Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular plastic surgery procedure that can alter the appearance of the eyes and address concerns such as loose skin, excess fat and puffiness around the eyelids. In the most recent survey of plastic surgery and aesthetic treatments, performed in 2024, blepharoplasty was the most common surgery, with over 2 million procedures performed globally.
While most eyelid surgeries are cosmetic, blepharoplasty can also improve functional concerns, such as skin irritation or the loss of peripheral vision due to drooping upper eyelid skin.
Whether you’re considering upper or lower eyelid surgery or a combination of the two, it’s essential to inform yourself the costs involved. Knowing what to expect in terms of price can help you prepare for the procedure and determine whether it’s a feasible option for you.
Below, we explore some of the most common questions about the cost of eyelid surgery in Sydney. Knowledge truly is power, and we want you to feel empowered to make the best decision for your needs.
What Are the General Costs Involved in Plastic Surgery?
While the specific costs of each procedure may vary, some common elements are typically included in the total price. These include:
Surgeon’s Fee
The surgeon’s fee generally includes preoperative care, the procedure itself and postoperative care. The surgeon’s fee may vary based on their qualifications, experience and expertise in certain procedures, as well as their geographic location and popularity.
Anaesthetist’s Fee
The fee for anaesthesia covers the cost of the anaesthesia itself as well as the price of the anaesthetist on duty at the time of your surgery. Cost varies depending on the type of anaesthesia used, with general anesthesia typically costing more than local or regional anesthesia. The cost of the anesthesia may also depend on the anaesthetist’s level of education, training and experience.
Surgeon’s Assistant’s Fee
In some cases, a surgeon’s assistant may be necessary for longer or more complex procedures. This fee will add to the total cost of the surgery.
Hospital and Facility Fees
Fees for the use of a hospital or other medical facility may vary depending on the location, the duration of the procedure and whether an overnight stay is required. In the case of blepharoplasty, the procedure can sometimes be performed in the surgeon’s office.
Medications
Preoperative and/or postoperative medications may be necessary and included in the cost of the surgery.
Recovery Garments and Supplies
Some procedures require special garments, dressings or other supplies as part of the healing process.
How Does the Type of Blepharoplasty Affect the Cost?
One of the most important considerations is the type of eyelid surgery you wish to undergo. Dr Choy offers several different types of blepharoplasty, each of which can be customised to your needs:
Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid area. This is the most common type of blepharoplasty, and often the least expensive. Upper blepharoplasty can often be performed under local anaesthesia. The shorter operative time and reduced anaesthesia costs often keep this surgery at the lower end of the price range.
Lower Eyelid Surgery
Lower eyelid surgery addresses puffiness and bags under the eyes by removing excess fat and tightening the skin. The cost for this eyelid surgery is higher than the cost of upper blepharoplasty. This surgery is often more technically demanding and is sometimes performed under general anaesthesia, depending on the situation. A longer and more involved surgery can also contribute to higher costs.
Combination Eyelid Surgery
Some patients opt for a combination of upper and lower eyelid surgery, which can be performed in a single procedure. This typically costs more than having either procedure individually. However, if you do plan on having both your upper and lower lids addressed, combining the two surgeries into one reduces the cost of having them performed at separate times since you will be able to combine the anaesthesia fee and recovery period.
Double Eyelid Surgery
This procedure is popular amongst Asian patients and is designed to create a crease in the upper eyelid. The cost for double eyelid surgery can be similar to upper eyelid surgery, but may range higher due to the specialised nature of the procedure. Creating a natural-looking and symmetrical eyelid crease that respects your Asian features requires surgical precision, so it is important to consider other factors beyond cost, such as the surgeon’s experience and approach.
When Is Blepharoplasty Considered a Medical Necessity?
Sometimes, a blepharoplasty may be considered a medical necessity. You may be a candidate for medically necessary blepharoplasty if you experience any of the following:
- Visual Field Obstruction: Excess upper eyelid skin that droops over the lash line and impairs your peripheral or upper-field vision. This is typically confirmed through a visual field test performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
- Chronic Skin Irritation or Dermatitis: Redundant eyelid skin that folds over on itself and causes persistent irritation, redness or infection that has not responded to conservative treatment.
- Difficulty Wearing Corrective Lenses: Excess skin or tissue that interferes with the proper fit of glasses or contact lenses.
- Mechanical Ptosis: The weight of excess upper eyelid skin or tissue, causing the eyelid to droop to a degree that affects vision or daily function.
If you believe your eyelid concerns may be functional rather than purely cosmetic, Dr Choy can assess your condition and advise what your next steps may be.
Does Medicare Cover Blepharoplasty in Australia?
In most cases, eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by Medicare. However, if some of the situations mentioned above exist, you may qualify for Medicare coverage. This is often partial coverage, and the procedure needs to be deemed medically necessary.
To be eligible, the procedure must also be performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), like Dr Choy. The surgeon must provide evidence that the procedure is medically necessary and not solely for cosmetic purposes. Clinical evidence such as photographs, diagnostic imaging and visual field testing will be needed to support your claim.
What Medicare Item Numbers Are Relevant for Eyelid Surgery?
The following MBS item codes may be applicable for blepharoplasty:
For Upper Eyelid Surgery
Medicare item number 45617
To qualify, you must:
- Have one of six conditions outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule
- Have photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence documenting the condition
For Lower Eyelid Surgery
Medicare item number 45620
To qualify, you must:
- Meet one of two qualifying conditions outlined in the Medicare Benefits Schedule
- Have photographic and/or diagnostic imaging evidence demonstrating the clinical need for the procedure
Does Private Health Insurance Cover Eyelid Surgery in Australia?
Private health insurance may offer coverage for eyelid surgery, provided you qualify for one of the Medicare item numbers above. However, it is unlikely that the full cost of the procedure will be covered, so you should be prepared to pay some out-of-pocket expenses.
Review your policy documents or speak directly with your insurer to confirm what coverage may be available in your specific case.
The Final Tally: What Is the Cost of Eyelid Surgery in Sydney?
The cost of blepharoplasty in Sydney depends significantly on the type of surgery you choose.
Upper eyelid surgery can range from $6,000-$8,000. Procedures may fall above the high end of this range if they are done in hospital with an anaesthetist or if they are a more complex procedure (e.g. ptosis correction or a revision surgery).
Lower eyelid surgery typically ranges from $12,000-$14,000. This fee includes the surgeon, anaesthesia and hospital.
For upper and lower eyelid surgery combined, the typical range is $15,000-$20,000. This procedure is always done in hospital and may include an overnight stay.
Ultimately, the price you pay for your eyelid surgery will depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the procedure (cosmetic or functional), the complexity of the surgery, your surgeon’s location and experience, and more.
Please keep in mind the ranges above are generalised estimates. A one-on-one consultation with Dr Choy is required to determine your candidacy for eyelid surgery and the cost of your procedure. If you choose to move forward, you will receive a Cost/Payment Schedule that details all costs associated with your proposed blepharoplasty procedure.
Learn how to choose a qualified specialist plastic surgeon in Sydney
Meet With Dr Ellis Choy to Discuss Your Blepharoplasty
We hope this has helped you understand the general costs involved in eyelid surgery and the factors that may affect those costs. As with any surgical procedure, it is important to carefully consider the financial investment and speak with a qualified surgeon about your options.
If you are interested in learning more about eyelid surgery in Sydney or would like a personalised quote, we encourage you to book a consultation with specialist plastic surgeon Dr Ellis Choy. During this initial appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss the procedure, the costs involved and any other questions or concerns you may have.
Please call 02 8962 9388 or complete this form to request your consultation with Dr Choy. We look forward to working with you.
Blepharoplasty Cost FAQs
How much does a blepharoplasty consultation cost?
A blepharoplasty consultation with Dr Choy costs $350. Patients who have a current GP referral may be able to get a partial rebate through Medicare. This fee is payable at the time of booking and covers an assessment of your eyelid concerns, a discussion of your aesthetic or functional goals, and Dr Choy’s professional recommendation on the most suitable blepharoplasty approach for you. We are unable to offer a refund for appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice.
Can I get my blepharoplasty quote over the phone?
Our team is happy to share a general price guide over the phone so you can begin planning. However, every eyelid surgery is customised for the patient, so precise costs are only available once you have been evaluated in person. A face-to-face consultation allows Dr Choy to determine which type of anaesthesia is better and whether there are any functional concerns alongside the aesthetic.
When is payment due?
The first payment will be due seven to ten days after you confirm the surgery date with Dr Choy and the Practice Director. If you decide to proceed with the blepharoplasty, you will be given paperwork that provides everything in detail and breaks down every fee that contributes to the final cost. The next step is to make a deposit to secure your surgery date. At this time, we will also have you sign a Terms & Conditions document. If you are planning ahead and secure a date a month or longer in advance, we can set up a payment schedule to settle the balance in stages.
Can I finance the cost of eyelid surgery?
Instalment plans are available for those who wish to consider other payment options. This is a decision that deserves serious consideration, and we will spend time talking about all of your options for elective surgery. We encourage our patients to consider every aspect of their surgery and their situation before committing to the procedure and the costs that come with it.
What additional costs should I budget for during recovery?
Beyond the surgical fees outlined in your Cost/Payment Schedule, there are a few ancillary expenses worth planning for:
- Days Off: Blepharoplasty procedures will require you to take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks off from work. Make sure to budget in any loss of income that you will experience from your days off, especially if you are not receiving paid leave.
- Transportation: Most people are able to have a friend or family member drive them to and from their surgery. Others may need to hire transportation both on the day of surgery and for check-ups, which should be considered along with other costs.
- Prescribed Medications: You may require prescribed eye drops, ointments or oral medications to aid your recovery. These costs are generally small but worth adding to the total.
- Scar Care: Some patients invest in creams or silicone strips to help incision lines heal as inconspicuously as possible.
- UV Protection: You should invest in good-quality sunglasses and a high-SPF sunscreen while your eyelid skin is healing, since it will be sensitive to sun exposure.
Can I claim any costs on Medicare if I don’t qualify for an item number?
If your eyelid surgery is classified as cosmetic and does not meet the criteria for a Medicare item number, the entire cost of the procedure, including the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee and any facility charges, will be your responsibility. Medicare rebates are only available when the procedure is deemed medically necessary, and an appropriate item number applies.
Are there nonsurgical alternatives I should consider?
No nonsurgical treatment can replicate the results of blepharoplasty. However, if your concerns are relatively minor, there are some options that may offer a degree of improvement:
- Thread Lift: This is a less invasive procedure that uses dissolvable threads to lift and reposition sagging tissue around the eyes and brow. Lifting the brow can also reduce the appearance of upper eyelid heaviness.
- Thermage Skin Tightening: This radiofrequency-based treatment tightens the skin and stimulates collagen renewal using heat energy.
- Ultherapy Skin Lifting: Ultherapy is an ultrasound-based device that targets tissue beneath the skin’s surface to encourage a gradual tightening and lifting effect.
- Profound RF Microneedling: We can use this device to improve skin quality and texture through radiofrequency energy and microneedling.
- Secret RF Microneedling: This is another radiofrequency microneedling option that can address fine lines and mild skin laxity around the eyes.
- CO2RE Laser Resurfacing: Laser treatments can improve skin tone, texture and the appearance of fine lines in the periocular area.
We offer these treatments, along with scar reduction therapy, through Dr Choy’s nonsurgical aesthetics clinic.
It’s important to understand that these treatments cannot remove excess skin, reposition displaced fat pads or provide the same level of visible transformation that surgery provides. If you’re unsure which option is suitable for you, Dr Choy can guide you during your consultation.
How can I get the most out of my blepharoplasty results?
Your surgical results can last for many years, but a few habits can help you get the most from your investment:
- Shield your eyes from the sun. The skin around the eyes is thinner than almost anywhere else on the body. Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses goes a long way toward preventing premature ageing in this area.
- Look after your skin. A healing and hydrating skincare routine discussed with your surgeon helps maintain the quality and elasticity of the eyelid skin.
- Don’t smoke. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the skin and accelerates collagen loss, both of which can compromise your long-term results.
- Keep your follow-up appointments. Post-surgical reviews with Dr Choy are an important part of the process. They allow him to monitor your healing and address any questions while you recover.
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