Blepharoplasty

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Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101

Plastic Surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220

Have your eyelids sagged and your expression changed? Do you feel that changes in your eyelids are affecting your appearance? Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery can address excess or drooping skin over the upper or lower eyelids, which may result in a refreshed appearance.

Blepharoplasty Brisbane

What is blepharoplasty?

Your eyes express emotion without words. The skin around your eyes is very thin. Sagging tissue of the upper eyelids and puffy bags below your eyes can make you look tired or sad. For some of you, droopy eyelids interfere with your vision.

Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty involves the removal of excess or drooping skin over the upper or lower eyelids, which may contribute to a refreshed appearance. It is also useful to restore the tone of the eyelids.

Prior to surgery, we will talk about your concerns and goals. It is important to have realistic expectations of what you can achieve and this will be discussed during your consultation. We will also discuss if you have any visual problems: whether you are wearing glasses or not and recent eye tests. Then we talk about your medical and surgical history, medications (blood-thinning drugs should always be mentioned), allergies, the risk of eye surgery, potential complications and expected recovery after eyelid surgery.

Types of blepharoplasty

There are two main options:

Upper blepharoplasty.
Lower blepharoplasty.

These two types have different approaches and we will discuss this during consultation.

Am I a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

Healthy men and women who have excess eyelid skin would be suitable for this procedure.

Where do you operate?

I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.

I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms at John Flynn Medical Centre and I operate at

Blepharoplasty procedure

Blepharoplasty: step by step

Step 1

Anaesthetic

You will be given a general anaesthetic and once you’re asleep we’ll start the procedure by making a tiny incision. The procedure is day surgery only and performed under general anaesthesia.

Step 2

Incisions

We use a small curved incision in the upper or lower eyelid to excise an appropriate amount of skin (usually between 8-15mm) to restore the tension of your eyelid.

Step 3

Removing excess fat and bulges

Sometimes, only fat and bulges need to be removed with minimal skin. Scars are hidden as much as possible in the natural crease lines of your eyelid. Scars on your upper eyelid are usually only visible when you close your eyes. The lower eyelid scars are placed below the lash line to minimise the scar however this scar is more present.

Step 4

Closing the incisions

After the excess fat and skin are removed, I will close the small incision.

Step 5

Result

Healing times vary, but most patients notice their final results within a few weeks.

How do I prepare myself for blepharoplasty?

Avoid blood-thinning medication (however discuss this with me during your consultation), avoid smoking, remove contact lenses if worn routinely, and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Are the results permanent?

The results of blepharoplasty can be long-lasting, though natural aging may lead to changes over time. The degree to which this occurs is variable.

Will my wrinkles be removed too?

Blepharoplasty primarily addresses excess skin on the eyelids. It does not target crow’s feet or other facial wrinkles, but non-surgical options may be available.

Do sutures have to be removed?

I use very small dissolving sutures.

Blepharoplasty recovery

Recovery after blepharoplasty

Discomfort levels vary between individuals, but pain management options are available to support recovery. After surgery, avoid sport and any form of exercise for 2 weeks, don’t smoke, rest in a cool, dark and quiet environment, and take occasional pain relief and anti-inflammatories if you’re able to.

Day 1

After leaving theatre, you will wake up in recovery. Our nurses will apply a cold compress to your eyelids for 30 to 60 minutes to decrease swelling. Expect some blurred vision. A friend or relative will need to drive you home following your eyelid surgery.

Day 1-14

After your surgery, the eyes will bruise and swell for up to 2 weeks. This is very normal given the excellent blood supply around the eyelids. Around day 4, the swelling will settle and bruises will migrate down the cheek. By day 8, most swelling will be settled. Puffy eyelids can persist until day 14.

How should I clean my eyelids?

Soft face wash is suitable for cleaning after 36 hours. A topical antibiotic ointment will be given to you to use 3x per day for 7 days.

Will I need to take medication after the procedure?

Simple pain relief will suffice.

Working, bathing, exercising and driving?

Working is usually fine after 1 week.
Bathing and showering are fine after 36 hours.
Driving is fine once visual blurriness has been resolved, this usually happens 2 to 4 days following surgery.
Strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for at least two weeks post-surgery, as advised by your surgeon.

Blepharoplasty risks

Risks and complications

The following risks are associated with blepharoplasty:

Bleeding.
Bruising.
Scar.
Swelling.
Infection.
Asymmetry of skin.
Itchiness.
Changes in vision are often temporary. There is a 1:40,000 risk of blindness however this is associated with high-risk eye disease, smoking and excessive straining post-surgery.

Will I have scars?

Upper eyelid scars are only visible when your eyes are closed. These will fade to a small faint white line over time. Lower eyelid scars are more visible and will fade over time. Often both eyelids do not need treatment at one time; this surgery is far more commonly used to treat upper eyelid skin excess.

Blepharoplasty cost Brisbane

What does the procedure cost?

The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on individual factors. For details about costs, please contact my practice. In some cases, a Medicare rebate may be available if an optometrist confirms a functional visual obstruction such as ptosis. Patients should check eligibility criteria with Medicare.

It is important for patients to understand the qualifications and credentials of their surgeon, which can be verified through AHPRA or ASPS.

Plastic surgeons undergo extensive training and must meet rigorous standards set by recognised medical boards. Patients should verify their surgeon's qualifications through AHPRA or ASPS.

It’s also recommended to always seek second opinions if you have concerns. Ultimately you should feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon you are seeing.