Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) in Sydney

There are a range of external influences that can alter your facial appearance. Ageing, genetics and lifestyle choices all play their part. Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that alters the eyelids, resulting in aesthetic and functional improvement around the eye region. The operation can include the removal or reconfiguration of excess skin and fat tissue, while also reinforcing muscles and tendons around the eyes. 

The surgery can be performed on adults of all ages, but is most often associated with patients who are noticing changes around their eyes over time. In some people, the upper eyelid has drooped down over the upper eyelid fold, and simple tasks such as driving and reading can be negatively affected. Book your in-person consultation with Dr Choy today.

BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY GOALS

Blepharoplasty, sometimes called eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift, aims to re-establish the functioning and aesthetics of both upper and lower eyelids. Surrounding tissues connected to the eyebrows, cheeks and nasal-bridge can also be modified to provide comprehensive results. 

Heavy, ‘baggy’ eyelid tissue can have a functional impact. If your upper eyelid tissues droop down too much, they can obstruct your vision, causing difficulty with daily tasks such as reading or driving. Excess upper eyelid skin may also lead to skin irritation or chronic pain in your forehead from straining your brow muscles to elevate your upper lids. Functional blepharoplasty provides an improved field of view, along with greater comfort and the same aesthetic benefits as cosmetic blepharoplasty.

Eyelid surgery is not undertaken to remove fine lines, wrinkles or dark circles under the eyes. There are alternative surgical and non-surgical procedures to accomplish those goals. All this and more can be fully appreciated in a consultation with Dr Ellis Choy.

THE BENEFITS OF EYELID SURGERY

Any visible changes in the eye region can dramatically alter the look of your face. As you age, your eyelids begin to droop as your muscles weaken, your skin loses elasticity and subcutaneous fat shifts position. Blepharoplasty’s purpose is to remove excess skin and reposition facial fat.

Common reasons to consider eyelid surgery include:

• Your upper eyelids feel heavy or puffy
• Your upper eyelids droop over your eyes, possibly all the way to the lash line
• You have puffy bags below your eyes
• You have dry eyes due to malposition of the lower eyelids
• Your vision (particularly peripheral vision) is impaired
• You have chronic forehead discomfort from brow straining
• Your eyelid skin is irritated due to excessive friction

Eyelid surgery is a popular procedure that has helped women and men alike, but it is not for everyone. Good candidates for this operation are usually in good overall health, do not smoke and do not have an underlying eye condition that should be treated before considering blepharoplasty. If you believe eyelid surgery is the right choice for you, it is imperative to visit an experienced plastic surgeon who can confirm your candidacy after an evaluation.

BLEPHAROPLASTY VS BROW LIFT SURGERY

In some cases, drooping of the upper eyelid is due not to loosening eyelid muscles and skin, but to the descent of the eyebrow, which can shrink the upper lid space. Patients in this scenario may achieve better results with a brow lift than a blepharoplasty. Brow lift surgery elevates the brows and smooths the forehead, and may improve upper eyelid hooding if it was caused by drooping brows. If excess skin and fat is the cause of the hooding, then a blepharoplasty is a more appropriate procedure.

EYELID SURGERY CONSULTATION

Dr Choy will spend the time with you to inform you of your options and his professional yet gentle attitude will ease any concerns you may have.

A consultation will provide greater understanding of your eye function and also determine the influence of previous operations or underlying conditions on blepharoplasty outcomes. Other factors taken into consideration include skin type, age and ethnic background. As with any plastic surgery, it’s important to apply healthy lifestyle habits for ongoing results, and to keep expectations and aspirations realistic.

The physical examination will determine the appropriate means of action, including eye-muscle slackness, excess eyelid skin or malposition. For those considering eyelid surgery for functional reasons, a visual field test will be conducted. Preoperative photos are performed prior to both functional and cosmetic blepharoplasty.

BLEPHAROPLASTY PROCEDURE

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient operation that may be performed under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia. The choice of anaesthesia will be tailored to your comfort level and the specific procedure(s) being performed.

UPPER EYELID SURGERY

Appropriate lines and creases are marked in order to keep scarring concealed within your natural skin folds. An incision is made, and loose skin, excess fat and unwanted tissue are removed. Using local anaesthesia for upper eyelid surgery can be advantageous because it allows for immediate biofeedback.

LOWER EYELID SURGERY

Two techniques are used for lower eyelid surgery. With the transcutaneous approach, an incision is made near the lash line or smile creases under the lower eyelid. Skin, muscle and fat are removed, and the incision is closed with very fine sutures. For patients who only require fat removal, the incision may be placed inside the lower eyelid, leaving no visible scarring behind. The scarless or ‘conjunctival’ approach is not suitable for patients with significant skin redundancy.

Blepharoplasty surgery cost will vary depending on individual requirements, the amount of surgery needed and the time taken to perform the operation. Dr Choy will outline these details during your initial consultation.

The operation is usually over in two hours, and recovery will begin immediately.

EYELID SURGERY RECOVERY

In some cases, sterile bandages are applied post-surgery. Ointment or drops for preventing dry eyes may also be prescribed. Some swelling and bruising is a perfectly normal reaction to any invasive operation; this should subside within a couple of weeks.

Discomfort is often alleviated by elevating the head slightly or applying a cold compress. Any additional medications required can be prescribed by Dr Choy. Environments that aggravate symptoms (sticky, dry or itchy eyes) or inhibit recovery should be avoided for a time. Contact lens wear should also be avoided during the initial stages of healing.

Patients should expect to spend approximately a week after the surgery recovering at home. Those with occupations requiring minimal physical activity may return to work sooner than those who perform heavy lifting or require strong visual acuity in the workplace.

BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS

Dr Choy takes great care to avoid removing too much skin and fat, which would create an unnatural appearance.

Your improvements from blepharoplasty can be long-lasting. For many patients, eyelid surgery is performed only once. Ageing will continue, however — your eyelid tissues may loosen again and your brow may descend. 

Have a look at our gallery for some before and after pictures that show the improvements that can be attained by blepharoplasty.

Click here to view our blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) before and after photos

EYELID SURGERY FAQ

What are the different types of eyelid surgery, and how do I know which one is right for me? 

Dr Choy performs both upper and lower eyelid surgery. Upper eyelid surgery addresses concerns such as excess skin, drooping or hooded lids, and puffiness. Lower eyelid surgery targets bags, lax skin and prominent fat pads beneath the eyes. Dr Choy also performs Asian eyelid surgery (also known as double eyelid surgery) and ptosis repair. During your consultation, he will carefully assess your eyelids and recommend a suitable technique.

Will eyelid surgery affect my vision or eye function?

Eyelid surgery is not intended to impact the quality of your eyesight or your eye function. What it may do, if your peripheral vision is currently limited by drooping upper eyelids, is improve your field of vision by removing excess skin. Dr Choy takes great care to preserve the function of your eyelids while enhancing their appearance. Any potential risks to your vision will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.

How should I prepare for eyelid surgery? 

Proper preparation is critical. You should stop smoking at least six weeks before your procedure, as it can impede healing. Avoid taking blood-thinning medications and supplements for two weeks prior to surgery. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and assist you for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure. Stock up on ice packs, food, clean laundry, prescribed medications, entertainment and any other necessities that will help make your recovery more comfortable. 

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery? 

Dr Choy places incisions with the intention of minimising visible scarring after eyelid surgery. For upper eyelid surgery, the incisions are located within the natural creases of your eyelids, where they will be concealed. In lower eyelid surgery, the incisions are either made just below the lash line or inside the eyelid. While some scarring is inevitable with any surgery, most patients find that their eyelid surgery scars are barely noticeable once healed.

What is double eyelid surgery for Asian patients? 

Double eyelid surgery, or Asian blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to create a defined crease in the upper eyelid. Many people of Asian heritage naturally lack this crease and have what is known as a monolid. By strategically reshaping the upper eyelid, double eyelid surgery can create a fold while maintaining a look that complements the patient’s features. Dr Choy has performed many double eyelid surgeries for Asian patients.

What is the ideal age for eyelid surgery? 

There is no one “ideal” age for eyelid surgery. The timing depends on when you develop concerns related to your eyelids. Most patients with age-related concerns are in their 40s or older, but the procedure is sometimes an option for younger patients with hereditary factors contributing to droopy or puffy lids. You must decide, in consultation with Dr Choy, when it is the right time for you. 

What is the cost of eyelid surgery in Sydney? 

The cost of blepharoplasty in Sydney depends on multiple factors, such as the type of eyelid surgery, the complexity of the procedure, whether it is performed for cosmetic or functional reasons, and your private health insurance coverage.

If the procedure is medically necessary and you have private health insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can be significantly reduced. However, the extent of coverage varies among insurance policies, so some patients with private health insurance may still need to pay more than those with comprehensive coverage. For patients without private health insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for eyelid surgery will be higher.

On average, upper eyelid surgery ranges from $6,000 to $8,000, while lower eyelid surgery typically falls between $12,000 and $14,000. For a combination of upper and lower eyelid surgery, you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $20,000. These prices encompass several individual fees, including the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and hospital fee. The wide price ranges account for the varying levels of insurance coverage and the complexity of each individual case.

Keep in mind that these are general estimates, and the only way to get a quote for your specific procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr Choy.

Can eyelid surgery be covered by Medicare? 

In most cases, eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure. This means that Medicare coverage is not an option, and you must be prepared to pay the full amount out-of-pocket. 

However, if excess skin and fat around your eyelids are causing visual impairment or other significant functional issues, the procedure may be deemed medically necessary and qualify for partial coverage by Medicare. Additionally, some private health insurance plans may offer coverage for eyelid surgery if you qualify for a Medicare item number.

Can eyelid surgery be done twice? Is revision surgery an option? 

Revision eyelid surgery is possible and can be performed to address any residual concerns or to further refine the results of the initial procedure. Dr Choy recommends waiting until your eyelids have fully healed before considering a revision, which usually takes at least six months to a year. You also have the option of having another blepharoplasty years down the line, after the ongoing ageing process has altered the results of your prior procedure.

What is eyelid surgery for ptosis? 

Ptosis refers to drooping of your upper eyelid, which can occur due to weakness or stretching of your eyelid muscles. In severe cases, ptosis may obstruct your vision and cause functional issues. Eyelid surgery for ptosis, also known as ptosis repair, tightens the eyelid muscles to restore a wider visual field and give your eyes a more open appearance. Dr Choy employs a range of techniques for ptosis correction.

Can eyelid surgery be done in-office? 

Certain types of eyelid surgery can be performed in-office under local anaesthesia. This is often the case for upper eyelid surgery, which is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure. For more complex procedures, such as lower eyelid surgery or combined upper and lower blepharoplasty, Dr Choy typically operates in a hospital or accredited surgical facility. 

Can eyelid surgery cause blurred vision? 

Shortly after eyelid surgery, some patients may experience temporary blurred vision, as well as swelling, bruising and sensitivity to light. This is a known possibility during the healing process and typically resolves within a few days to a week. Eyelid surgery should not cause long-term blurred vision or other significant visual disturbances. 

What are the anaesthesia options for eyelid surgery?

Several types of anaesthesia can be used for eyelid surgery. The most common include:

• Local anaesthesia: This involves numbing the eyelids with injections, allowing the patient to remain awake during the procedure. Local anaesthesia is often used for upper eyelid surgery performed in-office.
• Intravenous sedation: Also known as “twilight” sedation, this option combines local anaesthesia with sedative medications administered through an IV, helping the patient relax and experience minimal discomfort.
• General anaesthesia: This involves putting the patient fully to sleep and is typically used for more extensive procedures, such as lower eyelid surgery or combined upper and lower blepharoplasty.

Dr Choy will discuss your eyelid surgery anaesthesia options with you in detail during your consultation. He will recommend an approach based on your preferences and the specifics of your surgery. 

*This information about blepharoplasty was reviewed by Dr Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For blepharoplasty, these may include: 

• Asymmetrical eye appearance
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing
• Inability to fully close the eyelids
• Ectropion (outward turning of the eyelid)
• Temporary blurred or double vision
• Loss of vision
• Hollow appearance due to over-removal of fat
• Drooping of the upper eyelid

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.