Eyelid Lift

What is an eyelid lift?

One Eyelid Lift – medical Blepharoplasty – is a surgical procedure to correct the upper and/or lower eyelids. During the procedure, we carefully remove or redistribute excess skin, muscle tissue, and fat deposits.

The result: a more open, friendly look while fully preserving the eye's natural shape.

Ober- und Unterlid werden unterschiedlich angegangen: Am Oberlid liegt der Schnitt in der natürlichen Lidfalte, am Unterlid dicht unter der Wimpernkante oder von innen. Ob ein Schlupflid tatsächlich vom Lid kommt oder von einer abgesunkenen Augenbraue, klärt die Voruntersuchung — im zweiten Fall führt eine Lidstraffung allein nicht zum gewünschten Ergebnis. Schränkt überschüssige Haut das Gesichtsfeld ein, kann der Eingriff medizinisch begründet sein. Er ist in örtlicher Betäubung möglich, auf Wunsch mit Dämmerschlaf; beraten wird in Frankfurt, operiert in Oberursel.

When the mirror no longer shows who you are

Maybe you know the feeling: You look in the mirror and see signs of fatigue, even though you don't feel tired at all. Your eyes look smaller, heavier, older—that's not you.

„Ich wollte nicht 30 Jahre jünger aussehen. Ich wollte im Spiegel mein erkennbares Ich sehen, ohne die Augen zusammenzukneifen.“ – So beschreibt eine unserer Patientinnen ihr Gefühl vor der Behandlung.

An eyelid lift isn't about conforming to some ideal of beauty. It's about recognizing yourself in the mirror again—without drooping eyelids that obscure your gaze, and without under-eye bags that make you look older than you feel.

We’ll be with you every step of the way—drawing on our experience and tact, and always striving to preserve your natural radiance.

Author picture

Medically reviewed ✓

Written by Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

EBOPRAS – European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - ebopras.eu

✓ Over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery

✓ Specialization: Facial surgery and eyelid surgery

📅 Last updated: 11. August 2026

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5.0 on Google · over 300 more reviews on Jameda

✓ Member of the DGPRÄC (German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons)

✓ Our own certified operating rooms in Frankfurt and Oberursel

Benefits of an Eyelid Lift

✓ An open, alert gaze – Drooping eyelids and sagging skin are corrected

✓ Natural-looking results – You remain recognizably yourself, just refreshed

✓ Long-lasting – The results last for many years

✓ Outpatient treatment available – Generally, no hospital stay is necessary

✓ Gentle anesthesia – Local anesthesia or light sedation

✓ Barely visible scars – Incisions made in natural skin folds

✓ Medical Benefits – May be necessary in cases of visual field loss

✓ Can be combined – Ideal in combination with a brow lift, facelift, or laser treatment

Who is a good candidate for an eyelid lift?

If you suffer from drooping eyelids
The upper eyelid crease gradually disappears, your eyes look more tired than you actually feel, and applying eyeshadow becomes a challenge. In cases of severe drooping eyelids, your field of vision may even be restricted—in such cases, there is a medical indication that is also recognized by health insurance providers.
 
If you have bags under your eyes or sagging skin on your lower eyelids
Over the years, noticeable swelling can develop under the eyes, fine lines can deepen, and the eyelid margin can droop. Dark shadows often appear as well due to protruding fatty tissue. These changes can make your face look older and more tired than you actually feel.
 
When is a medical evaluation advisable?
If you are considering combined upper and lower eyelid surgery or already have an eye condition, we recommend a preliminary eye exam. We work closely with experienced ophthalmologists to ensure your safety.

Upper Eyelid vs. Lower Eyelid – Which Is Right for You?

Aspect Upper Eyelid Lift Lower Eyelid Lift
Main Objective Drooping eyelids, hidden eyelid crease, tired-looking eyes Under-eye bags, fine lines, sagging skin
Duration of surgery 45–60 minutes 60–90 minutes
Cutting Technique In the upper eyelid crease (invisible) Along the lash line or from the inside
Anesthesia Local Anesthesia or Twilight Sleep Local Anesthesia or Twilight Sleep
Recovery time 7–10 days of downtime 7–14 days (bruises are more common)
Special Features May improve visual field Additional eyelid stabilization, if necessary
Costs starting at 3.000 € 3.500 €

How does the treatment work?

Personal Consultation – Your Journey Starts Here

We take the time to listen to you. During a detailed consultation, we’ll discuss your needs, examine the area around your eyes, and create a personalized treatment plan.

What we'll discuss:

  • Your personal goals and expectations
  • Medical History and Eye Health
  • Treatment Options (Upper Eyelid, Lower Eyelid, Combination)
  • Anesthesia options (local, twilight sleep, short-term anesthesia)
  • Realistic Results Based on Photos
  • Costs and Financing Options

The Surgery – With Precision and Delicacy

Upper Eyelid Lift:
We make a fine incision in your natural upper eyelid crease. Excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue are gently removed or repositioned. We then close the incision with a fine suture that will later disappear into the crease.

Lower Eyelid Lift:
The incision is made close to the lash line or—depending on the findings—from the inside (transconjunctival). We tighten the muscle, remove excess fat and skin if necessary, and provide additional stabilization of the eyelid if needed (canthopexy).

Where will the surgery take place?
In our own certified operating rooms in Oberursel (Oberhöchstadter Str. 8). From preoperative preparation through the surgery to the recovery room—everything under one roof.

Anesthesia – As Gentle as Possible

  • Local anesthesia: Local anesthesia while the patient is awake (often sufficient for the upper eyelid)
  • Twilight sleep (analgesic sedation): They sleep peacefully, feel nothing, and wake up feeling relaxed
  • Short-term anesthesia: For more extensive procedures or at your request


Our anesthesiologist, Dr. Livia Köhler, will personally care for you throughout the entire surgery.

Learn more about anesthesia

Aftercare & Recovery – What to Expect

The First 48 Hours: Apply Cold, Elevate, and Rest
Rest is especially important during the first 48 hours after surgery. Cool the area around your eyes several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes—we’ll provide you with the necessary supplies and explain how to use them after surgery. Keep your head elevated while sleeping and resting; this supports the healing process. Avoid reading, watching TV, and working on a computer screen during this phase so that your eyes can recover. Mild swelling is completely normal and is part of the natural healing process.
Starting on the third day, you may shower carefully. Be sure that the water stream does not hit your eyes directly.
 
Days 5–10: Remove the stitches and start wearing makeup again
After the skin sutures are removed, we will apply adhesive bandages for another 3–4 days. This means the bandages will remain in place for a total of 10 days. You can remove them afterRemove it after 10 days and reapply your makeup.
 
After 2 weeks: Back to normal social life
Most female patients feel ready to return to social activities and confident interacting with others after just two weeks. Bruising usually subsides completely after 5 to 14 days, while the swelling gradually goes down—a process that can take up to six weeks.
 
Sports, Sun, and Sauna: Take a 2-4 Week Break
Give your body a break from intense exercise for about three to four weeks, though you can go for light walks sooner than that. You should avoid saunas and swimming pools for two weeks. Very important: Protect the area around your eyes from direct sunlight for four weeks, and after that, be sure to consistently use a high-SPF sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
 
The final result after 3–6 months
The full, final results of your eyelid lift will be visible after three to six months—by then, the healing process will be complete, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy the fresh, rejuvenated look of your eyes.

Potential Risks – We'll Be Open and Honest with You

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with eyelid lift surgery. We will discuss these with you in detail:

Common (temporary):

  • Swelling and bruising (5–14 days)
  • Dry eyes or watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Tightness


Rare:

  • Slight asymmetries
  • Visible Scars (Due to Impaired Wound Healing)
  • Postoperative bleeding or infections
  • Temporary Eyelid Malpositions


Very rare:

  • Permanent eyelid malpositions (correctable)
  • Vision problems


Our experienced team minimizes these risks through precise surgical techniques, personalized planning, and close follow-up care.

Cost of an Eyelid Lift

The cost depends on the individual diagnosis, the extent of the treatment, and the type of anesthesia chosen.

Performance Costs starting at
Upper Eyelid Lift 3.000 €
Lower Eyelid Lift 3.500 €
Upper and Lower Eyelid Combination 5.500 €
In addition: Anesthesia (twilight sleep) approx. 400–600 €
In addition: Anesthesia approx. 700–900 €

What's included in the price?

  • Comprehensive Initial Evaluation and Consultation
  • Surgery performed by experienced female specialists
  • Anesthesia services (included with local anesthesia)
  • Medications and Supplies
  • Follow-up examinations
  • Suture Removal


Coverage by Health Insurance Plans When Medically Necessary

If your upper eyelids are Restrict the field of view, the treatment may be medically necessary. In that case:

  1. Eye Exam with visual field testing (perimetry)
  2. Coverage of Costs Possible on a case-by-case basis (decision made by the health insurance provider)


We would be happy to advise you on this matter and provide you with all the necessary documents.

Alternatives & Combinations

Alternatives to Surgery

Surgery isn't always necessary. Depending on the findings, minimally invasive treatments may also be helpful:


More about non-surgical treatments

Useful Combinations

The results can often be improved with complementary treatments:

  • Brow Lift: For severely drooping eyebrows (often more effective than an upper eyelid lift alone)
  • Forehead Lift: Lifts the entire upper half of the face
  • Facelift: For a holistically rejuvenated appearance
  • Liposuction (Cheeks/Chin): Smooths the facial contours
  • Chemical Peel or Laser: Improves skin texture after healing

We provide honest, personalized advice—only what truly suits you and meets your needs.

Who is treating you?

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Dr. med. Zeynep Potente

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Dr. med. Bianca Baican

Board-Certified Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more
Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Dr. med. Livia Köhler

Specialist for anesthesia

Learn more
Dr. med. Christina Luther

Dr. med. Christina Luther

Specialist in Surgery and Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions About Eyelid Lift Surgery

How long does recovery take?

Bandages and sutures remain in place for about 5 days; makeup can be worn after 7 days. Visible bruising typically subsides within 5 to 14 days. Most patients feel ready to resume social activities after 10 to 14 days.

Mostly in a light sleep.

The incisions are made along natural skin folds (upper eyelid) or directly along the eyelid margin (lower eyelid). With proper care and scar management, they usually heal to the point where they are virtually invisible.

If your upper eyelids restrict your field of vision, treatment may be medically necessary. After an eye exam (perimetry) and submission of a claim, reimbursement may be available on a case-by-case basis.

  • Showers: Starting on Day 3
  • Makeup: Starting on Day 7
  • Sport: Take a break for about 3–4 weeks
  • Sauna and Swimming Pool: after 2 weeks
  • direct sunlight: Avoid sun exposure for 4 weeks (after that, use SPF 50+).

The results are long-lasting—typically lasting many years or even a lifetime. The natural aging process continues, but you’ll maintain a more open, fresher appearance than you would without treatment.

Yes, a combination of upper and lower eyelid lifts is possible and is often recommended. We will discuss this with you on an individual basis following your examination.

Thanks to the anesthesia, you won't feel any pain during the surgery. Afterward, you may experience a slight feeling of tightness or pressure, which can be easily managed with mild pain relievers.

It varies greatly from person to person. Some people develop noticeable drooping eyelids as early as their 30s (often due to genetics), while others don’t until later. What matters most is your personal level of distress and your medical findings—not your age.

Eyelid Lift

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Details About Eyelid Lift Surgery

OP duration: 60 minutes

Type of anesthesia: Local Anesthesia or Twilight Sleep

Hospitalization: Outpatient (no overnight stay)

Incapacity for work: Depending on the type of work, for about 7–10 days

Sport: after 3–4 weeks

Scarring: Invisible, as it lies within the natural crease of the eyelid

Shelf life: Many years to indefinitely

Costs: starting at 3,000 €

Acquisition of a pharmacy: Possible in cases of restricted visual field

Follow-up care included: Yes, all follow-up appointments

Arrange your non-binding initial consultation

Contact practice Oberursel

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