Upper eyelid surgery step by step: what actually happens
For many people the scariest part is not the procedure itself, but not knowing what will happen. So here is the whole process, step by step, without making it sound nicer than it is.
Beforehand: the assessment
A serious clinic never operates without first carefully assessing whether you are a good candidate. The specialist looks at the amount of excess skin, the position of the eyelid margin and the brows, your eyes (including dry eyes) and your general health. Only when that picture is right is a treatment plan made.
Step 1: the markings
On the day of treatment, the physician precisely marks the surgical area while you sit upright. It sounds unspectacular, but this is the most important step of the entire procedure: this is where it is decided exactly how much skin will be removed and where the scar will sit in the natural eyelid crease. Millimetres make the difference between a natural and an overcorrected result.
Step 2: the anaesthesia
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia. You briefly feel the small injections; after that you feel that work is being done, but no pain. You stay awake and can simply talk. No general anaesthesia is needed, which makes recovery considerably lighter.
Step 3: the correction
The surgeon removes the marked strip of skin and, where needed, a little muscle or fat tissue. The wound is closed with a fine suture in the eyelid crease. The whole procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Step 4: right after
You receive a cooling mask to take home; cooling during the first three days considerably reduces swelling. We advise against driving yourself home; arrange a lift. After about 6 days the stitches are removed and the wound is checked.
And then?
Count on one to two weeks of visible recovery (swelling, discolouration), and judge the final result only after months; the definitive picture is stable after about six months. The full, honest recovery story is in this article.
FAQ
Do I feel anything during the procedure?
You feel the small anaesthetic injections and afterwards at most pressure or movement, no pain. If something does hurt during the procedure, extra anaesthetic is given immediately.
Can I drive myself home afterwards?
We advise against it. Your vision can be temporarily blurry from ointment and swelling. Arrange a lift or take public transport.