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Our Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery Clinic team will ensure you receive exceptional customer service with a smile while visiting us at our Melbourne clinic. Please phone us on (03) 8849 1400 to schedule an appointment.

Eyelid Lift (Blepharoplasty) Surgery FAQs – Common Questions about Blepharoplasty

These questions have been asked by you and are the top questions about Blepharoplasty Surgery in Melbourne Australia.

What is the surgical procedure to address eyelid laxity?

Eyelid lift, also called blepharoplasty, surgery is done to address laxity or ptosis in the upper eyelids and remove excess skin.

How do you target lower eyelid ptosis?

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Canthopexy) can fix eyelids that are ptotic due to sun damage, prior eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), ageing, or paralysis. This surgery aims to remove the excess skin in the lower eyelids.

What can you do for ptotic eyelids?

If your eyelid blocks your vision, you may need medical treatment. Your doctor may recommend surgery. Glasses that can hold the eyelid up, called a ptosis crutch, are another option. This treatment is often most effective when the eyelid laxity is only temporary.

Can eye bags be removed?

During blepharoplasty, the surgeon removes excess fat through an incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or inside the lower lid. Blepharoplasty can also address excess fat tissue in the upper eyelids. However, the results are not promised and may differ between each patient.

How do I prepare for blepharoplasty?

In preparing for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), you may be asked to:

  1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
  3. Stop smoking.
  4. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding and bruising.

How do they do lower eyelid blepharoplasty?

If you have surgery on your upper and lower eyelids, the surgeon generally works on your upper lids first. He or she cuts along the fold of the eyelid, removes some excess skin, muscle and possibly fat, and closes the cut.

Does Medicare pay for eyelift surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Medicare does not typically cover cosmetic surgery such as blepharoplasty. However, you may be eligible for Medicare aid if the procedure is considered medically necessary by a doctor. For example, in cases in which a patient’s ptotic eyelids significantly hinder their vision, it may be considered medically required to have this problem surgically addressed.

Does Insurance pay for blepharoplasty?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Insurance coverage generally does not pay for cosmetic procedures.

Can eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) be covered by insurance?

Most health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications. When blepharoplasty is performed to eliminate the redundant skin covering the eyelashes medically known as Ptosis, it may be covered by insurance.

Visit our page on Eyelid Surgery for more detailed information on eyelid surgery

How long does eyelift surgery (blepharoplasty) last?

Upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can last at least five to seven years, but this depends on the person. Of course, your eyes will still age after the procedure.

Is blepharoplasty painful?

Your doctor will give you medicines to help with pain and discomfort. Your eyelid may be swollen and bruised for 1 to 3 weeks after surgery. The appearance of your eye may continue to get better for 1 to 3 months.

Is eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) dangerous?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications of blepharoplasty. The major risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, inability to close the eyes, dry eye, abnormal eyelid position, double vision, and loss of vision.

How do I prepare for blepharoplasty?

When preparing for eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty, you may be asked to:

  1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
  2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
  3. Stop smoking.
  4. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding and bruising.

What can I expect after blepharoplasty?

You can use regular pillows, wedge pillows, or sleep on a recliner. Help reduce swelling and bruising by keeping your head elevated as much as possible during the first few days of recovery. Patients may experience a tight feeling in their eyelids.

How long does it take to heal from eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

Most people return to normal activities after seven to 10 days following blepharoplasty. By two weeks after surgery, the majority of the bruising and swelling should resolve. But again, this depends on the patient and how their body responds to surgery.

When can I drive after blepharoplasty?

In general, a patient can drive a few days after surgery. However, it is suggested that you do not bend or perform any heavy lifting for a week to 10 days after surgery.

How can I heal faster after blepharoplasty?

Rest, especially during the first 48 hours after the procedure, and repeatedly applying a cold compress can help the healing process. Resting can also help reduce the severity of the swelling and bruising.

Are you put to sleep for eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)?

If you need general anaesthesia, you will be given an IV injection that will put you to sleep for the duration of the procedure. This can be as long as 20 minutes, up to two hours, depending on the complexity of the surgery and whether both upper and lower eyelids are involved.

Is blepharoplasty permanent?

Blepharoplasty is a long-lasting procedure, but for some patients, the surgery may need to be repeated after a period of years.

How much is blepharoplasty in Australia?

The cost of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) varies depending on the skill and experience of the surgeon, the degree of difficulty, and where the surgery is performed. The amount increases if both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasties are performed together.

For more information about Cosmetic Surgery by our team’s Plastic Surgeons, please phone our reception on (03) 8849 1400. You can also visit the blepharoplasty page for more information.

We look forward to assisting you in your cosmetic surgery research and your plastic surgery procedures.

Specialist Plastic Surgeons and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeon

With a wealth of experience and training, our Specialist Plastic and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeons are dedicated to best-practice patient care and education, customising Surgery for each and every patient to best meet their needs and desired surgical outcomes.

Dr Craig Rubinstein

Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001124843

Dr Craig Rubinstein

Patient safety, care and satisfaction are the top priorities for Dr Craig Rubinstein, a respected Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne. With over 25 years of experience especially in all areas of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, but particularly in breast surgery, he combines technical skill with a compassionate approach, emphasising strong relationships with his patients.

What to do next?

Our reception team can assist with any questions you may have when considering a procedure. You can send in an enquiry form below or call our Melbourne Clinic between 9 am – 5 pm Monday - Friday.

Disclaimer: Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly. Results may also be impacted by a variety of factors including your lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake and overall health. Consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for details. This information is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon.

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