Eyelid surgery in Oslo – remove heavy eyelids and get a fresher look

Why do some people get heavy eyelids and bags under their eyes?

Do you have heavy eyelids, excess skin, or bags under your eyes? This is common and is usually hereditary. Over time, the muscles around the eyes are used a lot, and constant use, squinting in sunlight, the aging process, and genetic factors such as the tendency to store fat around the eyes increase. Many people feel that they look more tired and unwell than they actually are.

Eyelid surgery is one of our most popular procedures, and many of our customers come to us based on recommendations from friends and acquaintances who have had the surgery. After the surgery, you will have a more alert look, appear less serious or tired, and have a better field of vision.

Eyelid surgery

The goal of eyelid surgery ranges from making you look fresher and more alert to restoring the field of vision in people with excess skin. This is a very common procedure for both women and men. Most people come to us because they feel they look more tired and worn out and feel that the skin on their eyelids is starting to droop, which in some cases also causes vision problems. Many women with heavy eyelids experience challenges when applying eye shadow, for example. Some time after the operation, you will notice that you look more alert and awake. Many people have lived with this condition for many years and eventually find that it reduces their peripheral vision, which is troublesome when driving, and that they have to raise their eyebrows to see properly, which can cause headaches.

If you are bothered by heavy eyelids and bags around your eyes, you can come to us for a no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your wishes and expectations and assess whether you need eyelid surgery, or possibly a brow lift or forehead lift. In some cases, non-surgical methods may also be recommended. However, in most cases, standard upper eyelid surgery will be recommended. During the consultation, you will be shown many before and after photos of patients who have approved their use. Dr. Vigen performs approximately 100 eyelid surgeries per year. 

How is eyelid surgery performed?

Most people want surgery under local anesthesia, but it is also possible to have surgery under sedation anesthesia, where you are given a light sleep in addition to local anesthesia. Plenty of time is spent in advance marking the excess tissue and planning. During the operation, local anesthesia is administered under the skin, and then the appropriate amount of skin is removed. The clinic has modern equipment and is skilled in many different methods of upper eyelid surgery, which means that the right method can be chosen for each individual patient. In most cases, fat pockets near the nose and excess skin on the upper eyelids are removed. 

In certain cases where drooping eyelids impair a patient's vision, medical insurance may be able to provide partial or full coverage for eyelid surgery. Many women with heavy eyelids experience challenges when applying eye shadow, for example, and feel that they look tired and serious. After eyelid surgery, this problem will be solved.

Is eyelid surgery right for me?

If you experience drooping eyelids, this may be due to various factors. It is therefore not certain that eyelid surgery is necessary in your case. Before any surgery, we will assess the position of your eyebrows. In some cases, an eyebrow lift or forehead lift may be a good solution. You can read more about eyebrow lifts here. Read more about forehead lifts here.

Sometimes the problem is that the eyelid itself is drooping, and in cases of sunken eyes, fat grafting may be necessary. You can read more about fat grafting here .

Most commonly, patients who come to us have excess skin on their upper eyelids and often fat pockets near the nose. If only minor bags or excess skin need to be removed, this can be done with laser treatment. If the problem is more serious, it can be corrected with eyelid surgery performed under local anesthesia, or with sedation as well. During a consultation with a plastic surgeon at Nordstrandklinikken , you Nordstrandklinikken receive a thorough assessment of your situation and guidance in choosing a treatment!

What should you consider after eyelid surgery?

After the operation, you must return to us after six to seven days so that we can remove the stitches and tape. This can also be done at a doctor's office if you live far away. 

Most people experience little pain after eyelid surgery, as paracetamol is often sufficient for pain relief if needed. There will be some swelling during the first week, but most of it will subside after 3-4 days. The stitches are removed after 7 days. You should not get water on the tape before removing the stitches. You should also not pick at the tape yourself or remove scabs after the stitches have been removed. These should fall off by themselves. You can wear makeup about 1 week after the stitches have been removed. As a rule, you will look presentable about two weeks after the stitches are removed, but it will take a few months before you see the final result and the scars become less visible.

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common for a few days after eyelid surgery. Most people have little or no need for pain medication, but it can be used to manage any discomfort, although this will subside on its own during the healing process. 

You will receive information before the operation on how to care for yourself afterwards. In general, it can be helpful to apply cold compresses to the area several times during the day and keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Most patients can return to work and their daily routines within a week, although strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month.

What will the scars look like after eyelid surgery?

The scars are placed close to the globe line so that they are not visible when the eyes are open and so that they become as inconspicuous as possible over time. For most people, the healing time for the scars is quite fast, taking a few weeks to a few months, but sometimes it can take up to a year for the scars to fade. The scars will not disappear completely, but will be very faint and often difficult to see over time. On the lower eyelid, the scar runs straight into the edge of the eyelid, towards the hairline. 

How long do the results of eyelid surgery last? 

While eyelid surgery will not stop the natural aging process, eyelid surgery is intended to provide results that can last for many years. The best ways to preserve your appearance and the results are to always use sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, or a cap) when you are outdoors and to use good skin care products when necessary. The skin around the eyes will continue to be affected by factors such as gravity and age, but these measures can help you maximize the longevity of the results of your eyelid surgery. Our medical spa services with Botox, fillers, and laser treatments can also be used if you want to refresh the results of the surgery over time and look more vibrant. For example, many people combine upper eyelid surgery with laser treatment under the eyes and fillers in the tear trough area. Keep in mind that you will usually always look younger after blepharoplasty than you would if you had never had the surgery.