Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)
About Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty is the term for surgery to minimise bags and wrinkles around the eyes and/or correct drooping upper lids.
The procedure involves the removal of fat and excess skin from the upper and/or lower eyelids.
Surgery
For the upper blepharoplasty an area of excess skin and muscle is excised from the upper eyelids and we usually also excise a small amount of excess fat.
For the lower blepharoplasty, an incision is made directly below the eyelashes. This gives exposure to the muscles of the lower eyelid which can be tightened if required. Usually, a small amount of fat is excised along with any excess skin.
A better result is usually achieved when only small amounts of fat are removed – as excessive removal often leads to hollowing of the eyes which detracts from the results.
Wounds are closed with a running stitch which is removed one week later.
FAQs
Will my health fund help pay for blepharoplasty surgery?
Sometimes. The medicare description requires that the upper lids are sufficiently lax and excess to be within the field of view in normal vision. We will assess if this is the case at the time of your consultation.
What will my scars look like?
The major concern most patients have regarding the outcome of blepharoplasty is scarring. Although scarring is the inevitable result of any surgery, we are usually able to keep this to a minimum by making careful incisions along natural skin lines and creases where scars usually fade with time and become barely noticeable.
I do not have private health insurance; can I have this surgery performed in your procedure room?
Yes, this is possible for upper blepharoplasty only. This procedure can be performed with local anaesthetic alone and thus can sometimes be undertaken in the rooms.
Will a Blepharoplasty get rid of my wrinkles?
Blepharoplasty reduces wrinkles in the eyelids and also partially the crow’s feet area. It does not affect wrinkles anywhere else.
How long is my recovery post-surgery?
Blepharoplasty is usually performed as a day case under local or general anaesthesia. We will review your recovery and remove any surface stitches 5-7 days post-surgery.
A return to work is usually possible after 7-10 days but note that bruising and swelling for up to 3 weeks can be expected.
Medical terms
Blepharoplasty: The medical term for ‘eyelid surgery’
Upper blepharoplasty: Surgery to the upper eyelid
Lower blepharoplasty: Surgery to the area immediately below the eye
Crow’s Feet: Wrinkles and fine lines that form around the outer corners of the eyes
Fees
Our Surgeons & Anaesthetists charge out-of-pocket fees for surgery done in the private hospital.
Because the length and complexity of the different surgical techniques are so vast, you will be given an estimate of costings after your consultation.
For more information on fees and rebates please visit the fee section on the FAQ page.