Eyelid correction

Introduction
In this leaflet, you will find information about what you have to do, both before and after the operation.

1. Eyelid correction
An eyelid correction entails the removal of excess skin and/or fatty tissue from the upper and /or lower eyelids.  
Drooping eyelids or "bags under the eyes" can be caused by:

• inheritance factor
• excess skin and/or fatty tissue
• loss of muscular elasticity
• aging
• in some cases, an underlying illness

Reasons to correct the upper eyelids can be:

• the drooping eyelid restricts vision because you are looking at the inside of the eyelid at the   extreme edge of your vision
• the eyelashes feel heavy and tired
• the skin of the eyelid sticks to your glasses
• a sombre and tired appearance.

The last-mentioned reason is often why the lower eyelids need to be corrected.

Upper eyelids

a. the drooping eyelid
b. the area of skin that has to be removed
c. the removal of the subcutaneous fat
d. the excess skin is cut out
e. stitches are inserted under the skin
f. the result after about two weeks    

Lower eyelids



a. the situation before the operation
b. incision just under the eyelid
c. removal of the fat
d. the excess skin is cut out
e. the stitches  

2. Preparations

• you must inform your doctor if you are taking Acenocoumerol (Sintrommitis), Fenprocoumon   (Marcoumar) or painkillers containing acetyl salicylate acid such as APC, Aspirin, Ascal,   Asprobruis, Dyclofenac or Naprosyne. Your doctor will then tell you how long before the   operation you will have to stop taking these medicines. Paracetamol can be taken.
• you must not drink any alcohol one day before the operation
• do not wear any eye cosmetics or cream on your eyelids on the day of the operation
• arrange transport home

You should be taken home by car or taxi. You must not drive yourself.

3. The operation
In most cases, a local anaesthetic will be used. During the operation, the plastic surgeon removes a strip of skin and, if necessary, also a piece of muscle and fatty tissue. An eyelid correction, which takes about 45 minutes, is usually done in the Day Clinic. Your surgeon will have told you whether you will have to stay for one or two hours or can go home immediately after the operation.  

An eyelid correction is generally a safe operation that is not normally followed by complications. There is, however, the risk of complication with any operation.

4. The post-operative period

• in the days succeeding the operation, it is essential that you take things easy (absolutely no heavy physical effort, no bending down or lifting etc.)
• for one week, you must not take any painkillers containing aspirin because of the danger of  post-operative bleeding (see preparations). Paracetamol can be taken.
• you must not drink any alcohol until 48 hours after the operation
• in the first week, the area surrounding the eye will be swollen. This swelling is often   accompanied by blue/purple discolouration. You should use the special fluid, that you have  been given after the operation, to help cool your eyes and to reduce the swelling.   Usually, the swelling decreases in a few days but, occasionally, it remains considerably longer  (one or two weeks).
• after about five or seven days, you will come back to the Outpatients' Department for a check-  up and to have the stitches removed.
• during the first weeks after the removal of the stitches, it is advisable to apply cream to the   fresh scars and to massage them gently.
• it is also a good idea to wear sunglasses.

Important warning!
If the eye itself(not the eyelids) is painful, your vision is blurred or you have an unusual headache, you should immediately contact the plastic surgeon.

5. The expected result
Do not expect that your eyelids will be completely smooth and taut. Over the years, due to progressive loss of elasticity of the skin, there is a natural excess of skin.
In a few cases, when the operation has been done in your youth, it may have to be done again in later years.

6. The costs
The repayment of the costs of the operation depends on the conditions in your health insurance scheme. The plastic surgeon is sometimes aware of the conditions - and sometimes not. If you have any doubts about this, you are advised to clarify the situation with your health insurance company before you arrange the operation.

If you do have to pay for the operation yourself, the plastic surgeon's secretary will tell you how much it will cost.

7. Finally
If you have any further questions after your visit to the Outpatients' Department and having read this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Plastic surgeon's clinic,
telephone number: 070 - 312 44 99.