Upper blepharoplasty

For a successful upper blepharoplasty, the treating plastic surgeon’s experience is crucial. Each procedure requires a customized approach, as no two faces are the same.

Before the procedure begins, the plastic surgeon will carefully mark how much excess skin will be removed. The treatment is performed under local anesthesia and typically takes 45 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the upper eyelid. Excess skin, fat, and possibly muscle tissue are then removed. The incision is sutured and covered with small adhesive strips.

After the procedure, you will receive a cooling mask for your eyes to reduce swelling. You may take this cooling mask home to continue using it. One week later, the stitches will be removed at our clinic.

If desired, both the upper and lower eyelids can be treated at the same time.

Our before-and-after photos give you a clear impression of the final results of previously performed treatments. The “before” photos are taken prior to the procedure (which is why no one is wearing makeup in these photos). The “after” photos are taken during the final check-up, approximately 12 weeks after the procedure.

Click to see more before-and-after photos.

Recovery upper blepharoplasty

During the procedure, we use diathermy equipment instead of a scalpel. This greatly reduces the chance of tiny bleedings under the skin (which causes bruising). Still, the area around your eyelids may be slightly swollen and bruised during the first week after treatment.

One week after the procedure, the stitches will be removed at our clinic. By then, the improvement is often already quite noticeable. Most people return to work after the stitches are removed.

In the following weeks, the healing process continues. On average, the final result is achieved after 12 to 16 weeks. This is also when your final check-up takes place and your “after” photo is taken.

Aftercare upper blepharoplasty

Cooling

We recommend cooling your eyelids at home for the first three days, 10 minutes every hour, using the cooling mask we provide or a bag of frozen peas. From day four to day seven, continue cooling a few times per day. Cooling helps reduce swelling and bruising and also relieves any itching. It’s important to place gauze between your eyes and the cooling mask (or frozen peas) to prevent your skin from freezing to the mask and to offer some protection. In between cooling sessions, put the cooling mask back in the freezer for optimal results.

Resting

It is advisable to take it easy for the first few days. This helps limit any pain and swelling, speeding up the healing process.

Sleep on your back

We recommend sleeping on your back after the procedure and not on your side or stomach. This prevents damage to the stitches/wounds while you sleep. A (travel) neck pillow may help. Sleeping on your stomach can endanger wound healing and is therefore strongly discouraged for the first two weeks after your procedure!

Avoid pressure increasing activities

Eyelids can easily swell due to fluid accumulation, especially in the early period after an upper blepharoplasty. Therefore, it’s important to avoid placing any pressure on your head for the first two weeks. Do not bend over, lift heavy objects, or exercise, and try to rest as much as possible.

Do not rub your eyes

If you experience itching or slight bleeding, do not rub your eyes! This could reopen the wounds. The cooling mask provided can help relieve itching.

Showering

After the operation, adhesive strips are placed over your stitches. It’s important to keep the wounds—and thus the strips—dry. You can shower, but avoid placing your face directly under the shower. We advise against taking baths or going to a sauna due to sweating, which can loosen the strips.

Make-up and skincare

You should not apply makeup on or around your eyes after the procedure. You may do so again two weeks after surgery.

Exercising

We advise against exercising or performing heavy physical activities during the first two weeks after the procedure.

Scars

After your stitches are removed, you will receive VandenBroecke Kliniek scar cream, specially developed by us to care for your scars at home. This cream softens and moisturizes the skin, promoting the skin’s natural healing process. This speeds up recovery and helps you achieve the final result of your upper blepharoplasty more quickly. You can start applying it once all scabs have disappeared (usually about two weeks after your treatment).

Sunlight

You must not expose your scars to direct sunlight and/or tanning beds for the first six weeks after the procedure. Since direct sunlight cannot always be avoided, we recommend wearing sunglasses outdoors. It’s also wise to use a sun protection cream (Sun Protection Factor). Our scar cream has an SPF of 20 and can offer some protection from the sun. However, we still advise you to avoid the sun as much as possible during your recovery process.

Contact lenses

We advise against wearing contact lenses for up to two weeks after the procedure, mainly to avoid pulling on or around the eyelids. Wearing glasses, however, is allowed.

Aspirine, Ibuprofen and Paracetamol

Paracetamol may be used. We recommend not using aspirin-containing medication or ibuprofen between 10 days before and 7 days after the procedure to prevent heavy bleeding during or after the procedure. Exceptions are only allowed following consultation with your treating plastic surgeon.

Arnica

We advise against using Arnica drops or tablets around the time of surgery. You may apply Arnica cream to the lower eyelids or cheeks after the procedure, but avoid the treated area.

Cleaning the wounds

It is beneficial to keep the area around your eyes clean, but try not to get the bandages wet. We recommend using a cotton swab. Moisten it lightly under the tap, then carefully clean the eyelash line.

Work

In the first few days after the treatment, you may have some bruising and swelling around your eyes. After 7 days, the sutures will be removed, and you may still experience some discoloration. That’s often when people go back to work. Heavy physical labor is strongly discouraged during the first few weeks after the procedure.

Risks and complications

As with any surgery, complications can occur. A wound may start bleeding or become infected, though this rarely happens. You may not be able to fully open or close your eyes during the initial period after surgery due to swelling of the eyelids. Additionally, your vision may be slightly blurry for the first few days following the procedure.

The result

You will enjoy the results of your treatment for many years. It’s important to note, however, that the result is not permanent, and the natural aging of the face may lead to recurring issues over time. How long this takes varies from person to person and is strongly influenced by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, diet, alcohol, stress, and lack of sleep. Fortunately, it is usually possible to perform a comparable treatment again in the future.

If you have any further questions you can always contact us via e-mail info@vandenbroeckekliniek.nl or by phone during office hours on 088-0042700.