Oculy

FAQ

Most common questions

Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about eyelid surgery, recovery, and your stay in Katowice.

Who is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for? ▼

Blepharoplasty is ideal for people noticing signs of aging or tiredness around the eyes. The most common reasons for treatment include drooping eyelids, excess skin, visible creases, or puffiness under the eyes.
It's also a great option for those who want to improve facial symmetry, refresh their gaze, or simply feel more confident — without drastic changes.

What is blepharoplasty and what results can I expect? ▼

Designed to remove excess skin and, if necessary, reposition or remove fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Upper eyelid surgery helps restore a clearer, more open eye contour, while lower eyelid surgery reduces under-eye bags and puffiness. The goal is not to change your facial features, but to create a refreshed, naturally rejuvenated appearance.
Patients typically notice:
- A more rested, brighter look
- Improved eyelid contour
- Smoother under-eye area
- A subtle yet long-lasting rejuvenation
Blepharoplasty is one of the most effective procedures for restoring a youthful eye area with natural-looking results.

What does the full process look like – from first contact to going back home? ▼

The journey is simple and designed with your comfort in mind:
• You fill out a short contact form.
• We schedule a free online consultation with our surgeon.
• Once you're qualified for the procedure, we set a convenient date and assist you in planning your stay.
• You arrive in Kraków – and we take care of the rest, including transfers, accommodation, and personal assistance.
• You undergo the procedure and enjoy a gentle recovery with professional care.
• After a follow-up check, you return home — refreshed, confident, and renewed.

How long do the results of eyelid surgery last? ▼

The results of upper eyelid surgery are long-lasting and often remain visible for many years. In many cases, patients do not require a repeat procedure.
Lower eyelid surgery also provides durable results, particularly when under-eye bags are caused by fat protrusion rather than temporary swelling.
Although the natural ageing process continues, blepharoplasty significantly resets the appearance of the eye area, offering a long-term improvement with minimal maintenance.

Can eyelid surgery improve vision or is it purely cosmetic? ▼

Many patients search for “Can eyelid surgery improve vision?” or “Is blepharoplasty medically necessary?” and the answer is: in some cases, yes.
While blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is commonly performed for cosmetic reasons, upper eyelid surgery can also address functional concerns.
Excess upper eyelid skin may:
Obstruct peripheral (side) vision
Cause a constant feeling of heavy eyelids
Lead to forehead strain from lifting the brows
Create eye fatigue by the end of the day
In such cases, eyelid surgery is not only about appearance, it can improve visual comfort and daily quality of life.
During your consultation, we carefully assess whether your concern is aesthetic, functional, or a combination of both. If vision is affected, this will be discussed in detail and evaluated appropriately.

How is upper eyelid surgery performed? ▼

Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) is performed through a precise incision placed in the natural crease of the eyelid. This allows the surgeon to remove excess skin and, if necessary, adjust underlying fat while keeping the scar discreet and virtually invisible once healed.
The procedure typically:
- Takes 60–90 minutes
- Is performed under local anaesthesia (with or without mild sedation)
- Is done as a day-case procedure (no overnight stay required)
Sutures are usually removed after 7-10 days. The goal is to achieve a natural eyelid contour without altering your facial expression.

What type of anaesthesia is used for eyelid surgery? ▼

Most eyelid surgery procedures are performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you are awake but comfortable and pain-free. For patients travelling from the UK or Scandinavia, this is often reassuring as it allows for a faster recovery and lower overall surgical risk.
In selected cases, or when combining upper and lower eyelid surgery, mild sedation may be recommended.
Your suitability for each option is discussed during consultation to ensure safety, comfort and optimal results.

How long does the procedure take, and how many days should I plan to stay? ▼

The surgery usually takes between 1 and 2 hours and is performed under local anesthesia.
To ensure proper recovery and a post-operative check-up, we recommend staying in Kraków for at least 7 days. During this time, you can rest, enjoy light walks, and follow our personalized recovery recommendations.

How long does eyelid surgery take and is it a day-case procedure? ▼

The duration depends on whether you are having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both:
Upper eyelid surgery: approximately 60–90 minutes
Lower eyelid surgery: approximately 90–120 minutes
Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty: around 3–4 hours
Eyelid surgery is typically performed as a day-case procedure, meaning you return to your accommodation the same day. This is especially convenient for patients travelling from the UK or Scandinavia for medical treatment abroad.
You will spend a short period in recovery after the procedure before being safely discharged with detailed aftercare instructions.

Is the procedure painful? ▼

No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so it's completely painless.
After surgery, you may feel mild discomfort, tightness, or swelling around the eyes, but most clients describe it as minimal. Gentle pain relief is provided if needed.

How long is the recovery after eyelid surgery? ▼

Recovery after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is generally quick compared to many other surgical procedures.
Most patients can expect:
- Swelling and bruising for the first 7–10 days
- Removal of stitches after 7-10 days
- Return to normal daily activities within 7–10 days
The eyelid area continues to settle over the following weeks as swelling gradually subsides. Final results typically become fully visible within 6–12 weeks.

How much swelling and bruising should I expect after blepharoplasty? ▼

Swelling and bruising after eyelid surgery are a normal part of the healing process. However, the extent can vary depending on the surgical technique used.
At Oculy, the procedure is supported by CO₂ laser technology, which helps minimise tissue trauma and reduces bleeding during surgery. As a result, most patients experience very mild bruising and limited swelling compared to traditional techniques.
Typically:
- Mild swelling may be noticeable for the first 3–5 days
- Small bruises, if present, usually fade within 7–10 days
- Many patients feel comfortable returning to social activities after about a week
Following post-operative instructions—such as using cold compresses and keeping the head elevated during sleep—can further support a smooth and comfortable recovery.

When can I return to work after eyelid surgery? ▼

Most patients are able to return to work after 7–10 days, depending on the nature of their job and how quickly bruising resolves.
For patients with desk-based work, the return can often be sooner. Those with more physically demanding jobs may be advised to wait slightly longer.
Many patients travelling for eyelid surgery abroad plan to stay for several days after the procedure to allow for early recovery and follow-up care before returning home.

When can I wear makeup or contact lenses again? ▼

Makeup around the eyes should usually be avoided for approximately 10–14 days after eyelid surgery, or until the incision sites have healed properly.
Contact lenses can typically be worn again after 10–14 days, depending on individual comfort and healing progress.
Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance during follow-up appointments to ensure that the eyelids have healed sufficiently before resuming these activities.

Are stitches used in eyelid surgery and when are they removed? ▼

Yes, fine sutures (stitches) are used to carefully close the incision after upper or lower eyelid surgery.
In most upper eyelid surgery procedures, very delicate, non-dissolvable sutures are placed within the natural eyelid crease to ensure precise healing and minimal scarring. These are typically removed after 7-10 days.
In certain types of lower eyelid surgery, dissolvable stitches may be used, particularly when the incision is made inside the eyelid (transconjunctival approach). In this case, no stitch removal is required.
Sutures are selected based on the surgical technique and your individual anatomy, always with the goal of:
-Supporting optimal wound healing
-Minimising scar visibility
-Ensuring a refined, natural eyelid contour
Detailed aftercare instructions are provided to support smooth recovery following stitch removal.

What should I avoid during eyelid surgery recovery? ▼

During the early blepharoplasty recovery period, certain activities should be temporarily limited to support proper healing.
Patients are usually advised to avoid:
- Intense physical exercise for about 2 weeks
- Heavy lifting or activities that increase blood pressure
- Saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools in the early healing phase
- Excessive sun exposure to the eyelid area
Protecting the delicate eyelid skin and following the recommended aftercare instructions helps ensure optimal healing and long-lasting results.

How long should I stay in Kraków after eyelid surgery? ▼

Patients travelling for eyelid surgery in Poland are usually advised to stay in Kraków for approximately 7 days.
This allows enough time for:
- The surgical procedure
- Early recovery and monitoring
- A follow-up visit
- Removal of stitches
Staying in the city during this period ensures that your surgeon can assess healing and provide personalised aftercare before you return home.

How soon can I fly after blepharoplasty? ▼

Most patients can safely fly home after eyelid surgery once the early recovery phase has passed.

In general, short flights within Europe are considered safe after 7 days, provided that:
- Swelling is improving
- There are no complications
- A follow-up examination has been completed

Your surgeon will confirm when it is appropriate for you to travel. Many patients from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia combine their recovery with a short stay in Kraków before returning home.

Will I have a follow-up appointment before travelling home? ▼

Yes. A post-operative follow-up appointment is an important part of the treatment process.

During this visit, the surgeon will:
- Check the healing of the eyelids
- Remove sutures
- Provide detailed aftercare instructions for the coming weeks

This appointment helps ensure that recovery is progressing as expected before you travel back to your home country.

Is Kraków easy to reach for eyelid surgery abroad? ▼

Kraków is one of the most accessible cities in Central Europe and a popular destination for medical travel to Poland.

John Paul II International Airport Kraków–Balice offers direct flights from many cities in the UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and other European countries. The airport is located approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

This makes travelling for blepharoplasty in Kraków convenient, even for a short medical trip.

Can I combine the procedure with rest or sightseeing in Kraków? ▼

Absolutely! Kraków is not just the place for your procedure. It's also a perfect destination for peaceful recovery.
During your stay, you can enjoy gentle walks through the historic Old Town, relax in cozy cafés, or unwind along the Wisla River.
We'll gladly recommend where to stay, eat light, and rest comfortably during your healing time.

Can I travel alone for eyelid surgery? ▼

Many patients travel alone for eyelid surgery abroad, especially when the procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and does not require hospitalisation.
However, it is recommended that someone accompanies you on the day of surgery or assists you during the first hours afterwards. If you are travelling alone, the clinic team can help organise support and ensure you feel comfortable and well cared for during your stay.

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