Lower Eyelid Lift in Salzburg & in the Tullnerfeld Region – for a Vital, Youthful Eye Area

Chirurgical Lower Eyelid Correction with Dr. Matthias Spiegl in Salzburg & Pixendorf

Bags under the eyes, excess skin, and dark circles? Often, it is these issues that make you look tired and exhausted. With a surgical correction of the lower eyelid area, various problems can be effectively treated and corrected. Dr. Matthias Spiegl performs this demanding treatment with modern surgical precision to restore your fresh and wide-awake facial expression.

Skip directly to your topic of interest?

• How exactly does an eyelid lift work?
• Phases of the cosmetic surgery
• What risks are associated with a lower eyelid lift?
• Dr. Spiegl – the experienced cosmetic surgeon in Salzburg and Lower Austria
• Costs for a lower eyelid lift in Salzburg or Pixendorf
• Typical questions from my patients (FAQ)

How exactly does an eyelid lift work?

An eyelid lift, whether on the upper or lower eyelid, is an aesthetic procedure designed to rejuvenate the eye area and achieve a fresher appearance. However, before deciding on such an operation, it is important to understand the differences between an upper eyelid lift and a lower eyelid lift to ensure individual needs and expectations are met. Furthermore, there are vital factors and considerations that should be carefully evaluated prior to an eyelid lift to guarantee the best possible results and a smooth recovery.

What is the difference between an upper eyelid lift and a lower eyelid lift?

An upper eyelid lift and a lower eyelid lift are two distinct surgical procedures aimed at improving the appearance of the eye area. In an upper eyelid lift, excess skin and fatty tissue are removed from the upper eyelids to achieve a more open and youthful appearance. In contrast, a lower eyelid lift primarily treats the so-called “bags under the eyes,” where excess skin and sometimes fatty tissue beneath the eyes are corrected. Often, these two procedures are performed in combination, as this allows for optimal rejuvenation of the entire eye area. Comparing the upper eyelid lift with the lower eyelid lift, the lower eyelid lift represents the more surgically demanding challenge, which also accounts for the slightly higher price.

What should be considered before an eyelid lift?

Before an eyelid lift, several important steps must be observed to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and recovery is successful. First, the patient’s general health condition is checked to ensure there are no serious health concerns that could jeopardize the surgery. It is crucial to discuss all medications with Dr. Spiegl and, if necessary, discontinue those that could increase the risk of bleeding.
Regarding anesthesia, various options are available, including local anesthesia or twilight sleep, which will be discussed with Dr. Spiegl beforehand. Both upper and lower eyelid lifts can be performed under local anesthesia; however, if the scope of the lower eyelid lift is extensive, full general anesthesia is recommended.

Phases of the cosmetic surgery

Before undergoing surgical treatment, it is of crucial importance to carefully prepare for the entire process. This three-part guide will provide you with insight into the essential steps before, during, and after the operation.

Before the surgery: Consultation and physical examination

The consultation and physical examination before an eyelid lift are decisive steps to ensure the procedure aligns with your individual needs and expectations. During the consultation appointment, Dr. Spiegl will provide detailed information regarding the procedure, potential results, and risks. It is important to ask open questions and express all concerns. During the physical examination, the condition of the eyelids and surrounding skin will be carefully assessed to determine which specific surgical techniques are required. In some cases, a so-called transconjunctival (internal) lower eyelid lift can even be applied without visible external scars.

Comprehensive personal consultation

Dr. Spiegl is renowned for the comprehensive personal consultation he offers his patients. A central element of his practice philosophy is building a strong relationship of trust between doctor and patient. This begins at the very first consultation. Dr. Spiegl takes ample time to understand your individual needs, expectations, and concerns. This not only creates a sense of appreciation and understanding but also fosters a high degree of trust. Consequently, Dr. Spiegl provides his patients with a deep understanding of the various treatment options, as well as their associated risks and benefits. This enables you to make well-informed decisions that match your individual goals and desires.

Procedure of the treatment

The lower eyelid lift with Dr. Spiegl follows a precise procedure tailored to the individual needs and comfort of the patients. The intervention is usually performed under local anesthesia, which represents a comfortable option for many patients. The treatment takes about half an hour per eye, which enables it to be performed on an outpatient basis. Following the lower eyelid lift, you should refrain from physical exertion. It is recommended to cool the eye area and take any prescribed medications. The results of a lower eyelid lift become immediately visible during the course of the recovery period, with the final result typically achieved after a few months.

Outpatient procedure

An outpatient procedure for a lower eyelid lift with Dr. Spiegl in Salzburg is carefully planned and executed. The intervention begins with preparing the patient and cleaning the surgical site. Subsequently, the chosen anesthesia method is administered, after which the lower eyelid lift is carried out by removing excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue. Throughout the procedure, the patient is continuously monitored to ensure everything proceeds safely and smoothly. This guarantees the highest level of safety. Upon completion of the procedure, the eye area is immediately cooled, and the patient’s general condition is monitored a bit longer. After a total of about 90 minutes, you can leave Dr. Spiegl’s practice, though an accompanying person is required for pickup, as you are not permitted to actively participate in road traffic for 24 hours.

Duration of the operation

The average duration of an eyelid lift surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but it generally takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Post-operative phase

Following the eyelid lift, discoloration and swelling may occur. These are normal and will gradually subside. The regular application of cooling pads helps to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort; this is explicitly recommended. It is advisable to get sufficient rest and avoid physical exertion to support the healing process. The wounds themselves should be kept clean and dry immediately after the operation. Adhesive dressing strips and sutures are usually removed after one week. Dr. Spiegl will determine the timing and perform this step personally.

Inability to work

The duration of inability to work after an eyelid lift depends on several factors, including the extent of the procedure and the individual healing process. In most cases, following an eyelid lift under local anesthesia or twilight sleep, you can return to your professional daily routine after a few days to a week. For more extensive procedures or if the occupation requires physical exertion, the inability to work may last longer.

Sports activities

Resuming sports activities after an eyelid lift should be done in consultation with Dr. Spiegl. Generally, patients should avoid physical exertion and sports for at least 2 weeks following the operation. This serves to minimize potential risks such as bruising or excessive swelling.

When are the results visible?

Initial changes are visible immediately; however, the final results of a lower eyelid lift often become visible only after a few months, as the healing process takes time and the swelling must completely subside.
Your personal lifestyle can have a significant impact on the speed at which the results develop. A healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and regular movement can help support the healing process and accelerate the reduction of swelling. An important complement to recovery is lymphatic drainage, a technique applied by specialists to stimulate lymphatic circulation and minimize swelling.

What risks are associated with a lower eyelid lift?

A lower eyelid lift is a surgical procedure that can be associated with certain risks and potential complications. However, it is important to emphasize that these risks can be minimized through high-quality treatment and comprehensive consultation, and overall they occur extremely rarely. Potential risks and complications include:

• Bruising and hematomas,
• Temporary or prolonged swelling,
• Bothersome or hypertrophic scarring,
• Asymmetries in the area of the lower eyelids,
• A temporarily incomplete eyelid closure.

Dr. Spiegl – the experienced cosmetic surgeon in Salzburg and Lower Austria

Dr. Matthias Spiegl is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery and holds Austrian, Swiss, and British medical licenses. Following his highly specialized international training with residencies in England, Switzerland, and Scotland, he established his practices in Salzburg and Tulln. His specializations include, among others, aesthetic eyelid and facial surgery, which he performs to the highest standards, conscientiously and without compromise.
As an additional qualification, Dr. Spiegl passed the European Board Exam in 2018 and holds the title of “Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery” (FEBOPRAS). This advanced qualification is particularly rare in Austria and further distinguishes him as an expert in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Spiegl is a member of numerous national and international professional societies, reflecting his commitment to quality:

• International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
• Austrian Society for Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Swiss Society for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
• Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
• General Medical Council (United Kingdom)
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Costs for a lower eyelid lift in Salzburg or Pixendorf

If you decide to move forward with the surgery with Dr. Spiegl after receiving the cost estimate (depending on the choice of anesthesia, the price of a lower eyelid lift ranges between approximately €3,500 and €4,500), a joint appointment for the operation will be scheduled. The costs incurred for the initial consultation (€120) will be credited to your surgery, and every follow-up care examination within the usual interval is free of charge up to one year after the operation.
Financing is available, meaning the costs of an operation can also be paid in installments. For this purpose, Dr. Spiegl collaborates with the market leader in Austria, beautykredit.at.

Typical questions from my patients (FAQ)

Here you will find answers to some of the questions frequently asked by my patients.

How long does an eyelid lift last?

The results of an eyelid lift are long-lasting, although the natural aging process over time can cause new changes to occur in the eye area.

Can you combine a lower eyelid lift with an upper eyelid lift?

Yes, it is possible to combine a lower eyelid lift with an upper eyelid lift to achieve comprehensive aesthetic improvements across the entire eye area. This is a frequently performed combination.

Does health insurance cover any part of a lower eyelid lift?

Normally, health insurance does not cover the costs of a lower eyelid lift, as it is generally considered an aesthetic procedure. The costs must be borne by the patient themselves, although the invoice issued by Dr. Spiegl can be submitted to your insurance provider for review.

Can a lower eyelid lift be repeated?

Yes, a lower eyelid lift can be repeated if necessary to refresh the results or achieve further improvements, especially over time, as the natural aging process causes subsequent changes in the eye area.