Blepharoplasty (Upper & Lower Eyelids)
Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. The procedure involves removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the eyelids to correct sagging or drooping upper lids and to reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes. Blepharoplasty can improve vision if drooping eyelids obstruct sight.
The Procedure
The Procedure
Blepharoplasty (Upper & Lower Eyelids): The Procedure
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When is a Blepharoplasty considered medical?
We see many patients that require blepharoplasty surgery for medical purposes as their eye lids are obstructing their vision.
In order to be approved for medical blepharoplasty with Medicare you will need to provide a report from an optometrist. The report will need to show visual field disturbance or a history of irritation in the folds of the excess skin. If you’d like more information about the type of report you’ll need, please contact our clinic.
Recovery & Aftercare
You will usually be discharged home from hospital the same day. You are required to have someone pick you up from the hospital and remain with you for the first 24hours. You will be placed in a surgical bra which is to be worn at all times for the first 6weeks. Surgical garments provide compression to the site and assist in reducing swelling and support healing.
Immediately after your surgery, the nursing staff will be present to ensure you are recovering well. In some cases, you may need to remain under hospital care for at least one night. Dr Drew Cronin will ensure you have appropriate pain relief for your return home.
It’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and tightness in the neck area. A neck compression garment is provided to assist in minimising swelling and support healing. It’s common to have some discomfort during the initial days after the surgery with appropriate pain relief being prescribed.
You will have an initial review with our nurse during the first post-operative week, and at each week until your incisions are healed and your pain has resolved. 6 weeks post-operatively you will have a review with Dr Cronin. Regular follow -ups with Dr Cronin at 3months, 6 months and 12months are also essential to monitor your surgical outcome.
Patients should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks. Light activities can typically be resumed within a week. Dr Cronin will advise you if it is safe to resume exercise during your 6week review.
Patients are advised on proper scar care techniques to minimise scarring. We offer a scar optimisation treatment plan for all of our surgical patients.
Swelling and bruising will gradually subside over the first few weeks, but it may take several months for all swelling to completely resolve.
Blepharoplasty Before and After Gallery
Individual results will vary from patient to patient and according to factors including genetics, age, diet, exercise. All invasive surgery carries risk and requires a recovery period and care regime. Be sure you do your research and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding. Any details are general in nature and are not intended to be medical advice or constitute a doctor-patient relationship.
For comprehensive information on the potential risks and post-surgery recovery process, please see risks associated with surgery section towards the bottom of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions
If we haven’t addressed your inquiries yet, here are some frequently asked questions that may provide the information you’re looking for. However, if you still have any remaining questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic at 07 5683 0820 or via email at admin@thecoastalclinic.com.au. Our team is ready to assist you.
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The visibility and appearance of scars after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can vary depending on the surgical techniques used and your individual healing. During your consultation your surgeon will discuss your incision location which will be determined by level of ptosis.
Infection
Infections are uncommon after blepharoplasty, but they can occur. Surgeons typically prescribe antibiotics and provide instructions for wound care to reduce the risk of infection. Patients should carefully follow postoperative care instructions to minimise the chance of infection.
Scarring
While your surgeon will try to avoid scarring by making incisions in discreet locations, individual healing and scar formation can vary. In rare cases, abnormal scarring, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, may occur. Talk to our team about how we can help minimise the appearance of scars post surgery.
To discuss any risks or complication concerns you may have, we suggest booking a consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons.
Yes, combining a blepharoplasty with a facelift is a common practice and can be highly effective for achieving a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Performing both procedures simultaneously allows for a more balanced and harmonious enhancement of the face, addressing sagging skin, wrinkles, and drooping eyelids all at once. This combined approach can also be more convenient, as it involves only one surgery and recovery period. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and determine if combining these procedures is suitable for you. The surgeon will evaluate your overall health, facial anatomy, and desired outcomes to create a personalised treatment plan.
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The longevity of results can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, skin elasticity, lifestyle choices, and overall aging patterns. Some individuals may naturally have slower or more pronounced signs of aging, which can impact the duration of the results.
Protecting the delicate skin around the eyes from excessive sun exposure and practicing a good skincare routine can help maintain the results of blepharoplasty. Sun damage and neglecting skincare can contribute to accelerated aging and potentially compromise the longevity of the results. We welcome you to contact our Aesthetics clinic to discuss a skin care plan.
While there are many aesthetic treatments we offer, once skin has lost its elasticity and ptosis has set in around the upper eye area, often removal of the skin is the only effective option for treatment.
If your level of ptosis is not impeding on your vision, we encourage you to book a consultation with our dermal therapist or cosmetic nurse to discuss alternative treatment options on 07 5683 0822.
Risks of Surgery
As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, we aim to provide you with comprehensive information regarding the general risks associated with surgical procedures, anaesthesia, and procedure-specific risks.
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
- Under or over resection
- Webbing of the skin
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Ectropin
- Bruising and Swelling
- Under or over resection
- Webbing of the skin
- Nerve damage
- Bleeding
- Bruising and Swelling
- Acute medical event: Heart or lung complications (e.g. heart attack, stroke, chest infection)
- Death
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolisms (PE)
- A sore throat/breathing difficulty due to the general aesthetic or the endotracheal tube, which can cause swelling, noisy breathing or discomfort
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia
- Wound infection, which may result in treatment with antibiotics or further treatment/surgery. This is more likely in a smoker or a person with diabetes.
- Heavy bleeding from the wound, which may result in further treatment/surgery
- Wound discharge
- Poor or slow healing of the skin; wound breakdown; skin necrosis
- Wound dehiscence (wound ruptures along the surgical incision)
- Bruising and swelling. This will start to subside in one to two weeks but can take up to several months to settle
- Abscess/Haematoma/Seroma/Oedema
- Pain and discomfort
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressing, antiseptic solutions
- Altered or loss of sensation in and around the treated area, which may persist for some months, numbness maybe permanent
- Adverse scarring
- Revisionary surgery
- Psychological impact of change in appearance
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance
