WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY? (EYELID REDUCTION SURGERY)

Eyelid reductions are one of the most common plastic surgery operations. The aim of eyelid reduction surgery is to improve facial appearance and reduce the signs of ageing by treating:

Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision
Excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the upper eyelids
Bags under the eyes
Droopiness of the lower eyelids, showing white below the iris (coloured portion of the eye)
Excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid

Skilled surgeon performing eyelid reduction surgery on a woman

Your Guide to Blepharoplasty Surgery

Your blepharoplasty surgery journey at Plastic Surgery Queensland begins with a comprehensive consultation. Your surgeon will discuss the concerns you would like to address and assess the skin, fatty tissue, eyelid position and overall anatomy around your eyes.

A personalised surgical plan may be developed to address excess upper-eyelid skin, puffiness caused by fatty tissue, lower-eyelid bags, or loose lower-eyelid skin where appropriate. The aim is to ensure you understand the potential benefits, limitations, recovery process and risks before deciding whether surgery is suitable for you.

Blepharoplasty:

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

Blepharoplasty may be considered by adults who are concerned about changes around the upper or lower eyelids, including loose skin, puffiness, under-eye bags or lower-eyelid skin laxity.

You may be suitable for consultation if you:

Have excess upper-eyelid skin that creates folds or affects the upper eyelid contour
Are concerned about puffy upper eyelids or under-eye bags
Have loose skin or fine wrinkles of the lower eyelids
Experience upper-eyelid skin that may interfere with your field of vision
Are in good general health and are able to undergo surgery safely
Do not smoke, or are prepared to stop smoking as directed before and after surgery
Have realistic expectations and understand that outcomes and healing vary between individuals

A consultation is required to assess suitability. In some cases, eyelid concerns may relate to eyebrow position, eyelid muscle function, dry-eye symptoms or other eye conditions. Your surgeon will discuss whether blepharoplasty alone, an alternative procedure, or no surgical treatment is most appropriate.

Before and after

Blepharoplasty

Plastic Surgeon: Dr Andrew Hadj

Blepharoplasty

Plastic Surgeon: Dr Andrew Hadj

Blepharoplasty

Plastic Surgeon: Dr Theo Birch

Blepharoplasty

Plastic Surgeon: Dr Theo Birch

As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty carries potential risks, including but not limited to dry eyes, temporary blurred vision, and swelling. Patients should discuss these risks in detail with their surgeon during consultation. It’s also recommended to always seek second opinions. Every patient is an individual and therefore final surgical results will vary from patient to patient.

Plastic Surgery Queensland advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency
(AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Interested in finding out more?

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What You Need to know

1. EXPECTATIONS

A GP referral is required for a surgical consultation. During your appointment, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, medications, previous eye surgery, vision, dry-eye symptoms and any relevant health conditions.

Blepharoplasty is tailored to each individual. The amount of skin or fatty tissue that can be safely removed varies, and the procedure may involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Your surgeon will explain what may be achievable in your circumstances, as well as the limitations of surgery.

If upper-eyelid skin is affecting vision, your surgeon may discuss whether further assessment is required. Eligibility for any Medicare or health fund rebate depends on individual clinical circumstances and applicable criteria. Cosmetic procedures do not generally attract Medicare rebates.

It is important to be open about smoking, alcohol intake, medications, supplements and any history of eye conditions. You may require more than one consultation before proceeding so you have sufficient time to consider the procedure, alternatives, recovery and potential risks. Seeking a second opinion is also encouraged.

2. SURGERY

Blepharoplasty is performed to address excess skin and/or fatty tissue around the eyelids. The surgical approach depends on the area being treated and your individual anatomy.

For upper blepharoplasty, incisions are generally placed within the natural upper-eyelid crease. Excess skin may be removed, and fatty tissue may be addressed where appropriate. The incision is positioned so the resulting scar is usually concealed within the natural eyelid fold once healed.

For lower blepharoplasty, the approach may involve an incision just beneath the lower eyelashes or inside the lower eyelid. Depending on the treatment plan, the procedure may address fatty tissue, loose skin or lower-eyelid laxity. Not every patient requires the same technique.

Blepharoplasty may be performed as a day procedure, with the anaesthetic approach determined by the procedure and your medical needs. Surgery duration varies depending on whether the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both are being treated.

Your surgeon will explain the planned technique, expected recovery, scar placement and whether any additional procedures are being considered.

3. RISKS

All surgery carries uncertainty and potential risks. Specific risks associated with blepharoplasty can include:

Swelling, bruising, discomfort and temporary tightness around the eyes
Dry, irritated or watery eyes
Temporary blurred vision or sensitivity to light
Infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing or scarring
Asymmetry, uneven eyelid creases or contour irregularities
Difficulty fully closing the eyes, which may be temporary or, rarely, persistent
Changes to lower-eyelid position, including eyelid retraction or turning outward
The need for revision surgery or further treatment

Rare but serious complications can occur. Your surgeon will discuss the risks relevant to your proposed procedure, medical history and individual circumstances during consultation. A second opinion should be sought before proceeding with any surgical or invasive procedure.

4. POST
PROCEDURE

Following blepharoplasty, swelling, bruising, temporary blurred vision and mild discomfort are common. Your surgeon will provide personalised post-operative instructions, including how to care for the incision sites, use prescribed medication or eye drops if required, and manage swelling.

Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated may be recommended during the early recovery period. You should avoid rubbing the eyes, heavy lifting, strenuous exercise and activities that may place pressure on the surgical area until your surgeon advises it is safe to resume them.

Most people require time away from work and social commitments while bruising and swelling settle. Recovery varies between individuals, and residual swelling can take several weeks or longer to resolve. Scars continue to mature over time.

Follow-up appointments are important so your surgeon can monitor healing and address any concerns. If you experience increasing pain, changes in vision, significant swelling, bleeding or other unexpected symptoms, contact the practice or seek urgent medical care as advised.

FAQs

Blepharoplasty is eyelid reduction surgery. It may involve removing or repositioning excess skin and fatty tissue around the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on an individual treatment plan.

In some people, excess upper-eyelid skin may interfere with the visual field. Your surgeon can assess whether this may be relevant in your case and advise whether further testing or assessment is needed.

It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. Upper blepharoplasty commonly addresses loose upper-eyelid skin, while lower blepharoplasty may address under-eye bags, fatty tissue or loose lower-eyelid skin.

The length of surgery varies depending on the areas being treated and the complexity of the procedure. Your surgeon will provide an estimate based on your individual surgical plan.

Incisions for upper blepharoplasty are generally placed in the natural eyelid crease. Lower-eyelid incisions may be placed beneath the eyelashes or inside the eyelid, depending on the technique used. All surgery results in scars, though scars usually mature and fade over time.

Initial bruising and swelling are common and can take several weeks to settle. Healing and scar maturation continue over a longer period, and recovery differs between individuals. Your surgeon will advise when you can return to work, exercise, driving and other activities.

Most patients experience discomfort, tightness and swelling rather than severe pain. Your surgeon will discuss pain management and provide instructions for your recovery.

Blepharoplasty is not designed to treat every cause of dark circles. Dark circles can result from skin pigmentation, facial volume changes, shadowing, blood vessels and other factors. Your surgeon can advise whether eyelid surgery may address any component of your concern.

The skin and fatty tissue addressed during surgery do not simply return; however, the natural ageing process continues. Outcomes vary, and no specific result or longevity can be guaranteed.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reduction Surgery)

WHAT IS A BLEPHAROPLASTY? (EYELID REDUCTION SURGERY)

Your Guide to Blepharoplasty Surgery

Are You an Ideal Candidate?

Before and after

Interested in finding out more?

What You Need to know

1. EXPECTATIONS

2. SURGERY

3. RISKS

4. POST PROCEDURE

FAQs

What is blepharoplasty?

Can blepharoplasty improve vision?

Is blepharoplasty performed on the upper or lower eyelids?

How long does blepharoplasty surgery take?

Will I have visible scars after eyelid surgery?

How long is recovery after blepharoplasty?

Is blepharoplasty painful?

Can blepharoplasty treat dark circles?

Are the results permanent?

4. POST
PROCEDURE