Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) for drooping eyelids - a brief overview
Prof. Dr. med. Hisham Fansa
December 5, 2025
5 min
The eyes are the mirror of our soul - and yet drooping eyelids, bags under the eyes or sagging skin on the eyelid can leave a tired and older impression. If you would like to regain an alert, fresh look, an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) at Zurich Plastic Surgery can help. In this blog post, Prof Dr Hisham Fansa, Head of Plastic Surgery Zurich, explains why many people decide to have their drooping eyelids corrected and what is important during this procedure.
Find out everything you need to know about eyelid lifting in the following interview - from the definition and treatment options to personal insights from Prof Fansa.
What is an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift, also known as blepharoplasty, is a minor but effective surgical procedure. Excess skin, muscle or fatty tissue on the upper or lower eyelid is removed or repositioned. The result: an open, alert look without unnaturally altering the face.
Prof Hisham Fansa, Head of Plastic Surgery Zurich, Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
"An eyelid lift is a comparatively minor procedure with a major effect. Even minor corrections have a rejuvenating effect and can significantly alleviate complaints such as a restricted field of vision due to drooping eyelids. It is important to achi...
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Prof Fansa, many people are bothered by so-called drooping eyelids. What exactly is this?
Over the years, the skin over all the muscles of the body sags. This is particularly visible on the face. Excess skin develops on the upper eyelids, which hangs over the actual eyelid crease - commonly known as "drooping eyelids". This excess skin weighs heavily on the eyelid, making the eye look "sleepy" and tired. Some people report that they have heavy eyelids in the evening. In addition to the excess skin, the eye muscle and connective tissue can also slacken and the fat from the eye socket can "bulge" forwards. We see this on the upper eyelid towards the nose. The fat "bulging" forwards on the lower eyelid is what is commonly referred to as "bags under the eyes". Muscle and connective tissue slacken and the fat pushes forwards. This leads to a "lived-in" and tired appearance. Smoking, lack of sleep and alcohol intensify this effect.
The tear trough also becomes more noticeable on the lower eyelid with age. This is a band that separates the eye from the zygomatic arch. In youth, this band is less visible as the cheek has not yet "sagged" and the fatty tissue from the eye socket does not yet push forwards.
How can plastic surgery help?
As plastic surgeons, we can remove the excess skin and also remove or redistribute the excess fatty tissue that is pushing forwards. On the lower eyelid in particular, the fatty tissue can be used to improve the transition between the eye and the zygomatic arch.
For whom is an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) suitable and for whom is it not?
If there is excess skin on the upper eyelid or bags under the eyes on the lower eyelid, a significant improvement can be achieved. If there is increased intraocular pressure, frequent conjunctivitis or watery eyes, this should be clarified in advance so that the healing phase after the operation proceeds without complications.
What fascinates you personally about eyelid surgery?
I like it when you have to work with precision. We operate with magnifying glasses, fine instruments and suture with very fine sutures that are barely visible. The skin of the eyelids and the eye are very sensitive. Surgery has to be very careful, after all you can't hide the result. That's what I really like about facial surgery. Experience and precise technique come together here - we are effectively "surgical watchmakers".
Was there any patient feedback that you particularly remember?
I once had an elderly patient who brought her daughter with her after her upper and lower eyelid lift so that I could operate on her too. That's a nice compliment for our work.
What advice would you give to people who are still unsure whether they should take the plunge and have an eyelid lift?
I always think that you should only have an aesthetic operation if you are convinced of it yourself. You shouldn't allow yourself to be pressurised - neither by your partner nor by your doctor. In the hands of experienced plastic surgeons, the procedure is low-risk and delivers good results.
The result
An alert, radiant look
Many patients report that they not only look younger and more rested after an eyelid lift, but also feel that way. The change is subtle but effective - the face appears more harmonious and vitalised. Would you like to find out more about eyelid lifting at Zurich Plastic Surgery? Arrange a non-binding consultation with Prof. Fansa. We will be happy to advise you.
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