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Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a day surgery procedure that can correct a wide range of eyelid problems such as heavy upper eyelids or puffy lower eyelids affecting your vision and appearance.
In addition to upper and lower eyelid surgery, our ophthalmologists and plastic surgeons specialising in eyelid surgery correct eyelid malposition and eyelid margin conditions. They also remove tumours.
You always have a preliminary examination by the operating surgeon before eyelid surgery. An ophthalmologist specialising in eyelid surgery assesses the condition of your eyelids and draws up an individual plan for the procedure.
Botulinum toxin treatments can also be carried out in the eyelid area. You can discuss injections with the operating surgeon during the consultation.
The most common eyelid surgery is upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for dermatochalasis, where excess skin and, if necessary, fat are removed from the upper eyelids. We can perform upper eyelid surgery for either health or aesthetic reasons.
A health reason for upper eyelid surgery is that heavy upper eyelids cover part of the field of vision, for example. Eyelids can also irritate the eyes or cause recurring headaches if the eyebrows need to be raised to improve vision.
However, a medical reason doesn't always qualify for upper eyelid surgery under public healthcare, where the criteria are much stricter.
We can also perform upper eyelid surgery on aesthetic grounds if the appearance of the upper eyelids is the only reason for surgery. Lifting the upper eyelids can both brighten and rejuvenate the appearance. Aesthetic surgical procedures are subject to VAT.
For example, upper eyelid surgery can be used to correct the following age-related conditions:
Hooded eyelids are a condition where excess skin on the upper eyelid forms a fold that obscures the field of vision or makes the face look tired. Hooded eyelids are the most common reason for upper eyelid surgery.
If heavy upper eyelids are caused by weakening or stretching of the upper eyelid muscles, it is known as ptosis or drooping eyelids. Ptosis can also occur with hooded eyelids.
Drooping eyelids are usually due to ageing, but they may also be caused by a condition or eye infection. It’s important to determine the cause of the drooping eyelids at a consultation with an ophthalmologist before upper eyelid surgery is performed.
Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) usually corrects dark, puffy or wrinkled lower eyelids. It may be a good option if the appearance of the undereye area affects how you feel about your appearance.
For example, lower eyelid surgery can be used for these aesthetic reasons:
Lower eyelid surgery can reduce or remove eye bags. Eye bags tend to be more common with age, as fat around the eye gradually bulges into the lower eyelid area.
Wrinkles and sagging skin can be reduced by tightening the skin of the lower eyelid.
The thin skin of the lower eyelid may appear darker when volume beneath the skin decreases. Fat transfer can restore volume and smooth the skin.
Eyelid surgery can also be used to correct eyelids that turn inwards or outwards. Malposition is corrected by tightening the skin.
Eyelid malposition is more common in the lower eyelid than the upper eyelid. It is usually caused by age-related weakening of the eyelid muscles, although trauma can also affect the position of the eyelids.
If the eyelid turns inwards, the eyelashes may rub the eye’s surface when blinking. If left untreated, it may damage the surface of the eye.
Ectropion causes watery and irritated eyes. The eyelid’s mucous membrane doesn’t receive enough moisture, causing it to thicken, redden and become easily inflamed. Although it is not usually serious, it can cause discomfort and affect appearance.
An eye infection or eye injury sometimes causes one or more eyelashes to grow in the wrong direction on either the upper or lower eyelid. To prevent lashes from rubbing against and damaging the surface of the eye, they can be frozen, cauterised or removed.
Eyelid tumours have become more common in recent years due to increased UV exposure. Most are benign, but UV radiation from the sun also increases the risk of malignant eyelid tumours.
A benign eyelid tumour can be a mole, cyst, or buildup of fat or connective tissue, for example. Treatment is not usually necessary unless it affects vision or appearance. If a large tumour causes eyelid malposition, affects the eyelashes, or touches the surface of the eye, it’s important to remove it.
Malignant eyelid tumours are skin cancers that can develop on the eyelid. An ophthalmologist should examine a new or changing mole on the eyelid without delay.
When the sebaceous gland at the eyelid margin becomes clogged and inflamed, a stye or chalazion may develop. Styes and chalazions occur in people of all ages.
A stye, or hordeolum, is the acute initial stage of an infection. It is a small, painful and tender lump on the edge of the eyelid. A stye can disappear on its own, and warm compresses and gentle eyelid massage can help it heal. If the infection persists for several days, an ophthalmologist may prescribe an antibiotic and steroid ointment to treat it.
A stye may leave a hard, non‑tender lump on the eyelid known as an eyelid cyst or a chalazion. A chalazion is treated in the same way as a stye. If necessary, a large or bothersome eyelid cyst can be surgically drained.
A thorough preliminary examination by an operating surgeon ensures that blepharoplasty or other eyelid surgery is suitable and safe for you. The preliminary examination can be carried out either just before the surgery or earlier, according to your preference and schedule.
Eyelid surgery can be performed for aesthetic or health reasons. During the preliminary examination, the operating surgeon will determine the content, scope and individual price of the procedure. You will also receive detailed information about the surgery and its expected outcome.
A plastic surgeon or ophthalmologist specialising in eyelid surgery assesses the need for eyelid surgery, and provides clear information about the procedure.
At a surgery assessment at Silmäasema, you can discuss your situation, wishes and expectations regarding eyelid surgery with one of our eyecare professionals. You will also receive more information about surgery prices and financing solutions.
A surgery assessment is free and doesn’t commit you to any further treatment.
Book an appointment for a surgery assessment
During a preliminary examination, you will receive a detailed explanation of the eyelid surgery procedure, recovery and expected outcome, as well as an individual price estimate. If you decide to proceed, a surgery agreement is then signed before the surgery.
A surgery agreement confirms that the patient and ophthalmologist or plastic surgeon specialising in eyelid surgery have jointly reviewed the goals of the procedure and expected outcomes.
Book an appointment for a preliminary examination for eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery takes about an hour and is performed under local anaesthesia. If needed, a tranquilliser or pain medication can be given beforehand. You can usually go home shortly after surgery.
Recovery from eyelid surgery is usually quick and painless, and you can do light chores and go outside as normal. You will need sick leave from one day to a couple of weeks, depending on the surgery, the nature of your work and the condition of your eyes. There may be some swelling and bruising on the face for 10–14 days.
Home care instructions for eyelid surgery
The sutures are removed at a follow-up appointment after about a week. During the follow-up examination, we ensure that the surgery was successful, and that your recovery is progressing as expected. The final result is assessed 2–4 months after the surgery. All information recorded in the patient information system is also transferred to MyKanta.
The total cost of eyelid surgery consists of the preliminary examination, the surgery, a follow-up examination, and office and Kanta fees. The reason for the surgery, as well as its content and extent, affects the total cost.
Example calculation of the total cost of eyelid surgery:
VAT is added to the prices of eyelid surgery if the surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons. Eyelid surgery performed for health reasons is exempt from VAT.
During the preliminary examination, the operating surgeon determines the scope, details and price of the surgery.
See below for starting prices for eyelid surgery. The final price will vary by location. You can also pay for eyelid surgery in instalments, for example with a fixed monthly instalment of €79.
*Office and Kanta fees will be added to the price of eyelid surgery and the preliminary examination.
Surgery assessment
€0
Preliminary examination for eyelid surgery (incl. office and Kanta fee)
from €128.90*
Minor procedures
from €299*
Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)/both eyes
€1,790*
Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)/both eyes VAT 25.5%
€2,250*
Lower eyelid surgery/both eyes (S)
from €1,990*
Lower eyelid surgery/both eyes VAT 25.5% (S)
from €2,500*
Office fee
€25.40
Kanta fee
€3.50
Good vision is everyone’s right. We believe that clear vision shouldn’t just be a dream, so we provide a simple and flexible way to pay for all our services. With a Silmäsairaala account, you can pay for surgery in convenient instalments. Get up to 12 months’ interest-free payment time.
Find out more about financing
Private eye surgery performed at all our eye hospitals earns Bonus. Bonus is earned for surgery on both eyes up to €1,000. Bonus is not earned for minor procedures (e.g. removal of secondary cataracts/YAG) or for surgery paid for with service vouchers.
Find out more about Bonus
Espoo Sello
Helsinki
Hämeenlinna
Joensuu
Jyväskylä
Kouvola
Kuopio
Lahti
Lappeenranta
Oulu
Pori
Porvoo
Rovaniemi
Seinäjoki
Tampere
Turku
If you are considering blepharoplasty or would like to find out whether the procedure could be right for you, book a free surgery assessment. During your appointment, you can discuss your needs, the procedure, costs and financing with one of our eye care professionals.
A surgery assessment is always free of charge and does not commit you to having surgery. You can easily book an appointment either in store or by phone.