Eyelid Surgery

for a refreshed, youthful appearance

What is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions excess skin, fat, or sagging tissue around the eyelids. The goal is to achieve a natural, fresh expression without altering the character of the face.

Depending on the individual condition, different areas around the eye can be operated on:

Upper eyelid surgery: Removal of excess skin and possibly fat from the upper eyelid. Commonly performed for hooded eyelids or restrictions in the field of vision.
Lower eyelid surgery: Treatment of bags under the eyes and excess skin on the lower eyelid.
Combination: In cases of pronounced conditions, both upper and lower eyelids can be treated in a combined session.
Ptosis surgery: For drooping upper eyelids due to weakness of the eyelid elevator muscle, this is additionally corrected, known as a levator correction. This procedure can be combined with upper eyelid surgery.

Tired eyes, hooded eyelids, or bags under the eyes can give the impression that one is exhausted or older than they feel. Eyelid surgery – medically referred to as blepharoplasty – can significantly rejuvenate the expression, open the gaze, and make the entire face appear more vital. Whether for aesthetic or functional reasons: In our practice SA Aesthetics in Berlin, you will receive a personalized treatment using the latest technology.

Eyelid correction is suitable for adult women and men of all ages – especially when the eye area feels tired, strained, or heavy, and the visual impression does not match one's personal sense of life.

Why do the eyelids change over time?

The skin around the eyes is particularly fine, delicate, and constantly subjected to movement – when blinking, laughing, or through facial expressions. Over the years, it loses its firmness and elasticity. The result: excess skin on the upper eyelid, bulging on the lower eyelid, so-called bags under the eyes, or even restrictions in the field of vision.

Genetic factors, UV radiation, stress, lack of sleep, or the natural aging process also affect the eye area. These changes cannot be reversed by creams or massages. In these cases, surgical tightening offers an effective and long-term solution.

Themistoklis Stavrakis- Plastischer Chirurg Berlin - SA Aethetics

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What methods of eyelid surgery are available?

Depending on the individual condition, skin quality, and starting situation, different techniques are used. In the personal consultation, we will analyze together which method is best suited for you. Depending on the individual condition, different areas around the eye can be operated on:

Upper Eyelid Surgery

In upper eyelid surgery, excess skin and possibly fat are removed through a fine incision in the natural eyelid crease. The incision will later be barely visible in the fold of the upper eyelid. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia or twilight sleep, and takes about one hour.

Lower Eyelid Lift

The lower eyelid lift is technically more demanding, as multiple factors often come into play: excess skin, fat pads, and muscle laxity. Depending on the findings, two procedures are available.

Lower Eyelid Lift – Transcutaneous Technique

The incision is made directly below the lash line. This technique is particularly suitable when excess skin also needs to be removed.

Lower Eyelid Lift – Transconjunctival Technique

Access is gained through the inner side of the eyelid, leaving no visible scars. This method is primarily used for younger patients who have fat pads and minimal or no excess skin. This less commonly offered procedure is also available at SA Aesthetics. In a personal consultation, the advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques are discussed in detail, and the optimal method is determined together.

Combination of Upper and Lower Eyelid Lift

In cases of pronounced findings, both eyelids can be treated in one session – for a harmonious and cohesive overall result of the eye area.

Ptosis Correction (Levator Correction)

For drooping upper eyelids due to weakness of the eyelid elevator muscle, targeted correction is performed. This procedure can be combined with an upper eyelid lift and is an important part of a comprehensive treatment of the eye area.

Which method is suitable for whom?

The choice of method depends on your individual findings. Here is a brief overview:

Procedure

Upper Eyelid Lift
Lower Eyelid (transcutaneous)
Lower Eyelid (transconjunctival)
Combination of Upper/Lower Eyelid
Ptosis Correction (Levator Correction)

In the personal consultation, Chief Physician Themistoklis Stavrakis, M.D. will determine the appropriate method together with you – individually tailored to your wishes and anatomical conditions.

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Treatment Process

Ästhetische Behandlungsräume der plastischen Chirurgie in Berlin – Komfort und Professionalität

Preparation for the Procedure

Careful preparation is important to support the healing process and minimize risks. This includes:

Two weeks before the procedure, blood-thinning medications should only be taken after consulting with a doctor.
Alcohol, nicotine, and certain dietary supplements that contain blood-thinning substances (e.g., Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Ginkgo, St. John's Wort) should also be avoided.
Cooling pads, eye drops, and soft compresses can be prepared in advance.

The Day of the Surgery - What to Expect

On the day of the surgery, we will welcome you to our clinic for a brief pre-consultation. Following that, preparation for the procedure begins: the relevant areas will be marked, and you will receive – depending on the agreed procedure – a local anesthetic, sedation (twilight sleep), or a short general anesthesia.

Upper Eyelid Lift Procedure

For an upper eyelid lift, you will be sedated or given a local anesthetic. Excess skin will be removed through a fine incision in the natural eyelid crease, and possibly some fat or slack muscle tissue as well. The incision will then be carefully stitched – so that the scar later becomes nearly invisible in the eyelid fold. The entire procedure takes about 60 minutes.

Lower Eyelid Lift Procedure

The lower eyelid lift is somewhat more extensive: you will receive either sedation or general anesthesia for the procedure, which lasts about two hours. Depending on the chosen technique, different incisions will be made to remove bags under the eyes and gently tighten the skin. The incisions will be closed with the utmost precision, resulting in a natural and harmonious outcome.

Aftercare & Healing Time

The first few days after the surgery are crucial for the healing process. It is important to prevent swelling and protect the eye area:

Cooling: several times a day with moist compresses or cooling glasses
Positioning: keep your head elevated – even while sleeping
Avoid: no makeup, no contact lenses, no sports in the first 1–2 weeks

The stitches will be removed about 7 days after the surgery. By this time, swelling and bruising have usually decreased significantly. The final result will be visible after 4-6 weeks. Small redness or residual swelling may still be present for some time but can be easily concealed with makeup.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

Eyelid lifts are among the safest plastic-aesthetic procedures. However, as with any surgery, there are certain risks involved. These include:

Swelling, bruising
Tightness, dryness
Temporary asymmetries after the surgery
Rare: visible scars
Rare: Infections

Through careful planning, state-of-the-art techniques, and precise work, complications can largely be avoided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

After about 4-6 weeks, most of the healing is complete. Minor changes may still occur for up to three months.

The effect of an eyelid lift typically lasts for many years. Exactly how long depends on individual factors such as skin texture, genetics, and lifestyle.

Generally after 7-10 days. Light redness can be easily covered with makeup.

Yes – a combined upper and lower eyelid lift is possible and saves time in the healing process.

Cooling, keeping your head elevated, adequate hydration, and rest.

Contact lenses should be paused for about a week. After that, wearing them is usually possible without issues.

Chief Physician Themistoklis Stavrakis, M.D.

Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Years of experience in plastic and aesthetic surgery, along with his previous role as chief physician at a renowned German clinic, shape the professional career of our founder. In our practice clinic in Berlin, we follow a clear approach: individually planned treatments tailored to anatomy, expression, and personal wishes.

"Beauty is how you feel"

Themistoklis Stavrakis - Plastischer & Ästhetischer Chirurg Berlin

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Do you desire a fresh, clear look and want personalized advice? We look forward to hearing from you. In a personal consultation, Chief Physician Themistoklis Stavrakis will discuss your wishes with you, present possible treatment options, and develop a customized treatment plan.

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