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Operations on the eyelids

Home page Treatments Operations on the eyelids
Close-up of a woman closing her eye

Eyelid malposition correction through eyelid surgery

If the palpebral fissure is too narrow or too wide, this is known as eyelid malposition. If the eyelid cannot completely cover the eye, we enlarge the eyelid area by operating on the eyelids. In special cases, we can also transplant skin from another part of the body. If the palpebral fissure is narrowed due to a severely drooping eyelid or excess skin on the eyelid, it may be necessary to lift the eyelid or tighten the excess skin. Eyelid surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic.

Eyelid lift for drooping eyelids

Eyelid skin sagging is initially a normal sign of ageing. However, they sometimes occur at a young age due to a hereditary predisposition. In a cosmetic eyelid lift (drooping eyelids), the excess skin is removed through an incision in the eyelid crease. If the procedure is performed for cosmetic reasons, it is a frequently requested private service. If you have visual field defects due to drooping eyelids, you can apply to your statutory health insurance provider to have the costs of the operation covered. The eyelid lift is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthetic.

Eyelid tumours and xanthelasma

Close-up of an eye with a hailstone

Eyelid tumours are treated differently depending on the cause. In the case of a „chalazion", the eyelid is surgically opened from the inside if possible and the encapsulation is carefully scraped out. A yellowish or protruding fat deposit on the eyelid or at the root of the nose is called xanthelasma. It can be removed with a laser or, if necessary, surgically. A cold probe for tissue sclerotherapy is also used to prevent the formation of new tissue. Careful cooling of the eyelids after the procedure helps swelling to subside more quickly.

Good to know

Trichiasis/distichiasis: A misaligned or double row of eyelashes that can cause corneal inflammation. The offending eyelashes can either be cauterised or removed using an eyelash punch.
Ectropion: An outwardly rotated eyelid edge that can cause mild symptoms ranging from a watery eye to severe surface irritation of the eye. The aim of a surgical procedure is to tighten and correctly reposition the edge of the eyelid.
Entropion: An inwardly rotated eyelid edge due to slackening of the eyelid frenulum. The inward rotation of the eyelid edge causes the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye and can cause severe inflammation. The aim of a surgical procedure is to reposition the eyelid edge correctly.
Ptosis: A drooping of the upper eyelid edge. This can have various causes. The aim of surgery is to lift the drooping eyelid. Depending on the cause of the ptosis, different surgical procedures can be selected.

Risks and side effects

In exceptional cases, the correction of eyelid malposition can result in over- or undercorrection. Bleeding, swelling and skin discolouration can also sometimes occur. These usually disappear on their own. There may also be a disturbance in the outflow of tear fluid. This can result in a very dry or watery eye. As with other eye operations, a circulatory shock is possible if the patient has an allergic reaction. Therefore, the same applies to eyelid surgery: Good preparation and aftercare are essential. With us, you are in the best hands.

What else is important for eyelid surgery?

After an operation, patients may have limited vision and may therefore not be allowed to actively participate in road traffic. Please ensure that you are picked up in advance. Operating heavy machinery and carrying out dangerous activities after eye surgery is also prohibited. Please note that it is not possible to take sick leave after cosmetic surgery.

Close-up of a woman closing her eye

Good to know - The function of the eyelids

The eyelids serve to protect and moisturise the eyes. By „blinking" with the eyelids and moisturising through the lacrimal glands, the healthy eye remains functional. Problems can arise due to misalignment of the eyelids. Tumours can also form, which have to be removed. Eyelid surgery is also often performed for cosmetic reasons. The aim is to tighten the eyelids if, for example, drooping eyelids narrow the field of vision and create a tired facial expression.

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