The eyes are no doubt our most expressive facial feature. As our emotions are reflected rather in the tissues surrounding the eyes than in the eyes themselves, this is where the first signs of a 'tired look' tend to appear. Changes in facial skin texture, decent of the brows and thickening of the eyelids (which the patient thinks is swelling), this is how the natural ageing process usually begins. The first signs of ageing, puffy eyes in the morning, may appear as early as around age thirty, but tend to manifest themselves more prominently in the mid-thirties or forties. Even makeup does not remedy the situation because the product applied creases into the eyelid wrinkles. The way your eyelids start and continue to sag is strictly individual, depending on hereditary factors as well as the characteristics of your skin. In more serious cases, droopy eyelids may interfere with a person's ability to read. All negative signs tend to create stress, making you look tired and older than you are.

• Restores that bright look in the eyes
• Gives a more youthful appearance
• Has permanent results
• Is performed in local anaesthesia

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be used to correct tissues around the eyes, to remove excess skin on the eyelids and tighten the muscles below the eyes and prolapsed fatty tissue.

In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is made at the bottom of the natural crease, remaining virtually invisible after recovery.

In lower eyelid surgery, there are two options: the procedure is performed through an incision made a few millimetres away and parallel to the lash line or the doctor recommends a trans-conjunctival (internal) approach. Sometimes both - the upper as well as the lower eyelids - are in need of correction. A different approach is required for swollen areas between the lower eyelids and cheeks (lymphoedema) as well as for the use of fat transplantation in rejuvenation procedures for the eyelids.

"When people can afford only one plastic surgery procedure in the facial area, they often choose eyelid surgery." (Dr Bryan Mendelson, Australia).

Recovery: for the first two days, apply a cold pack or a similar medium on the eye area, rest and keep your head in a slightly elevated position. Wrap cold packs into a cloth or paper tissue to avoid any skin damage. You can experience relatively mild swelling or bruising for the first weeks. Stitches are removed after five to six days and you can return to work after 10 to 14 days. Limit your physical activity levels for three to four weeks. The final result can be assessed after six to nine months.

Scarring: for the first three to four months, you may have clearly visible scarring (please note: after the first 10 to 14 days, you may start to conceal scarring with makeup), but it will be less noticeable later on.

Anaesthesia: local or intravenous.

Cost: the price for upper eyelid surgery is 1,300 EUR. Lower eyelid surgery prices start from 1,500 EUR.