Eyelid surgery (Blepharoplasty)

During our lifetime our eyelids become saggy. Because of gravity, sun exposure or polluted environment, during the years, our skin starts hanging and becomes thinner. The result of it is layers of skin in the upper and lower region of the eyes.

Prof. Mislav Gjuric, M.D., Ph.D.

German and Croatian board certified otorhinolaryngologist specialising in cosmetic surgery with emphasis on facial, head & neck plastic and reconstructive surgery; founder, director and head of practice at Sinteza Clinic in Zagreb
Professor of Otorhinolaryngology at the FA-University of Erlangen, Germany; former Professor and Vice-Chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the J.W. Goethe University of Frankfurt, Germany
Professor and Chairman of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Zagreb, Croatia; active member of numerous medical associations around the world

How is eyelid surgery done?

An incision is made in the normal eyelid crease on the upper eyelid, along the palpable field, parallel with eyelid rim. Depending on the skin quantity, the incision can be even longer from the eye contour, and sometimes even muscle tightening can be necessary. Depending on the complexity of the procedure it can be determined, if it is possible to correct lower and upper eyelids in just one intervention.

What happens before an eyelid surgery?

During a detailed consultation with the doctor, you will be informed on the possibility of other procedures, which are adequate for you, and which can be combined with eyelid surgery. You will be instructed not to eat or drink in the six hours preceding the surgery. Contact lenses must not be worn and we advise not to take them with you. It would be advisable to take sunglasses with you. The surgery is done under local and regional anesthesia, and lasts from 60 to 90 minutes. Before and after the surgery, you must restrain yourself from smoking and avoid taking blood thinners (consult your general general practitioner).

What happens after an eyelid surgery?

After the procedure you must sleep with your head elevated, you must not bend and you must avoid physical stress. There will be bruising and swelling, but they are temporary, and will disappear completely. High sensitivity to light may occur, so you must bring sunglasses in order to protect your eyes after the procedure. After approximately five days, we remove the sutures. Slight loss of sensation in your eyelids can last even to a few weeks after the procedure, but it will return to normal. In cases of greater swelling, you generally undergo a lymph drainage and a gentle massage. You should absolutely avoid sauna, vapor-baths and sunbathing, as well as sport activities and hair dyeing.

What are the results of an eyelid surgery?

Two weeks after the surgery, you will be able to go public, and you will be able to enjoy going put with your friends after three weeks, and ten to twelve weeks after the surgery you will get back normal sensation in your face. It would last approximately three months until a definite appraisal of the surgery success can be given. Eyelid surgery can be combined with other facial surgery as e.g. face lifting or wrinkle iron around the mouth.