Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Sydney

Laser eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can dramatically rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes.

Hereditary factors and over-exposure to the sun can eventually cause our eyelids to relax and drop. Loose skin may develop around our upper and lower eyelids, fatty deposits can cause bulging, and 'bags' may develop on the lower eyelids. The latter is due to protrusions of fat into the lower eyelid tissues.

The result can be a tired and sad look and, when particularly pronounced, even an angry look. The age at which these changes appear is variable - usually from the 40s onwards, however they can appear earlier. The best time to have surgery is when the changes are not extensive - before the skin is severely stretched.

With blepharoplasty, the excess skin and fat is removed by recently developed laser techniques. There are many advantages of laser surgery over traditional scalpel surgery. These include minimal bruising and swelling, and fast post-operative recovery with no post-operative pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the surgery performed?
Deciding on an operation
Where is the surgery performed?
Keeping you comfortable
The advantages of laser eyelid surgery
The immediate after effects
Results to expect
Can a patient achieve their "ideal" look?
What are the possible complications?
What are the costs involved?
Is this covered by private insurance or Medicare?

How is the surgery performed?

The operation can be performed on both the upper and lower eyelids to remove skin and protruding fatty tissue. In the upper eyelids, an incision is made in the natural skin folds of the eyelids, making them virtually unnoticeable when healed. In modern lower eyelid surgery the incision is made on the inside of the lower lid thereby avoiding watery eyes and visibility of the scar.

Deciding on an operation

During the initial consultation the surgeon will make a thorough evaluation of the facial features to determine whether surgery is indicated and will then discuss any questions and concerns relating to the surgery.

A successful outcome not only depends on the skill of the surgeon, but also on your realistic expectations about what can be achieved and your general well-being.

Once surgery is agreed upon, pre-operative photographs are taken to help the surgeon plan the operation.

Where is the surgery performed / Is hospitalisation necessary?

With laser eyelid surgery hospitalisation is not necessary and the procedure is performed in our Day Surgery Centre. You will stay one or two hours after surgery and can then go home. It is essential that you arrange to have a friend or family member accompany you home and to preferably stay with you during the first night after surgery.

Keeping you comfortable

Pre-operative medications to relieve tension and local anaesthetics to numb the facial area during surgery are commonly administered. This assists in keeping you comfortable and free of pain during and after the operation. If desired, an intravenous sedation can be administered.

The advantages of laser eyelid surgery

• Minimal bruising and swelling with a good post-operative recovery period.

  The laser cuts and seals the blood vessels and as a result there is no bleeding during surgery and minimal post-operative bruising and swelling. With laser surgery, you are able to return to work and social activities soon after the procedure - usually 5 - 7 days.

• Minimal post operative pain.

  The laser energy soothes small nerve endings in the skin.

• Safer and more precise.

  The laser is a safe and precise procedure as the absence of bleeding during the operation means improved visibility for the surgeon and less need for electrocautery to control bleeding.

The immediate after effects

After the operation, some swelling and bruising can be expected. This usually subsides within the first few days. There may be mild discomfort for a short time after surgery and this can be easily controlled by taking Paracetamol and applying ice packs. Significant pain is rare. Sutures are removed five to seven days after surgery and/or can dissolve themselves. Makeup can be applied shortly thereafter.

Results to expect

With the elimination of excessive sagging skin and fat around the eyelids the patient should have a more rested and youthful appearance. Just how much improvement will be made depends on the individual's physical characteristics.

Can a patient achieve their "ideal" look?

Sometimes yes, but not always. It is not always possible to achieve the exact desired shape. It is best therefore, to avoid any misunderstanding. Communication is of the utmost importance between surgeon and patient. Naturally, the doctor will use his skills to produce the best, natural looking eyelids and surrounding area so that they are in harmony with the other facial features.

What are the possible complications?

Risks are minimal. There are inherent risks in any surgical procedure - however these will be discussed thoroughly with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation. Many thousands of successful eyelid operations are performed each year.

What are the possible complications?

• Bruising and swelling.

  Usually only for a few days.

• Infection.

  Can occur after any operation, however is minimised by applying an antibiotic ointment to the incision for a few days after surgery.

• Visibility of scar.

  This is rare as the skin on the upper eyelid in most people heals as an imperceptible scar which is concealed by placing the incision in the skin crease, however some people may have a tendency to form thicker scars. The lower eyelid incision is placed on the inside of the eyelid and therefore there is no visible scar at all.

• Asymmetry of the upper eyelids.

  Many people have slightly asymmetrical eyes before surgery and become aware of this when inspecting their eyes after surgery. This can occur even if at the time of the operation equal amounts of skin are removed - however this is rare.

• Insufficient or excessive removal of fat.

  Can occur after operation, but is rare.

• Blindness.

  Extremely rare. It can result when bleeding occurs behind the eyeball in the immediate post-operative period. The incidence of this complication after traditional scalpel surgery is 1 in 25,000 cases. Laser eyelid surgery further reduces the risk because of the absence of bleeding during the operation.

What are the costs involved?

Fees for cosmetic surgery and operative facilities vary widely and depend on the extent and complexity of the surgery. Please discuss this with the doctor at the time of your consultation. As a guideline, upper eyelid surgery varies between $3000 - $4500. The costs are approximately $3500 - $4500 for lower eyelids. Theatre and accommodation costs at our Sydney surgery are $1100 and are included in the above prices.

Is this covered by private insurance or Medicare?

As blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, unfortunately it is not rebateable through Medicare nor private health funds.