upper Eyelid Lift
Loose upper eyelids, also known as hooded eyelids, and eye wrinkles can alter the expression of the face. They may make a person look tired, sad or older than they are. An upper eyelid lift can give both women and men a more open eye area and a fresher, more youthful appearance.
What Causes Hooded Eyelids?
Hooded eyelids, medically referred to as blepharochalasis, develop when excess tissue and fatty deposits affect the upper eyelids. This can also make lines at the outer corners of the eyes more pronounced.
Ageing processes cause the skin of the eyelids to lose elasticity. Collagen levels decline, allowing the eyelid skin to become lax and leading to hooded eyelids and eye wrinkles. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors and lifestyle can have a similar effect. UV exposure, smoking and stress are among the factors that may accelerate skin ageing.
With hooded eyelids, the skin of the upper lid becomes sufficiently loose to hang over the natural eyelid crease. The condition may affect both eyes or only one and occurs in women and men alike.
Are Hooded Eyelids Only a Cosmetic Concern?
For most people, hooded eyelids and eye wrinkles are primarily a cosmetic concern. Drooping upper lids can obscure the eyelid crease and affect how people perceive their appearance, sometimes causing considerable emotional distress. In more pronounced cases, hooded eyelids may also restrict the field of vision. They can push the eyelashes towards the eye and cause persistent irritation of the ocular surface. However, a medical indication for an upper eyelid lift is relatively uncommon.
What Results Can an Upper Eyelid Lift Achieve?
Loose upper eyelid skin and eye wrinkles can significantly alter a person’s appearance, making the entire face look older and tired. An upper eyelid lift is a relatively straightforward procedure that is usually associated with only mild discomfort. By reducing excess skin, it can restore a more open, alert appearance to the eye area and make the face look fresher overall.
The aesthetic improvement can be significant and may last for 10 to 15 years. Reducing hooded eyelids and eye wrinkles can give the face a fresher, more youthful appearance. Even a relatively subtle change may enhance your individual features without altering your natural character.
An upper eyelid lift cannot stop ageing or its effects on the skin, but it can reduce their visible impact for many years. If appropriate, blepharoplasty can be repeated at a later date.
Upper Eyelid Lift in Berlin: Detailed Consultation and Personalised Treatment
During your initial consultation, I take time to understand your individual anatomy and wishes. I explain how upper eyelid lift surgery is performed and discuss both the possibilities and limitations of the procedure.
Preparation for eyelid surgery includes a thorough physical examination and the development of your personalised treatment plan. During the consultation, I also assess whether combining blepharoplasty with another procedure, such as a lower eyelid lift or wrinkle treatment, may produce a more balanced overall result.
How Is an Upper Eyelid Lift Performed?
An upper eyelid lift, or blepharoplasty, is an established operation in plastic and aesthetic surgery. It takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Excess skin, loose muscle tissue and fatty tissue are removed from the upper eyelid. Lines around the eyes may also be softened. This can make both the eye area and the overall facial expression appear fresher and more youthful. The amount of skin and tissue removed depends on the individual condition of your upper eyelids.
Where Are the Incisions Made for an Upper Eyelid Lift?
For an upper eyelid lift, an incision is usually made approximately 10 to 12 millimetres above the eyelid margin and extends across the upper lid. In some cases, it continues slightly beyond the outer edge of the eyelid. Depending on your individual anatomy, additional small diagonal incisions may be required to remove excess skin, fat or muscle tissue and tighten the lid. Before surgery, I mark the exact incision lines on the upper eyelid skin.
Incisions and Scars after Eyelid Surgery
Scars following an upper eyelid lift are usually fine and barely noticeable once healing is complete. As they are positioned within the natural upper eyelid crease, they should have little effect on the overall aesthetic result.
Aftercare Following Upper Eyelid Surgery: What You Should Know
What Should I Expect after an Upper Eyelid Lift?
During the first few days after an upper eyelid lift, minor secondary bleeding, slight eyelid retraction, dry eyes or watering may occur. Swelling and mild bruising of the eyelids are normal immediately after surgery.
What Should I Do after Upper Eyelid Surgery?
During the first few days after surgery, you should sleep with your head and upper body slightly elevated. Avoid getting water on the newly operated eyelids for at least three days.
Please avoid eye make-up for the first seven days after eyelid surgery to reduce the risk of impaired wound healing or pigment becoming embedded in the scar. Do not apply creams or massage the eye area until the sutures have been removed.
Eye Sensitivity after Blepharoplasty
Your eyes may be particularly sensitive for a period after surgery. During the first week, you should avoid watching television and prolonged computer use. Because the eyes and the operated area may be more sensitive to light, wearing sunglasses outdoors is advisable for one to two months.
Upper Eyelid Lift: The Healing Process
Overall wound healing may take several weeks, and the final healing process can take up to six months. At first, the scars may be noticeably red, but they generally fade over time until they are barely visible, if at all, as fine lines. If you have any further questions, my team and I will be pleased to assist you at the practice in Berlin.
Do Hooded Eyelids Make Your Eyes Look Smaller or Tired?
Upper eyelid surgery can provide long-lasting improvement in hooded eyelids and eye wrinkles. The aim is a natural-looking, refreshed result that complements your individual features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find the Right Surgeon for an Upper Eyelid Lift?
The professional designation “cosmetic surgeon” is not legally protected in Germany or the European Union and does not, by itself, demonstrate recognised specialist training. For eyelid surgery and any other procedure in plastic and aesthetic surgery, you should choose a doctor with substantial, verifiable experience who has completed several years of theoretical and practical specialist training. Relevant German qualifications include “Facharzt für plastische und ästhetische Chirurgie”, “Facharzt für plastische Chirurgie” and “Arzt für plastisch-ästhetische Operationen”.
My interest in plastic and aesthetic surgery developed during my medical studies, after which I completed the relevant specialist training. I have continued to deepen my knowledge and surgical experience through my clinical work and private practice.
Who Is Suitable for an Upper Eyelid Lift?
An upper eyelid lift may be suitable for women and men whose upper eyelid skin has become loose and formed hooded lids. The procedure reduces excess skin with long-lasting results, helping the eye area and overall facial expression appear fresher and more youthful.
When Can I Go Home after an Upper Eyelid Lift?
An upper eyelid lift is generally a straightforward outpatient procedure and does not require a prolonged clinic stay. After eyelid surgery, you will rest for a short time at the clinic affiliated with my practice before returning home.
Can an Upper Eyelid Lift Be Performed under General Anaesthesia?
Yes, although general anaesthesia is not usually necessary. It may be considered for patients who are particularly anxious. Local anaesthesia provides effective pain control, and before the injections used to numb the upper eyelid, you will receive a sedative that places you in light twilight sedation.
If you would prefer general anaesthesia for your upper eyelid lift, please discuss this with me. I may also recommend it in certain circumstances, such as when eyelid surgery is combined with another plastic and aesthetic procedure.
Blepharoplasty under general anaesthesia may also be performed as an outpatient procedure. After an appropriate recovery period, you can leave the clinic on the same day. You must not drive on the day of surgery following general anaesthesia.
How Long Do the Results of an Upper Eyelid Lift Last?
The results of an upper eyelid lift may last for 10 to 15 years. As ageing continues to affect the skin around the eyes after surgery, some patients may consider a further eyelid lift at a later date. If appropriate, the procedure can usually be performed through the existing scar.
How Can I Prepare for an Upper Eyelid Lift?
The usual preparations for surgery also apply to an upper eyelid lift. After consulting the prescribing doctor, you may need to stop taking blood-thinning medication one week before the procedure and avoid sleeping tablets. It is also advisable not to drink alcohol during this period.
Please do not apply creams or make-up on the day of surgery. Bring dark sunglasses to your appointment if possible, as these can help conceal the initial signs of surgery. Your eyes may also be particularly sensitive to sunlight and bright light during the first few days.
Does Blepharoplasty Alter Facial Expression?
When upper eyelid surgery is performed by an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, the risk of an unwanted or unnatural change in facial expression is low.
The procedure is intended to make your expression appear fresher and more youthful. By reducing hooded eyelids, it can allow your natural, individual facial expression to become more visible.
How Important Is Aftercare to the Outcome of an Upper Eyelid Lift?
Careful aftercare supports uncomplicated healing and helps achieve the best possible result. Cooling the area can help reduce swelling and bruising.
Will I Have Visible Scars after an Upper Eyelid Lift?
The incisions used to reduce hooded eyelids are placed within the natural upper eyelid crease. Once healing is complete, the resulting scars are usually barely noticeable.
Which Other Plastic and Aesthetic Treatments Can Be Combined with an Upper Eyelid Lift?
Alongside an upper eyelid lift, Dottore Caletti offers procedures including lower eyelid lifts, treatment of dark circles, wrinkle treatment and facial contouring with hyaluronic acid or your own fat using nanofat or lipofilling. Where medically appropriate, these treatments may be combined with upper eyelid surgery.
In many cases, combining blepharoplasty with another treatment may help achieve a more balanced overall result. During a detailed consultation before surgery, I assess whether a combination of treatments is appropriate and beneficial for you.
Will Health Insurance Cover the Cost of an Upper Eyelid Lift?
Health insurance may cover the cost only when blepharoplasty is medically indicated, for example if hooded eyelids significantly restrict the field of vision. In practice, medical indications for this procedure are uncommon. Health insurers do not generally reimburse surgery performed solely for cosmetic reasons.
When Should an Upper Eyelid Lift Not Be Performed?
Certain medical conditions and medications may be contraindications to eyelid surgery. Examples include severe high blood pressure, advanced arteriosclerosis, certain autoimmune disorders and poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. If you currently require blood-thinning medication for thrombosis prevention, surgery may need to be postponed.
As part of your medical assessment, I will ask about existing conditions and all medication you take before deciding whether the procedure can be performed safely. In many cases, an appropriate solution can be found even when a potential contraindication is present, allowing surgery to proceed without an avoidable increase in risk.
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Complications from an Upper Eyelid Lift?
When an upper eyelid lift is performed by an experienced specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, serious complications are uncommon.
To reduce the risk of complications, my team recommends discussing blood-thinning medication, sleeping tablets and painkillers with your doctor before surgery, as some may need to be stopped one week beforehand. You should also avoid alcohol and nicotine during this period or reduce your consumption as much as possible.