Eyelid lift in Croatia and Slovenia: the most requested procedure worldwide
Tired eyes, drooping lids and eye bags make us look older and worn out — often even when we feel fresh and full of energy. The area around the eyes is one of the first regions to show signs of ageing, and at the same time the most conspicuous. An eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) can help here and give back an alert, rejuvenated look. But while demand for eyelid lifts in Austria and Germany is rising, waiting times at public hospitals and specialist eye clinics keep getting longer. Private procedures are often prohibitively expensive. More and more patients are therefore discovering Croatia and Slovenia as attractive destinations for their eyelid surgery — with savings of 40–55%, short waiting times and high-quality medical care.
What is an eyelid lift?
An eyelid lift is a surgical procedure to correct sagging skin, excess fatty tissue or muscle weakness on the upper and/or lower eyelids. The aim is to achieve a fresh, alert expression without changing the natural shape of the eye.
A distinction is made between:
- Upper eyelid lift: removal of excess skin and, if necessary, fatty tissue on the upper eyelid. The eyelid crease becomes visible again and the eye looks larger and more open.
- Lower eyelid lift: correction of eye bags and sagging skin below the eyes. The eye area looks fresher and more youthful.
- Combined eyelid lift: simultaneous correction of the upper and lower lids for a comprehensive result.
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.
Current figures from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) show that in 2024 the eyelid lift became the most frequently performed surgical procedure worldwide for the first time — with more than 2.1 million procedures and growth of 13.4% over the previous year.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) confirms it: blepharoplasty is the number one facial procedure in the USA and has been in the top five of the most common plastic surgery procedures for three years.
The problem: long waiting times and high costs in Austria and Germany
In Austria and Germany patients often have to wait months for an appointment with a specialist eye surgeon. The reasons are similar to those for other eye operations:
- Overloaded public hospitals: too little operating capacity and too few staff
- Long waiting times with specialists: often 3–6 months for a consultation appointment
- High costs for private procedures: €2,500–7,000 for a combined eyelid lift
- Bureaucratic hurdles: where there are functional restrictions, the health insurer has to agree
Many patients suffer considerable psychological strain while they wait: they feel older, more tired and less attractive than they actually feel. Self-confidence drops and quality of life declines.
The alternative: an eyelid lift in Croatia and Slovenia
More and more patients from Austria and Germany are choosing to have an eyelid lift abroad. Croatia and Slovenia offer decisive advantages:
1. Appointments at short notice
While patients in German-speaking countries have to wait months, in Croatia and Slovenia they can often be operated on within 1–3 weeks. Many clinics offer flexible appointments and availability at short notice for consultation and surgery.
2. A saving of 40–55%
Comparing prices shows clear differences:
Procedure / Germany & Austria / Croatia / Slovenia
Upper eyelid lift €1,700 – 3,500 / €800 – 1,600 / €900 – 1,800
Lower eyelid lift €2,300 – 5,000 / €900 – 2,000 / €1,000 – 2,300
Combined (upper + lower lid) €3,800 – 7,000 / €1,700 – 3,600 / €1,800 – 4,000
With a brow lift €3,500 – 6,000 / €1,700 – 2,400 / €1,800 – 2,600
3. EU standards and safety
Croatia and Slovenia are EU member states subject to the same medical standards and regulations. Many surgeons hold international certifications (e.g. ISAPS, ESGARAS) and work with state-of-the-art technology.
The success rate is over 95% and complications are rare. The effect lasts 10–15 years on the upper lids and is often permanent on the lower lids.
4. Modern technology
Leading clinics in Zagreb (for example our partner Bilić Vision) and Ljubljana invest in the latest equipment and techniques, such as microsurgical instruments for precise incisions, laser support for minimally invasive procedures, plasma treatment as a non-surgical alternative, and combination with other procedures such as a brow lift or fat transfer.
5. All-inclusive packages
Some clinics offer comprehensive packages including:
- A free first consultation (also online)
- Organising flights and hotel
- Transfer from the airport to the clinic
- Accommodation during the treatment (3–7 days)
- Support in German
- Aftercare and check-ups
How does an eyelid lift proceed?
The procedure is generally carried out as day surgery or with one overnight stay in the clinic and takes 1–2 hours.
Step by step:
- Preparation:
- Comprehensive consultation and analysis of the eye area
- Defining the desired result
- Photo documentation and measurements
- Explanation and consent
- Surgery:
- Local anaesthetic (drops or injection) or general anaesthetic
- Upper lid: an incision in the natural eyelid crease
- Lower lid: an incision below the lash line or from the inside (transconjunctival)
- Removal of excess skin and fatty tissue
- Tightening of the muscles (if required)
- Fine sutures, removed after 5–7 days
- After the operation:
- A short period of monitoring (1–2 hours)
- Eye drops and ointments are issued
- A follow-up examination the next day or after 5–7 days
How long does healing take?
Healing after an eyelid lift is generally quick and free of complications:
- Days 1–3: slight swelling and bruising, cooling recommended
- Days 4–7: the swelling subsides, the sutures are removed
- Week 2: most patients are presentable again, slight swelling may still be visible
- Weeks 3–4: full stabilisation, make-up can be used again
- Months 2–3: the final result is visible, the scars fade
Important: in the first 2 weeks patients should avoid heavy physical exertion, exposure to the sun and rubbing their eyes.
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.
In Austria and Germany, however, patients suffer from long waiting times and high costs. Croatia and Slovenia offer an attractive alternative: appointments at short notice (within 1–3 weeks), modern technology, EU standards and savings of 40–55%. For patients who want to rejuvenate the area around their eyes, an eyelid lift abroad is a sensible option.
Are you interested in an eyelid lift? Then contact us today!
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