BLEPHAROPLASTY

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY?

This procedure is also known as eyelid surgery. Eyelid surgery is a common procedure that removes sagging skin and fat deposits (eyebags) from the eyelids, creating a rejuvenated, less “tired” looking appearance.  

You may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery if :

• You have obstructed vision due to excess skin 
• You have loose, sagging, or excess skin on the upper eyelids
• You have excess fatty deposits that appear as puffiness beneath the eyelid skin
• You have bags under your eyes
• You have drooping or wrinkling on the lower eyelids

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE

This procedure is performed under anaesthesia and usually takes around 1 hour. A day stay is required for upper eyelid surgery. For lower eyelid surgery, you will stay overnight and will be discharged the following morning. 

A blepharoplasty procedure requires external incisions made along the natural skin lines of the eyelid. This ensures that any scarring is well hidden after surgery. All excess fat, muscle, and skin are then trimmed away from the eyelid before it is sutured closed to form its new shape. 

UPPER EYELID SURGERY

Upper eyelid surgery focuses specifically on loose and excess skin on the upper part of the eye. The procedure can also correct drooping eyes (also known as ptosis). A careful incision is made on the natural eyelid crease followed by the removal of any excess skin. The process may involve muscle tightening and fat redraping or fat removal to achieve the desired lifted appearance. 

LOWER EYELID SURGERY

Lower eyelid surgery focuses on correcting bags, puffiness, and loose skin below the eye. It can also help create a smoother transition between the lower eyelid area and the cheeks. The surgery involves the removal or repositioning of excess fat deposits under the eye. This is done by making an incision just below the lower lash line or from within the eyelid itself. Any excess skin will then be removed, and any fat that is pushing through the muscle will be removed or redistributed. The eyelid may then be tightened to help to prevent it from sagging (canthopexy).

Lower eyelid surgery cannot remove dark circles under the eyes, lift sagging eyebrows or get rid of crow’s feet. The surgery won’t stop the effects of the natural ageing process.

Upper and lower eyelid surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital or Warners Bay Private Hospital. 

Eyelid surgery may also be combined with other surgical procedures such as a brow lift, facelift or rhinoplasty.

RECOVERY & HEALING

Complete recovery from eyelid surgery can take up to 2 weeks. After 7 days your stitches will be removed. During this period, it’s imperative that you get a lot of rest. You can expect some redness and swelling after the procedure but this will fade over time.

It’s important to keep the eye area clean until the eyelids have healed completely. Sleeping with your head in an elevated position can help reduce swelling. If you wear contact lenses, you should avoid them for about 2 weeks. 

BENEFITS OF EYELID SURGERY

• Remove excess eyelid skin
• Improved vision by removing excess eyelid skin
• A more refreshed and youthful look 
• Relief from irritation caused by excess skin folds
• Reduced fine lines under the eyes

MEDICARE CRITERIA
Lower eyelid surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, as such, there is no rebate from Medicare or your health fund. You may be eligible for Medicare funding for upper eyelid surgery if the skin on the upper eyelid droops significantly and has an impact on your field of vision. You will be required to take a visual field test (Peripheral Vision Test) by an Optometrist to prove this. Eligible patients may get their Medicare rebate through item number 45617. This rebate applies to each eye separately.