Is dependent on the concerned eyelid region:

· upper eyelid surgery: local anesthesia
· upper and lower eyelids: intravenous sedation or a standard general anesthesia




The duration of the surgery is about 1 hour for the upper eyelids and approx. 1h30 for all 4 eyelids.




It is recommended to stay overnight for a general anesthesia. In case of a local anesthesia, hospitalization is not necessary; after a few hours of close surveillance, you may go home.




The blepharoplasty surgery is not painful but could cause a certain discomfort (feeling of tense eyelids). Swelling (edema) and bruises will rapidly appear but will be treated with cold compresses applied for a few hours. Ophtalmic drops are usually prescribed.

The sutures are closed with very fine threads which will be removed 3 days after the surgery, in the case of non absorbable sutures. The scars will not be visible after a few weeks as they are placed in the natural crease of the eyelids.




· In the country where the surgery is performed

During your hospitalization the surgeon and his staff monitor to ensure there are no complications occurring. A few follow-up visits are also necessary during the required recovery period (usually about a week), they take place directly at your hotel.

· After you get back to your homeland

During your first week back home your surgeon may stay in close contact with you either by phone, mail or webcam. Your surgeon may also collaborate with your own doctor to ensure your recovery is normal.

You may resume normal activity 10 days after the surgery.

After 3 months: a check-up visit

Your surgeon monitors the first results to ensure they are satisfying. In some cases, you may require additional corrections or treatment. The final results of a blepharoplasty can take up to 6 months after the surgery

Examples of unsatisfying results requiring additional treatments (corrections):

- scars have not fully refined
- bony ledge of the orbit a little too visible
- small lid lag of the lower eyelid
- a light asymmetry
- skin discoloration.




Your surgeon will inform you of all the risks involved during your first discussions but also every time you will have a question. You will be then asked to sign a consent form which contains all the details of the whole surgery procedure.

Medical literature lists some of the following potential complications (apart from the ones directly linked to anesthesia):

Most common complications

· Epidermic cyst appearing on the upper eyelid sutures

· carring (more common with smoking individuals)

Rare complications

· Dry eyes leading to a keratitis (lesion in the cornea), hence the need for ocular drops

Exceptional complications

· Chronic swelling
· Widening of the little eyelid vessels leading to a pigmentation

Without over-estimating the risks, it is necessary to fully understand that even a simple surgery is dependant on a certain amount of unpredictable factors.

Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon ensures you that he/she has the required education, skill and experience to avoid these complications or to efficiently treat them when necessary.