Blepharoplasty
About blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a procedure that can address the problem of excess eyelid skin, abnormal fat deposits, wrinkles, puffiness or bags around the eyes.
It can significantly improve vision when eyelids are droopy, and also refresh the appearance of the periorbital region of the face.
Procedure details
Suitability
There are many factors to consider when contemplating either a functional or cosmetic blepharoplasty. Upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery are significantly different procedures and are assessed and managed independently.
Careful assessment will be done of your eyelids during your consultation with Dr Mathew Lee.
It is important that you take some time to consider your situation and goals regarding blepharoplasty, and then discuss these with Dr Lee.
Costs
Medicare and private health insurance may provide a rebate for patients undergoing eyelid surgery for functional impairment and medical problems. This will require a visit to an optometrist for assessment of your visual fields.
The total cost for an upper blepharoplasty starts from $4,500, the total cost for a lower blepharoplasty starts from $8,000. The total cost depends on the complexity of the procedure(s) required and the time necessary to perform the surgery.
The estimated cost for your blepharoplasty can be provided following your consultation.
Consultation and pre-operative planning
Pre-operative planning is conducted over two visits to our Mornington rooms and involves the expertise of Dr Mathew Lee and the team of experienced plastic surgery nurses.
Pre-operative planning looks at your reasons for wanting eyelid surgery, and will ultimately establish the goals for your procedure.
It ensures that Dr Lee’s vision and understanding of what you’re looking to achieve matches your expectations.
While the final look is often the first thing discussed, there are many aspects about you as a patient that need to be considered in order to plan the right operation specifically for you.
Careful pre-operative analysis, measurements and photos are used to plan the right operation for you.
Detailed information about what to expect and how to prepare for your surgery will be discussed.
Surgical technique
Either the upper eyelid, the lower eyelid, or both can be treated during the same operation. Excess skin that droops over the upper eye is carefully removed so that the natural shape of the eye is retained and the scar is hidden in the fold of the upper eyelid.
Excess fatty tissue under the upper eyelid may be removed during the same procedure.
Excess skin of the lower eyelid may be excised and prominent fat pads and bags can be addressed. Whilst fat is sometimes removed, addition of fat to restore the youthful dynamics of the lower eyelid is often required to improve contours.
Blepharoplasty is performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the complexity and duration of the procedure as well as patient comfort requirements.
The operation can take from 1 to 4 hours depending on the nature of the presenting problem.
Recovery and results
Patients can generally have eyelid surgery as a day procedure. Overnight stay in hospital may be required for more complex cases.
Immediately after surgery, you will have a cold gel pad over your eyes to manage bruising and swelling. This may give you the feeling of not being able to open your eyes to see; however, this is temporary and normal. Protective ointment in your eyes during surgery may also make your vision temporarily blurry.
In most cases, pain is then easily controlled with simple analgesia such as paracetamol. Eye drops and ointments will also be given to help with recovery.
Incisions are closed with a fine suture or skin glue. Sutures are removed after 4 to 5 days. Incisions are generally hidden in the upper eyelid crease or just below the lash line of the lower eyelid. In some cases, an incision on the inside of the lower eyelid is used to do the procedure. This is known as a transconjunctival blepharoplasty.
Once at home, you will need to take it easy for a couple of weeks. This means no gym, no running and no heavy lifting. Ice packs to your forehead during the first 48 hours will help reduce bruising and swelling and will improve recovery.
Avoid driving for the first week particularly if taking strong pain relief or using eye ointment that impairs vision.
You need to allow 2 weeks for recovery in terms of work and social commitments, however, this does vary from patient to patient.
Healing is usually complete within a couple of months.
Post-procedure timeline
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Once home, you will need to rest and undertake light activities only, preferably in your home. Avoid lifting anything over 1 kg.
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You will be reviewed in the clinic to change dressings and assess progress. Sutures will be removed as required. You can usually start driving again shortly after this.
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Any remaining dressings will be removed and scar management will be discussed.
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Further follow up is at 6 weeks and 3 months to monitor and assess your result.
Before and Afters
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1 week result post bilateral upper blepharoplasty
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2 week result post bilateral upper blepharoplasty
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2 month result post bilateral upper blepharoplasty
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1 week result post bilateral upper blepharoplasty
‘Before and after’ images shown are only relevant for these patients and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Other considerations
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There may be complications from surgery and thankfully, the majority of these are extremely rare.
The Canvas Plastic Surgery Team will explain potential complications during the pre-operative planning process and provide written information on the procedure and its potential risks.
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There is a lot of media attention relating to overseas surgery and surgery with ‘cosmetic surgeons’.
In the age of online forums, social media and misinformation, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
The simplest response to this is that you get what you pay for. Cheap surgery is offered by taking shortcuts in training, quality of care or both. This equates to increased risk for patients. Some people are willing to take this risk and may get away with it. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, the complications can be devastating and potentially life-threatening.
In making a decision to have eyelid surgery, it is important to ensure that you see a qualified specialist plastic surgeon to discuss your options and suitability.
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We welcome you to speak with us to obtain specific information about our processes.