How long is the recovery time after eyelid surgery?

Recovery takes about 7 to 10 days. Mild swelling and bruising usually subside within a week. Avoid exercise, sauna, tanning beds, and strong sun exposure for about two weeks. Stitches are removed after 5–7 days.

Where is the eyelid surgery performed?

The procedure is performed in our clinic under twilight sedation. It takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on whether upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated. You can go home the same day

Are the scars visible?

The fine scars are hidden in the natural skin folds and are barely noticeable after healing.

What should I be aware of after eyelid surgery?

Regularly cool the treated area and avoid makeup, sun exposure, and physical exertion for at least two weeks.

Will insurance cover the cost of an upper eyelid lift?

Insurance may cover the cost if there’s a medical necessity—e.g. a restricted field of vision caused by drooping upper lids. This requires a perimetry (visual field test) from an eye doctor and pre-approval from the insurance company. Please note: processing with the insurer must be handled by the patient. The operation can then also be performed in a private hospital.

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Eyelid lift / upper eyelid lift / lower eyelid lift

Medically reviewed by Dr. Shirin Milani / Dr. Veith Moser — Specialists in Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (Austrian Medical Chamber)Last updated: 26.03.2026

Tightening and correction for upper eyelids, lower eyelids & Tear bags

Our eyes don't just perceive . They also play a key role in how others perceive us, because they are extremely important for our expression. They determine whether a face is perceived as youthful, fresh or old and tired. But why do our eyes lose their vigor over time? Well, this is because the eyelid skin and eyelid muscles lose their elasticity. The periorbital region, which is located laterally and below the eye socket, descends. This is how wrinkles, droopy eyelids or even tear bags arise.

Treatments

Eyelid lift / upper eyelid lift / lower eyelid lift

This in turn can be easily corrected by removing excess skin and fatty tissue — or just one of the two — Will get removed. However, there are minimal differences in the procedure for male and female patients. In men, the brow position is lower – a fact that should under no circumstances be ignored during the procedure. If the position of the eyebrows is neglected, there is a risk of a shift downwards or towards the upper eyelid.

After the procedure, the fresh expression that makes us younger is makes it work, back again – without losing the eye shape or individual expression. As soon as the field of vision is restricted (a report from an ophthalmologist is required to determine this), the procedure will also be covered by the health insurance company.

Before eyelid surgery, a check-up with an ophthalmologist may be necessary to rule out pathologies that affect the eye itself.

Operation duration: 30-60 minutes (upper eyelid lift),
1.5 hours (lower eyelid lift)
Anesthesia: local Anesthesia with twilight sleep
Sport: after 2-3 weeks
Hospital stay: outpatient
Sociable: after 1 to 2 weeks
Plaster and thread removal: after 5 to 7 days

Before Surgery

For a period of approximately 14 days before the operation, you should stop taking medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin , ASA, etc.), as they impair blood clotting.

After Surgery

Cold packs in combination with an elevated head allow any swelling to subside quickly.
Lymphatic drainage is recommended for a quick recovery.
Stitch removal: after 5 to 7 days
Sport: after 3 weeks
Social: after 1 to 2 weeks

Surgery Highlights

Before the procedure, the incision route is marked while the patient is in a sitting position with their eyes closed. The areas of skin and fat to be removed are marked on the upper eyelid; the incision for removing the excess skin and any orbital fatty tissue is in the skin fold of the upper eyelid. Depending on the location and amount of fat in the orbital area, partial removal of fat is essential to achieve a youthful appearance after the procedure. Since fat provides cushioning and a smoother appearance, under no circumstances should too much be removed. The operation is carried out on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia or in twilight sleep.

The lower eyelid lift is particularly suitable for those people who suffer from tears ;suffering from puffiness or wrinkles in the lower eye area. It takes place during twilight sleep because it is longer and more complex. The cut is made below the eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid so that the scars remain invisible. As part of this procedure, excess fatty tissue is also removed or relocated. The severe relaxation of the eye ring muscle or eye sphincter muscle requires partial removal in most cases. The stable fixation of the lower eyelid and the eye ring muscle with sutures to the muscle skin in the lower temple area is essential in order not to cause problems with the lower eyelid edge or with tear flow.

After the procedure, the wound is stitched and the stitches are removed 5 to 7 days later. Pain should not occur. An upper eyelid lift [ ... ] can be combined as this achieves an additional tightening effect. It has a supportive effect and lifts both the brow region and the temple area.

Possible Risks

Any swelling and discoloration caused by bruising in the lower eyelid and cheek area usually subsides after two to three weeks. In rare cases, eyelid closure or tear flow is disrupted. But don't worry: both things usually return to normal quickly.

Duration

30 min

FAQ

Upper and lower eyelid lifts are surgical procedures to remove excess skin, fat, and under-eye bags around the eyes. This treatment is ideal for people who appear tired or suffer from droopy eyelids, under-eye bags, or wrinkles in the eye area.