Eyelid surgery
Table of contents:
A telltale sign of the aging face is upper eyelid skin redundancy and lower eyelid bags. Simultaneously with a Facial Feminization Surgery it is common for eye bags and sagging eyelids to be corrected with a procedure called “blepharoplasty”.
Procedure
- Incisions are made in the natural creases or folds of the eyelids.
- Underlying fat may be removed, excess skin is trimmed along the natural fold of the eyelid.
- Incisions are closed with a very fine suture.
Recovery
- Swelling—Initial swelling and bruising take one to two weeks to resolve but it will take at least several months for the final result to become stable. Depending on the scope of the procedure, the operation takes about one hour to complete.
- Stitches—Stitches will be removed about five days after surgery.
Frequently asked questions
What does this procedure cost?
You can find estimated prices here, after your consultation you will be informed of the exact prices of your operation. Prices are average and may vary depending on the exact treatment.
There are 3 options to receive a financial and operative proposal. You can either send us pictures and receive a quote and an FFS simulation, or you can book a Skype or a live consultation with Dr Bart van de Ven during which you will also receive a quote and FFS simulation. Click here if you want to get a general idea of FFS prices.
What happens if there are complications after the procedure and is this covered?
We will correct the complication if surgically possible, without charging any surgical fees. Hospital, material and traveling costs are for the expense of the patient.
Can I get this surgery if I’m a cis woman?
Yes, of course. We perform Facial Feminization Surgery on all women. Every woman is welcome at our clinic!
How long does it take for the final result to be visible and the bruises to disappear completely?
Recovery looks different for every patient, but bruising usually disappears after two to four weeks. The final result can be visible after a few months, but it may also take longer than a year. All information on recovering from FFS can be found on our recovery page.
How long after lower eyelid surgery will my eyelids be sewn together in the corner?
For 8 days. In case the swelling is extreme it might even be better to leave the sutures in until the swelling has gone down far enough.
We are now two weeks after the operation with an incision under the lower eyelids and the lower eyelids are a little bit pulled down. What should I do?
Frequently when performing the transcutaneous blepharoplasty the orbicularis muscle is denervated, and the lid tone is diminished. As the tone of the muscle returns, the lid position should as well. To prevent ectropion (lid margin eversion) you should start regular upward massage of the lid several times daily for 3 to 5 minutes (at least 3 times a day) starting two weeks after surgery. This will improve the lid tone and lid position. Lower blepharoplasty takes one year to fully mature into postoperative results.
Where will the swelling appear?
Immediately after surgery, the swelling will be mostly in areas of loose connective tissue (cheeks, lips, around eyes). During the first few days, the swelling will move downwards towards the lower jaw and neck due to gravity. Swelling and bruising differ strongly from one person to another and can appear anywhere. Preferential places are around the eyes and in the lips, but can also involve the lower jaw and neck. Bruising may not appear immediately and will gradually fade over the course of several (2-5) weeks.
How long will I have swelling?
About 80% of swelling will have disappeared after 2 to 3 weeks. For a final result you’ll have to wait for up to 1 year.
We are doing our very best to keep this information up-to-date. In case you see anything that no longer seems accurate, or in case you have a question, please fill out the form below!