Blepharoplasty Sydney
To address excess skin, fatty tissue and wrinkles around the eyes, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed in a personalised procedure. It’s natural for the delicate skin around the eyes to loosen and begin to show wrinkles as we age. A blepharoplasty can focus on the area beneath the eyes, wrinkles on the corners of the eyes, and excess skin above the eyes.
The procedure can be performed to address both the function and the aesthetic of the eyelids. It is typically performed in two types – upper or lower blepharoplasty. Sometimes, an upper and lower blepharoplasty can be combined, performed within the same surgery.
Before & After Eyelid Surgery
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient 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. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.
Your consultation at Aesthetic Edge in Sydney
Suitable candidates for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
A suitable candidate for eyelid surgery may be someone who wants to address skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles and other features of the eye area. Candidates are typically over 40 years of age, but the procedure can sometimes be suitable for patients below this age, depending on the skin’s condition around the eyes. Importantly, suitable candidates will need to be in good general health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. Contraindications can include smoking, certain health conditions and if the candidate is pregnant or breastfeeding.A personalised procedure plan
Dr Hunt uses a variety of techniques to perform eyelid surgery. An individualised plan will outline your procedure steps, the techniques used and what to expect on the day of your surgery. You may undergo an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or a combination of the two types.Preparing for the procedure
Preparing for your eyelid surgery will be just as important as following your recovery instructions. Following your preparation instructions will help to minimise risks during and after the procedure. Depending on your individual needs, you may be instructed to pause certain medications or supplements. If you are a smoker, you will be instructed to quit before your procedure. It’s always a good idea to maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated in the weeks leading up to surgery, and plan ahead for your recovery.Your recovery instructions
It will be highly important to follow recovery instructions after eyelid surgery. Dr Hunt will provide you with instructions, tailored to your needs and your personalised procedure details. You will need to avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat and sun exposure, wearing makeup, and alcohol consumption after your procedure. Your instructions will involve managing any pain or discomfort, reducing swelling and preventing complications, including infection.The costs of blepharoplasty
Due to the highly personalised nature of eyelid surgery, you’ll need to discuss your procedure costs during a consultation. After creating a procedure plan, Dr Hunt can provide you with a quote, detailing your costs.
The Blepharoplasty Procedure
Your eyelid surgery can be performed to focus on the upper eye area, lower eye area or both areas. You will discuss your needs and expectations during a consultation at Aesthetic Edge in Sydney to help Dr Hunt develop a personalised procedure plan.
Eyelid surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia. Dr Hunt will place incisions in the previously determined locations, most commonly along the creases of the eyelids for an upper blepharoplasty and/or 1-2 mm below the eyelashes for a lower blepharoplasty. If excess fat will need to be removed below the eyes, Dr Hunt may use a transconjunctival incision placed on the inside of the eyelid.
During the procedure, excess skin and fat can be removed. Depending on your needs, a particular focus can be placed on reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are sutured closed.
The total procedure time will depend on the complexity of the procedure and if an upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or a combination of both procedures has been performed. Procedure time can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Dr Hunt may be able to provide a time estimate during your consultation.
Recovery Information and Instructions
What to expect
Generally, recovering from eyelid surgery takes about two weeks. It will be normal to experience swelling, bruising and discomfort around the eyes. Swelling and bruising will naturally subside, but following your instructions can help swelling to subside more efficiently. It typically takes up to 14 days for swelling and bruising to subside. Prescribed pain medication can help to manage discomfort.
For the first two weeks of your recovery, you should avoid strenuous exercise and get plenty of rest. You will need to take time off work, returning when recommended by Dr Hunt. Throughout your recovery, it will be essential to keep your incision sites clean, to prevent infection and help to minimise the visibility of scarring. You should monitor the operated area for signs of possible complications.
5-7 days after your procedure, you will need to attend a follow-up appointment to have the sutures removed. If you had a combined procedure with a brow lift, you will come back in for another post-op appointment after 10 days. Results can take between 4-6 weeks to show, depending on when swelling and bruising have sufficiently subsided.
Common recovery instructions
Your eyelid surgery recovery instructions will be personalised and provided by Dr Hunt during your consultation. Common recovery instructions to follow include:- Avoiding strenuous exercise for six weeks
- Sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling
- Applying cold packs over the eyes to reduce swelling and bruising
- Taking pain medication
- Applying a topical ointment
- Avoiding bending forwards
- Quitting smoking for two weeks
- Avoiding alcohol for two weeks
- Keeping incision sites clean and dry
- Avoiding heat exposure
- Refraining from rubbing your eyelids
- Avoiding makeup and skincare around the incision sites
Costs of Eyelid Surgery
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anaesthesia fees
- Hopsital fees
- Aftercare costs
Medicare
Sometimes, eyelid surgery can be performed for functional purposes and is considered to be medically necessary. If your procedure is necessary for medical reasons and meets Medicare’s criteria, you may be eligible for a rebate to cover part of your procedure costs. A blepharoplasty can be considered medically necessary if the condition of your eyelids interferes with your vision. If you are eligible for a Medicare rebate, you may also be eligible for Private Health subsidy.
You can discuss Medicare rebate and Private Health subsidy eligibility during your consultation. Dr Hunt can evaluate the condition of your upper and lower eyelids to help determine if your reasons for undergoing the procedure will meet the criteria.
Combining other procedures
Eyelid surgery may sometimes be combined with another surgical procedure, such as a brow lift. This will depend on your individual needs and expected results. Dr Hunt will work with you to understand your personal preferences and develop a procedure plan that addresses your concerns. If combining a blepharoplasty with another procedure is a suitable option, this can be discussed in further detail. Combining procedures with a blepharoplasty will need to be factored into your total procedure costs.Risks and complications
The possible risks and complications of blepharoplasty include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Infection at the incision sites
- Excessive bleeding, which can occur during or after surgery
- Scarring
- Temporary or possibly permanent dry eyes (due to changes in tear production)
- Temporary changes in vision (particularly in the periphery), including blurred vision
- Asymmetrical results
- Difficulty fully closing eyes
- Temporary or permanent numbness (due to nerve damage)
- Hematoma (a collection of blood outside blood vessels)
- Corneal exposure (due to changes in eyelid position, leading to irritation)
- Prolonged healing
- Under or overcorrection
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid)
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Reactions to anaesthesia