Institut Uniq

Dr. Richter - Dr. Wiedner

My philosophy

Precision. Restraint. Naturalness.
For me, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in the field of ophthalmology is neither a standardised discipline nor a reproducible formula. It is a form of highly specialised precision medicine – one that carries a particular responsibility towards function, expression and the individuality of each person’s face.
I have deliberately focused on the periorbital region because it is precisely here that the smallest changes can have the greatest impact – both positive and negative. The eyes shape not only a person’s expression, but also their presence, their tiredness, their openness and often even the way they are perceived by others.
That is why, for me, good eyelid surgery does not begin with a technique or with the question of how much can be removed. It begins with a precise understanding of a person’s individual anatomy, function and personal charisma.

Form follows function

The eye is not an isolated aesthetic element. It is a highly sensitive functional system.
Every surgical decision affects eyelid closure, tear distribution, and the protection of the cornea, and thus ultimately the long-term health of the eye. This is precisely why I do not view function and aesthetics as opposites, but as an inseparable whole.
For me, aesthetics are not achieved through the most drastic change possible, but through the restoration of balance.
A result is convincing when the eye appears natural, the expression is preserved, and the face does not look operated on, but rather rested, open and harmonious.

It is not a question of how much is removed – but of what must be preserved

A key principle of my work is restraint.
Many undesirable results are not caused by insufficient surgery, but by overly aggressive procedures: removing too much skin, unnecessary fat removal, or failing to take into account volume, tissue quality and natural structure.

I therefore always plan my procedures by asking myself a simple yet crucial question:
What really needs to be changed – and what absolutely must be preserved?
Because, particularly when it comes to the eyelids, preservation is often more important than maximum correction. Volume, tension, tissue quality and the subtle transitions around the eye are key factors in determining whether a result looks natural in the long term or whether a face loses its expressiveness.
My aim is therefore not a visible operation, but a result that appears completely natural.

The eye as a functional and aesthetic unit

The upper eyelid, lower eyelid, eyebrow and midface do not form separate regions. They are closely linked both functionally and aesthetically.
An upper eyelid that appears heavy is often not solely a problem with the eyelid itself, but rather a manifestation of a drooping brow, a loss of volume or underlying ptosis. Similarly, the lower eyelid cannot be considered in isolation, as it is closely linked to the midface and the transition between the eyelid and the cheek.
That is why I avoid standardised, isolated procedures.
I always try to understand the entire anatomical context – not just the visible symptom.
This holistic approach is crucial to achieving results that do not look artificial, but remain natural, harmonious and stable in the long term.

Modern lower eyelid surgery – gentle on the tissue and preserving the natural structure

Aesthetic surgery has undergone fundamental changes in recent years, particularly with regard to the lower eyelid.
Whereas skin and fat were often removed in the past, the focus today is much more on preserving structure, stability and volume. I therefore primarily use the transconjunctival approach from the inside to minimise disruption to the skin and muscles, preserve delicate nerve structures and avoid unnecessarily compromising the stability of the lower eyelid.
Fat is no longer routinely removed, but – where appropriate – specifically redistributed or augmented. Volume, in particular, plays a crucial role in achieving natural results.
Where necessary, I further stabilise the lower eyelid using precise techniques such as canthopexy or canthoplasty – always tailored to the individual and with the aim of preserving the natural shape and function of the eye.
For me, modern lower eyelid surgery therefore does not mean more aggression, but rather greater precision and greater respect for the natural anatomy.

Experience as the foundation of safety

A significant part of my surgical experience stems from the treatment of complex functional disorders such as endocrine orbitopathy.
These procedures require a thorough understanding of orbital anatomy, the utmost precision when dealing with delicate structures, and a high degree of intraoperative decision-making ability.
It is precisely this experience in reconstructive surgery that shapes my approach to aesthetic surgery today. After all, anyone who has learnt to preserve function and to manage challenging anatomical situations with confidence develops a different perspective on aesthetic procedures.
This experience is particularly valuable in complex cases and revision surgery.

Revision surgery – when experience makes all the difference

A particular focus of my work is revision surgery following previous operations.
Different rules apply here.
Tissue is often damaged, structures are weakened, and scarring alters the natural anatomy; at the same time, patients’ expectations are understandably often high.
My aim in such situations is not to promise perfection. It is far more important to restore function, stability and a natural appearance – whilst maintaining a realistic view of what is achievable.
In revision surgery in particular, experience, restraint and a deep understanding of the tissues are often more important than taking the most extensive surgical measures.

Individuality rather than standardisation

Every face has its own proportions, its own balance of features and its own personality.
That is why I do not base my work on fixed ideals of beauty or standardised trends, but rather on a person’s individual anatomy, facial expressions and demeanour.
In my view, a good result isn’t one that appears perfect.
You can tell by the fact that it seems perfectly natural.
If the eye looks open, natural and harmonious, without drawing attention to the operation itself, then this objective has been achieved.

My aim

I don’t see it as my job to change people’s faces.
My aim is to refine them – whilst respecting anatomy, function and individuality.
I want to achieve results that are not flashy, but understated. Not artificial, but natural. Not driven by trends, but harmonious in the long term.
Because when it comes to the eyes in particular, it is often not the scale of the change that determines the quality of the result, but the precision with which naturalness is preserved.
A successful result should not stand out – but be convincing.