Eyelid Lift or Blepharoplasty FAQs

Eyelid Lift or blepharoplasty is one of several facial procedures that surgeons perform. Our surgeons have hundreds of surgeries behind them and are known for individualised approaches and great results. Below are FAQS about blepharoplasty.

Blepharoplasty FAQs

What is a good procedure for ageing around the eyes?

• A Lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid surgery can be an option for signs of ageing underneath the eyes.
• The surgery removes excess fatty tissue commonly found under the eyes.
• Contact our specialist plastic surgeons and schedule a consultation today to see how blepharoplasty could help you.

Is there a way to get rid of hooded eyes?

• Upper eyelid blepharoplasty, upper blepharoplasty or upper eyelid lift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin from the upper eyelid and any extra fatty tissues that may be causing aesthetic concerns.

What is eyelid ptosis?

• Eyelid ptosis is a heavy laxity of one or both eyelids.
• Eyelids become lax and sit below the eyelid crease. They may touch or even surpass the eyelashes.
• In extreme cases, an eyelid can obstruct vision and become prone to infections.
• In this and milder cases, an option to treat eyelid ptosis is blepharoplasty surgery.

Can blepharoplasty change the shape of the eyes?

• No, blepharoplasty does not change the shape of your eyes.
• Your eyes may be swollen as a part of blepharoplasty recovery, but the swelling should subside as the area heals.
• The eyes may appear to change shape, but this is due to the removal of excess eyelid skin, not because the doctor interferes with the shape of your eyes.
• If you want a more dramatic procedure, you can combine the blepharoplasty surgical procedure with a canthoplasty surgery in Melbourne.

Does blepharoplasty surgery change your appearance?

• Yes, blepharoplasty aims to change the appearance of the eyes in order to treat cosmetic or functional eyelid issues.
• To understand what benefits eyelid surgery offers you, schedule a consultation with our Melbourne plastic surgeons and see what results they can achieve.

What will I look like after blepharoplasty?

• Immediately after blepharoplasty, you may be swollen, and some bruising may appear around your eyes.
• The bruising and swelling are present regardless of the eyelid that was operated on.
• To help the recovery process, you can apply cold compresses and follow the advice given to you by a Coco Ruby specialist plastic surgeon.

Does a brow lift help hooded eyes?

• A lateral brow lift can’t completely change your natural eye shape. However, it may affect the appearance of ‘hooded’ eyes, depending on the specific surgical plan.
• This procedure is often used in more severe cases of eye ptosis, where brow ptosis is also present.
• A lateral brow lift is a surgical procedure that can be done in conjunction with an eyelid lift or blepharoplasty.
• If you are interested in both of these procedures, you can speak with your experienced plastic surgeon and schedule the initial screening.

Does blepharoplasty get rid of wrinkles?

• Although not the original intention, blepharoplasty can target wrinkles in some cases.
• It is important to remember that each patient and surgery is unique and will have different results.
• Alternatives to surgical facial procedures include a mini facelift (rhytidectomy), a full facelift (rhytidectomy), or even cosmetic wrinkle treatments in one of our clinics.

How can I treat eyelid laxity without surgery?

• Some non-surgical methods of eyelid skin tightening do exist, but they may not be the appropriate solution for high-level eyelid ptosis.
• You may consider a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty or eyelid lift for more moderate or severe ptosis.

Am I a Good Candidate / Blepharoplasty Prerequisites FAQs

What is a good age for blepharoplasty?

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has found that over 90% of patients seeking blepharoplasty procedures are over 40 years of age.
• This is not to say that younger patients cannot have blepharoplasty surgery. Quite on the contrary, even if you are 20 or 25, with heavy sun-damaged or ptotic eyelids. If you have concerns about your eyelids, schedule a consultation with one of our Melbourne Plastic Surgeons and see what they can do for you.

Who is a good candidate for blepharoplasty?

• A good candidate for a blepharoplasty has:
  • Lower or upper eyelid ptosis as a result of ageing, fat deposits, hereditary factors or sun damage,
  • Problems with peripheral vision due to high-level upper eyelid ptosis,
  • Realistic expectations of what can be achieved using this procedure.

Can I get blepharoplasty in my 40s?

• Yes, you can get blepharoplasty in your 40s.
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons has found that over 90% of patients who undergo blepharoplasty are over 40 years of age.
• This procedure can be done on much younger and much older patients, but a word of caution is needed as a patient in their 60s will take a much longer time to heal.

Can I get blepharoplasty twice?

• Yes, you can get blepharoplasty twice.
• As you age, your skin experiences laxity all over your body. Your eyelids are no exception.
• Even after blepharoplasty, the skin grows, and sun damage accumulates if you do not take good care of your skin.
• If you are bothered by the new ptosis, you can always schedule a revision blepharoplasty or a repeated blepharoplasty.

Can a man have blepharoplasty surgery?

• Yes, a man can have blepharoplasty surgery.
• Blepharoplasty for men is a common surgical procedure nowadays.
• Men also experience eyelid ptosis due to weight gain, hereditary factors, sun damage and ageing.

What are realistic expectations of blepharoplasty?

• Realistic expectations of blepharoplasty are important for anyone pursuing the procedure.
• Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will be able to assess your situation properly.
• If your expectations exceed the possibilities of a blepharoplasty, you may consider and discuss with your surgeon combining the procedure with a lateral brow lift, a facelift or mini facelift (rhytidectomy), or some non-surgical procedures.

Blepharoplasty or Eyelid Lift Preparation FAQs

How do you prepare for a blepharoplasty?

• To properly prepare for blepharoplasty, you should:
  • Have an initial screening with your specialist plastic surgeon,
  • Do all the blood work that they say you should have for the procedure,
  • Prepare and bring any paperwork that your surgeon asks you to bring,
  • Understand the limits, risks and complications of a blepharoplasty,
  • Run your errands a little early,
  • Have a friend bring you to a blepharoplasty surgery and take you home after,
  • Make sure that you can have several days off work.

Also, you should not smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol or take any drugs weeks before and after the surgical procedure. If you are on regular therapy, inform your surgeon about this since some medication may increase risks and possible complications before and after the blepharoplasty procedure.

Can I drive to blepharoplasty?

• You can drive to blepharoplasty, but you cannot drive back.
• It is best to have a friend or a family member drive you both to the procedure and home after the procedure.
• After the blepharoplasty, you will be under the influence of the anaesthetic and possibly some additional pain relievers.
• You should not drive while under the influence of these medications.

What do I need to bring to blepharoplasty?

• If you have a scheduled blepharoplasty, you should bring all blood work, lab results, paperwork, some cold compresses if they are not provided by your plastic surgeon, as well as any medication that your surgeon has advised you to bring.
• You should also bring any medication you may be taking regularly and bring a friend or a family member to take you home after your surgery.

Blepharoplasty Procedure FAQs

Is blepharoplasty major surgery?

• Yes, blepharoplasty is major surgery.
• It penetrates the tissues and has its risks and complications.
• Always speak with your specialist plastic surgeon about any concerns you may have and make sure to fully understand the risks and complications before undergoing any plastic surgery.

What is upper eyelid blepharoplasty?

• An upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fatty tissues in the area of the upper lid.
• It does so by making an incision in the eyelid, the muscle, and the orbital septum and removes the fatty deposits found there.
• The surgeon will bring the tissue back together, and remove a wedge of skin from the eyelid.
• A running suture is placed, and after a short stay in the hospital, the patient is most likely ready to go home.

What is lower eyelid blepharoplasty?

• A lower eyelid blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra fat deposits and skin from under the eyes.
• This might be an option for men or women who are dissatisfied with their lower eyelid area.

What is double eyelid blepharoplasty / What is double blepharoplasty?

• A double eyelid blepharoplasty or a double blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes extra fatty tissue and skin from the lower and the upper eyelid.
• It is a combination of the two procedures.

Will blepharoplasty get rid of wrinkles?

A blepharoplasty may treat or change the appearance of some wrinkles in the eye area. If you are concerned about significant facial laxity, you may consider looking into other procedures to combine with blepharoplasty. This can include a facelift (rhytidectomy) or lateral brow lift.

How long does blepharoplasty take?

• If your surgeon decides to operate on both the upper and lower eyelids, the surgery usually takes around two hours.
• However, if you need a unilateral blepharoplasty (operating on one eyelid only) or if you would like to have only your upper or lower eyelids operated on, the surgical procedure will take somewhat less time.

Are you awake during blepharoplasty?

• Yes, you will be awake during a blepharoplasty.
• Your surgeon will use a mix of local anaesthesia and a mild oral or intravenous sedative.
• You will be awake during the procedure but sedated and relaxed.

What is the difference between Eyelid Surgery and blepharoplasty?

• Blepharoplasty and eyelid surgery are mostly used interchangeably.
• The word ‘blepharoplasty’ is the proper medical term for eyelid surgery.

Can lower blepharoplasty cause dry eyes?

• In some cases, blepharoplasty may cause dry eyes.
• Sometimes, this condition is present only during the healing process. Sometimes, however, it can be persistent even long after the procedure.
• Ensure you understand all the risks and complications associated with the blepharoplasty procedure and what you can do to reduce these risks.

Does lower blepharoplasty make eyes bigger?

• Lower blepharoplasty does not make your eyes look bigger.
• A lower blepharoplasty procedure aims to reduce excess skin but does not address how much of your eye is covered by the skin.

Blepharoplasty Recovery FAQs

What is the recovery time for lower blepharoplasty?

• The majority of recovery will take place 10-14 days post-surgery.
• You can aid your recovery by getting plenty of rest and avoiding activities that may strain your eyes, such as reading and time spent in front of a screen.

How long after blepharoplasty will I look normal?

• The bruising and swelling often disappears 10-14 days after a blepharoplasty procedure. However, this time may vary.
• It is important to rest and take good care of yourself for approximately two weeks.

How can I speed up my recovery after blepharoplasty?

• There is no definite way to speed up your recovery after blepharoplasty. However, you should take care of yourself by:
  • Take plenty of rest in a dark room for the first couple of days,
  • Eat a healthy diet and drink water
  • Avoid;
    • TV and reading as they put too much strain on the eyes,
    • Stress and strenuous physical activity
    • Direct sunlight (always wear very dark glasses to protect your eyes from lights)
  • Do not smoke as smoking restricts blood flow, making the recovery time longer and risks and complications more common and higher in severity,
  • Follow any other advice that your Specialist Plastic Surgeon has given you.

How do you sleep after a blepharoplasty?

• You should sleep on your back in a reclined position after a blepharoplasty.
• This allows a faster recovery and any liquid accumulation to be reabsorbed by the body more easily.
• Some patients may find this a little too difficult, but sleeping in this position is a necessity, as sleeping in any other position can compromise the results and bring about discomfort.

How long do I have to sleep on my back after blepharoplasty?

• You should sleep on your back for at least two weeks after blepharoplasty.
• This is to ensure that you are as comfortable as can be, with a minimum of pain and swelling, and to avoid compromising the outcomes.

How long do eyelids stay red after blepharoplasty?

• Although most recovery takes place in the first few days post-op, your eyes will stay red for around two weeks.
• You can aid this recovery process by eating a healthy diet, taking supplements and plenty of rest.
• Always ensure that you follow every piece of advice your surgeon has given to you.

How long will my eyes feel tight after blepharoplasty?

• Your eyes will feel tight for around two weeks after the blepharoplasty.
• In some cases, the feeling of tightness in the eyes will disappear within a week.
• You should understand that the recovery time is different for every patient and that you can do a lot to help and speed it up.
• Speak with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon about any concerns about the procedure and the recovery after a blepharoplasty.

How long do eyes water after blepharoplasty?

• Your eyes can water for up to two weeks after a blepharoplasty procedure.
• You should be careful to give your eyes enough ‘down-time’ to allow them to heal properly.
• Avoid screen time and reading.
• Make sure to always be in a semi-dark room.
• If the watering, swelling or bruising is particularly persistent even after this period, consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and schedule a follow-up.

Can you drive after upper blepharoplasty?

• No, you can not drive after upper blepharoplasty.
• You will be under the influence of pain medication, which may interfere with your ability to drive.
• Furthermore, you will either have an eyepatch or very dark glasses on to protect your eyes from too much light.

Can you watch TV after blepharoplasty?

• No, you should not watch TV after a blepharoplasty.
• Be mindful that your eyes will feel tired, dry or watery and that your vision may be blurry.
• All of these are signs that your eyes need to rest, so make sure to spend time in a semi-dark room for the first few days and avoid any glaring light, such as light coming from your TV, for at least several days post-op.

When can I wear mascara after blepharoplasty?

• Most surgeons suggest that you can wear mascara two weeks after blepharoplasty.
• Do not put any makeup on your face before this period or before your surgeon says it is OK to do so.
• You may injure your eyes, contaminate the wound and cause further complications.

Blepharoplasty Longer-Term Results FAQs

Can eyelids grow after blepharoplasty?

• Yes, eyelids can still grow after a blepharoplasty.
• While, a blepharoplasty permanently removes tissue, further ageing or improper care can lead the eyelids to develop excess skin or laxity again.
• For this reason, you should always take good care of your skin, apply generous amounts of SPF when heading out and have a pair of good sunglasses on your eyes whenever you are out.

Are blepharoplasty scars visible?

• It is possible for blepharoplasty scars to be visible. However, a skilled surgeon takes care to position them in the natural crease of the eyelid.
• If you are worried about the visibility of your scars, you may ask your Specialist Plastic Surgeon about some silicone-based creams that you could apply to your eyelids to help fade the scars even further, although this is not necessary.

How to minimise eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) scars?

• To treat the appearance of blepharoplasty scars, you should:
  • Avoid sun exposure,
  • Apply and massage silicone-based creams to the incision place,
  • Avoid strenuous activities or any activities that could build up blood pressure in or behind your eyes (lifting, bending over, coughing, sneezing, etc.),
  • You should NOT smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol,
  • Have mild but regular exercise and have a healthy diet to promote recovery.

How to prevent eyelid ptosis?

Eyelid ptosis is difficult to prevent since it may originate in the eye muscle in some cases. However, taking good care of the skin of the face and the eyelid and avoiding too much exposure to direct sunlight and tanning beds can benefit the state of your eyelid skin and may slow down the development of ptosis.

How to protect your eyes?

• You can best protect your eyes by avoiding direct sunlight and always wearing a pair of high-quality sunglasses.
• Make sure the lens of your glasses are made of high-quality materials that block most, if not all, harmful UV rays and are polarised.
• However, protecting eyes can protect you from developing eyelid ptosis only to an extent since other factors, such as hereditary, come into play. Consult your MD or Specialist Plastic Surgeon for more information.

Blepharoplasty Risks And Complications FAQs

What can go wrong with blepharoplasty?

• Risks and complications exist with every surgical procedure, and the same goes for blepharoplasty.
• During your recovery, you may experience some mild pain, swelling and general discomfort.
• You can also experience excessive watering of the eye or eye dryness.
• Some other complications that may appear are a reduced field of vision due to the swelling.
• Long-term complications include eye infection and bleeding, dry eyes, irritated eyes, and difficulty fully closing or fully opening your eyelids.

Why do my eyes look smaller after blepharoplasty?

• Immediately after blepharoplasty, you may experience some swelling which may temporarily change the appearance of your eyes.
• This does not mean that your eyes will look smaller permanently. You will need to wait for the side effects to subside to see the final results of your procedure.

How do you treat blepharoplasty swelling?

• You can treat Blepharoplasty swelling using light, cold compresses.
• The compresses should not exert any strain or pressure on your eyes.
• You should place them very gently on your eyelids, where they can keep them cool and promote recovery.

Can you go blind from blepharoplasty?

• Blepharoplasty blindness is a very rare complication when the procedure is performed by a professional who is properly qualified and trained.
• This complication may occur in cases of extremely bad surgeons or false doctors who pretend to be surgeons who would injure your optical nerve (very highly unlikely) or who would even somehow injure your eyeball.
• Furthermore, a very large, untreated eye infection could cause a loss of sight, although infections can be treated with antibiotics.
• Please be aware that discounted prices and very low prices indicate the low quality of the procedure done by such doctors.

Can your eyesight get damaged in blepharoplasty?

The risk of damage to eyesight is very rare. However, it’s important to discuss the possible risks with your surgeon before you undergo your desired surgery. During the recovery period, your vision may be somewhat blurry due to eyes watering or eye dryness that normally occurs as a part of the recovery.

Blepharoplasty Financing FAQs

How much does a lower lid blepharoplasty cost?

• Lower eyelid blepharoplasty prices in Australia vary greatly – please phone the team for an estimate
• Beware of unreasonably low lower blepharoplasty prices both in Australia and abroad as they indicate compromised safety and standards.

How much is blepharoplasty surgery?

• Blepharoplasty surgery prices in Melbourne can vary, so be careful not to compromise quality and safety with a cheap surgery.

Is it worth getting blepharoplasty surgery?

• Only you can determine whether blepharoplasty or eyelid lift surgery is worth it for you.
• Potential patients will need to consider the recovery involved, the risks, and the financial cost, and weigh these with the possible benefits. A qualified surgeon can help advise you through this process.

Does Medicare cover a blepharoplasty?

• In some cases, Medicare can cover a blepharoplasty. However, this is only if the surgery is considered a medically necessary surgery and not cosmetic surgery. If the procedure is considered medically required, the patient will need to meet the Medicare criteria in order to receive a rebate.
• High-level eyelid ptosis, impaired vision or an eye that is prone to repeated infections may qualify you for coverage by Medicare.

Does health insurance pay for a blepharoplasty?

• Your insurance may pay for blepharoplasty if done as a medical necessity and not as cosmetic surgery.
• However, if you experience eyelid skin laxity to the point that your vision is impaired, you may be able to get partial subsidy for your blepharoplasty if you qualify for Medicare.