Eyelid lift: the most requested cosmetic procedure worldwide — what it means, its advantages and costs

What is an eyelid lift?

The eyelid lift, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to correct sagging skin, excess tissue or fat deposits on the eyelids. The aim is to achieve an alert, fresh and rejuvenated expression without changing the natural shape of the eye.

With an upper eyelid lift, excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue are removed, so that the eyelid crease becomes visible again and the eye looks larger and more open. A lower eyelid lift corrects eye bags and sagging skin below the eyes, so that the eye area looks fresher and more youthful.

Why is the eyelid lift so popular?

The eyelid lift is one of the procedures with the best ratio of effort to effect: a comparatively short operation with minimal downtime can visibly rejuvenate the expression. The skin around the eyes is particularly thin and therefore shows signs of ageing earlier than other parts of the face. At the same time this area is central to non-verbal communication — tired or weary eyes are quickly misread.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) confirms it: in 2024 blepharoplasty was the number one facial procedure in the USA and it has been in the top five of the most common plastic surgery procedures for three years. In the USA alone, more than 120,000 men had their eyelids lifted in 2024 — a sign that aesthetic procedures are long since no longer a women's matter.

What an eyelid lift means

An eyelid lift is more than a cosmetic procedure — it has far-reaching psychological and social effects. Studies show that after cosmetic surgery people report more joy in life, greater satisfaction and higher self-esteem.

Drooping eyelids and eye bags can disturb non-verbal communication: people often come across as sad, tired, uninterested or grim when they are nothing of the sort. After eyelid surgery the features often look more relaxed and clearer again. Facial expression fits how the person actually feels and can convey certain signals more clearly.

Many patients feel more self-assured and more comfortable as a result. Others perceive them as more likeable and more attractive — an effect that can have a positive impact on work, social life and personal relationships.

Advantages of an eyelid lift

An eyelid lift offers numerous advantages:

• A fresher, more alert look: the eyes look more open and radiant
• Natural rejuvenation: the face looks younger overall without looking “done”
• Better symmetry: asymmetries between the eyelids can be evened out
• Long-lasting results: the effect lasts 10 to 15 years on the upper lids and is often permanent on the lower lids
• Minimal downtime: most patients are presentable again after 7–14 days
• Can be combined: an eyelid lift combines very well with other procedures such as a facelift, a brow lift or skin rejuvenation treatments.

In some cases an eyelid lift can also bring functional benefits: pronounced drooping lids can restrict the field of vision — at first in the upper outer area and, when advanced, in the central field of vision as well. The lift widens the field of vision again.

Developments and trends

The eyelid lift has gained considerably in importance in recent years. While liposuction was still in first place in 2020, blepharoplasty became the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide in 2024.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports a 13% rise in eyelid lifts for 2024 — the procedure climbed to third place among the most common procedures, overtaking the tummy tuck. In the United Kingdom, eyelid lifts among men rose by 8% in 2025 and reached first place among male procedures for the first time.

Particularly striking: the eyelid lift is popular across all age groups, from young patients aged 25 to people over 70. The 35 to 50 age group, however, forms the largest group of patients.

The cost of an eyelid lift

The cost of an eyelid lift varies with the method, the extent, the region and the surgeon's experience. In Germany prices are typically between:

• Upper eyelid lift (both sides): €1,700 – 3,500 (average about €2,500)
• Lower eyelid lift (both sides): €2,300 – 5,000 (average about €3,500)
• Combined upper and lower eyelid lift: €3,800 – 7,000 (average about €5,000)
• Upper eyelid lift with brow lift: €3,500 – 6,000 (average about €4,500)
• Plasma treatment (non-surgical): €500 – 1,500 (average about €900)

In Austria costs start at about €2,400 for an upper eyelid lift and €3,600 for a lower eyelid lift. In Switzerland and internationally prices vary with the clinic and the location.

The costs are usually made up of:

• First consultation (€50–100)
• Surgery and technology (about €500)
• Anaesthetist, surgeon and surgical team (€1,500–3,000)
• Follow-up examinations (about €50)

GO Medics helps you save

Compared with Germany and Austria, where an eyelid lift costs between €2,500 and €5,000, clinics in Croatia and Slovenia offer clear price advantages:

• Saving: 30–50% compared with German-speaking countries
• Quality: equal or greater surgical expertise
• Service: support in German, including follow-up examinations

An eyelid lift in Croatia or Slovenia is a cost-effective alternative to surgery in German-speaking countries. With clinics such as our partner Bilić Vision in Zagreb, patients have access to first-class surgical expertise, state-of-the-art technology and transparent prices — while saving several hundred to several thousand euros.

In most cases this is an aesthetic treatment that is not covered by statutory health insurance. Only where the field of vision is severely restricted may a contribution towards the costs be possible.

A small procedure with a big effect

The eyelid lift is an effective, safe and comparatively small procedure with a big psychological and aesthetic effect. It gives the face a fresh, alert expression, improves symmetry and can strengthen self-confidence lastingly.

With more than 2.1 million procedures worldwide and growth of 13.4%, blepharoplasty is not just a trend — it is an established standard of aesthetic surgery that helps patients of every age and gender to let their best self shine.

Are you interested in an eyelid lift? Then contact us today!