Blepharoplasty price in Switzerland

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. It removes excess skin from the upper eyelids, treats bags on the lower eyelids, or combines the two. Its price depends first on the eyelids operated on, then on the type of anaesthesia, and finally on any associated procedures. It has one important particularity: when excess upper eyelid skin obstructs vision, the operation may be covered by basic insurance. For the lower eyelids, it is most often a cosmetic request, paid for by the patient. For the procedure itself, see our page on blepharoplasty.

An upper blepharoplasty is the least expensive procedure; a lower blepharoplasty often costs slightly more; operating on all four eyelids in one operation is cheaper than two separate operations. Local anaesthesia, which is common, limits the cost. Upper eyelids may be reimbursed in the case of visual impairment proven by a visual field test; lower eyelids rarely. Differences between regions remain small.

The quote includes the fees of the surgeon (plastic surgeon or eyelid specialist), anaesthesia, most often local with or without sedation, the procedure room, stitches and their removal, dressings, eye drops and check-ups. A hospital stay is rarely necessary. If fat transfer under the eyes, reinforcement of the corner of the eye or a brow lift are combined, they appear as separate items.

Upper eyelids are treated through an incision hidden in the natural crease; the operation is short, often less than an hour, under local anaesthesia: this is the most moderate budget. Lower eyelids require a finer procedure, through an incision below the lashes or from inside the eyelid, sometimes with fat repositioning and reinforcement of the outer corner of the eye; the budget is higher. Operating on all four eyelids in a single session shares the anaesthesia and room costs, which reduces the total cost compared with two separate operations.

When the upper eyelid skin falls onto the lashes and reduces the field of vision, upper blepharoplasty may be considered a medical procedure. Coverage generally requires a visual field test showing a reduction, photos and a medical report, often from an ophthalmologist, and sometimes a prior request to the insurer. The patient then pays their deductible and co-payment. If cosmetic procedures are added, such as the lower eyelids, they remain at the patient's expense and must be billed separately.

Most upper blepharoplasties are performed under local anaesthesia, which limits the cost. Lower or four-eyelid blepharoplasties are often performed under sedation, which is more comfortable, or sometimes under general anaesthesia, particularly if another procedure is combined. Each level of anaesthesia adds a cost: the presence of an anaesthetist, monitoring time and possibly a clinic room.

The following tables show the cost of a four-eyelid blepharoplasty by city and canton, compared with Geneva.

It is useful to check that they cover the same eyelids, the same approach for the lower eyelids, the same associated procedures and the same type of anaesthesia. You should also check whether check-ups, stitch removal and any touch-up are included. The surgeon's experience in eyelid surgery is a key criterion: excessive skin removal or a sagging lower eyelid are difficult to correct.

A fifty-five-year-old whose upper eyelid skin obstructs vision may benefit from insurance coverage, under local anaesthesia: out-of-pocket costs limited to the deductible and co-payment. A forty-five-year-old who simply wants to reduce bags under the eyes will have a lower blepharoplasty at their own expense. A sixty-year-old who wants to rejuvenate the whole eye area will opt for all four eyelids, possibly with fat transfer, at their own expense.

A heavy look sometimes comes from drooping eyebrows rather than the eyelids. Operating only on the eyelids in this case can be disappointing and lead to a second operation. A careful examination can point towards a brow lift, alone or combined, and avoid poorly targeted spending. Our page on forehead lift prices presents this option.

Non-surgical blepharoplasty, with plasma or injections, can improve mild excess skin at a lower cost, with a more limited effect. Laser can improve the texture of the eyelid skin. These approaches do not replace surgery for significant excess. Our pages on non-surgical blepharoplasty and laser blepharoplasty present them.

You will need eye drops and ointments, cold compresses, sunglasses and about a week of keeping a low profile due to bruising and swelling. If an ophthalmological assessment is requested, it is generally reimbursed when medically justified.

The result of an upper blepharoplasty often lasts ten years or more; that of a lower blepharoplasty is often even more durable. Relative to this duration, its cost is modest, especially compared with repeated temporary treatments.

In men, blepharoplasty aims to rejuvenate the eye area without feminising it: the eyelid crease is kept low and skin is removed sparingly. The price is identical for the same procedure.

The eyelids are a delicate, functional area: they protect the eye. Saving on price must not come at the expense of experience. It is wise to choose a surgeon who regularly performs blepharoplasty, either a plastic surgeon or an oculoplastic surgery specialist, and to see their results at one year.

The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Blepharoplasty in Switzerland.

Compare with related procedures

• Ethnic rhinoplasty: prices in Switzerland
• Septoplasty: prices in Switzerland
• Laser blepharoplasty: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Everything about price, in a few lines.

What you need to know

How much does blepharoplasty cost in Switzerland? It depends on the eyelids treated and the anaesthesia; our tables show each region.

Do upper eyelids cost less? Yes, it is the shortest procedure.

Are lower eyelids more expensive? Often, as the operation is more delicate.

Does operating on all four eyelids cost double? No, the cost of a combined procedure is lower than two separate operations.

Is blepharoplasty reimbursed? Upper eyelids can be if they obstruct vision.

What test is needed for insurance? A visual field test, often by an ophthalmologist.

Are lower eyelids reimbursed? Very rarely, as it is most often cosmetic.

Does local anaesthesia reduce the price? Yes, it avoids general anaesthesia costs.

Is an overnight stay in the clinic needed? Generally, no.

Are stitches included? Yes, as is their removal.

Are check-ups included? Usually.

Is fat transfer under the eyes extra? Yes, if it is combined.

Is eyelid laser more expensive? Not necessarily; see our dedicated page.

Is a touch-up included? Sometimes, under certain conditions.

Does the price vary by city? Slightly.

Can I pay in instalments? Depending on the clinic.

Is the consultation fee deducted? Sometimes.

Is a brow lift included? No, it is added if necessary.

Are eye drops provided? Often prescribed, at low cost.

Should a low price be a concern? Check the eyelid surgeon's experience.

Is the price the same for a man? Yes, for the same procedure.

Do ophthalmologists operate on eyelids? Yes, as do oculoplastic surgeons.

Should the quote separate the portions? Yes, if part of it is reimbursable.

Is non-surgical blepharoplasty cheaper? Yes, but its effect is limited and temporary.

Does the result last long? Often ten years or more for the upper eyelids.

Is a deposit required? Often to reserve the date.

Are there cancellation fees? Depending on the contract.

Is transport included? No.

Does surgery via the internal approach cost more? Not necessarily.

Is canthopexy charged separately? It may be added if the corner of the eye needs to be reinforced.

Are follow-up photos included? Yes.

Is the ophthalmological assessment reimbursed? If medically justified, generally yes.

Is the quote valid for long? A few months.

Is time off work long? Often about a week.

Can a facelift be combined? Yes, with an overall quote.

Are dark circles treated? Depending on their nature, with fat or other treatments, at extra cost.

Is sedation expensive? It adds a moderate cost.

Does the price include cold compresses? Often provided after the operation.

Tell us your canton: we will send you free quotes from eyelid surgeons near you.