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Aarhus Eye Clinic
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Heavy eyelids

Surgery for dermatochalasis: loose skin on the upper eyelids that weighs them down, limits your field of vision or gives a tired appearance.

AnaesthesiaLocalFastingNot neededStitches removedAfter 6–7 days

What are heavy eyelids?

Loose skin on the eyelids often gives a heavy feeling above the eyes that gets worse during the day. The skin can form folds, and there may be fatty tissue behind it.

  • Tired appearance and a feeling of heaviness
  • Reduced field of vision upwards and to the sides
  • Headache, irritation and itching of the eyelid skin
  • Greasy glasses because the lashes brush against the lenses

Before the operation

You will be called in for a short pre-operative examination. We assess whether surgery is relevant and how it should be done, and we take photos of your eyelids. Tell us which medicines you take every day, especially blood thinners, herbal remedies and fish oil.

Without self-payment

If the distance from the skin fold to the pupil is less than 3 mm and you have functional problems.

With self-payment

For cosmetic reasons, or if the distance is more than 3 mm.

Risks

  • Infection of the wound occurs in fewer than 1 in 1,000.
  • The scar is reddish at first but usually becomes a thin, pale line after a few months.
  • Incomplete eyelid closure is rare. The eyelid then has difficulty closing fully and moistening the eye, which over time can lead to inflammation of the cornea.

The day of surgery

The procedure is done under local anaesthesia, and you do not need to fast. The anaesthetic is gently injected under the skin. This can be a little uncomfortable at first, but after that the operation is painless.

After the operation

  1. 30 minutes with an ice packYou stay at the clinic for half an hour with ice against your eyelids.
  2. Cool at homeIce packs wrapped in cloth about 4 times a day for 15 minutes during the first three days.
  3. Back to workOften the next day if you have a desk job. Wait a few days before heavy lifting.
  4. Stitches removedAt the clinic after 6–7 days.

Swelling varies from almost none to 1–3 weeks. Stinging, prickling and discomfort are short-lived. The result is not always permanent, so another operation may be needed later.