What can I expect at the consultation?

A personal consultation with your doctor is the first step for any patient considering Blepharoplasty. During your consultation, we will assess your overall eyelid contour, the amount of excess eyelid fat and skin you possess, your eyebrow position, and the condition of the muscles in the area. We will also discuss whether an eyelid tuck, an eye bag removal or more is needed. For complete facial rejuvenation, we may discuss additional procedures that can be performed along with eyelid surgery. Patients frequently combine eyelid surgery with: Brow lift to diminish horizontal forehead wrinkles and lift sagging brows Laser resurfacing: to reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet Additional eyelid surgery to improve lower-eyelid muscle tone

Are there any safety concerns?

Although thousands of people undergo Blepharoplasty each year and experience no major complications, all surgical procedures do carry some degree of risk. It is important that you are well informed of these risks when considering Blepharoplasty. The discussion of potential risks and complications is one of the most critical aspects of patient consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss these possible complications with you, listen to your safety questions, and offer recommendations on how to minimise your chance of risk.

What type of anaesthetic is used?

For your comfort and convenience, the blepharoplasty procedure will take place under local anaesthetic with intravenous sedation

When will I see the results of my surgery?

Most patients who undergo Blepharoplasty are delighted with their results soon after the procedure. Many report looking refreshed and more alert after their eyes have had a chance to heal. Most traces of surgery will subside after two weeks. After surgery, the skin around your eyes must be carefully protected from the sun and wind. Sun protection in the form of SPF and tinted sunglasses is strongly recommended. Though the results of Blepharoplasty are long-lasting, no surgical procedure will stop the ageing process. ICCM can advise you on how best to maintain your refreshed look. Many patients report looking refreshed and more alert after their eyes have had a chance to heal, completed in roughly two weeks.

What is the recovery time?

Like any surgical procedure, some swelling and bruising is standard. This generally starts to subside within a couple of days after the blepharoplasty surgery. Most patients can undertake light activities from the next day onwards. Patients may choose to wear dark sunglasses to conceal stitches, bruising or swelling. You may be prescribed an oral prophylactic antibiotic along with oral painkillers for the first few days after surgery. The non-absorbent stitches are taken out on day five once the incision has healed. Surgical scars will be situated in the upper eyelid crease or just under the lower lashes, and therefore will be inconspicuous. For removing lower eyelid fat pads alone, a “trans-conjunctival” blepharoplasty is performed where the incision is made inside your lower eyelid, leaving no visible scar. Sutures are not usually required here as no skin excision is performed.

What causes bags and wrinkles under the eyes?

These are caused by fluid retention. This happens when water is stored in excess in the skin tissue underneath the eye. Dark circles appear when blood vessels underneath the delicate skin around the eye are more prominent than anywhere else. Before proceeding with any surgical procedure, patients should seek a second opinion from qualified healthcare practitioners. The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure.

Blepharoplasty Sydney & Campbelltown | Eyelid Surgery at ICCM

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to address concerns related to the upper and lower eyelids.

For Blepharoplasty in Sydney, our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through each step of the process, ensuring you are well-informed about the potential benefits and considerations of eyelid surgery.

If you are seeking a surgical procedure to address drooping eyelids, excess skin or puffiness around the eyes, blepharoplasty may be an option to consider. Visit us at one of our ICCM clinics or contact us today for more information or to book an initial consultation.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to address concerns related to the upper and lower eyelids by removing excess skin and fat.

This surgery may potentially help with certain concerns such as drooping eyelids, and in some cases may aid in improving vision impacted by excess upper eyelid skin. During the eyelid surgery procedure, the experienced cosmetic surgeon will perform specific techniques based on your goals.

If required, natural skin folds and fat bulges may be removed and the eyelid fold and creases adjusted. The procedure usually takes around one hour to perform.

Pre-operative instructions will be provided immediately after you decide to proceed. It is essential to read and understand these instructions when preparing for Blepharoplasty in order to promote the best possible outcome.

It may include:

Refraining from smoking for several weeks before and after surgery
Avoiding certain medications
Arranging help following surgery such as transport and in-home care for the first 24 hours

Blepharoplasty can involve upper eyelid surgery to address excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid or lower eyelid surgery to address concerns such as bags and puffiness under the eyes. Very fine sutures are used to promote optimal healing.

What are the Potential Benefits of Blepharoplasty Sydney?

Potential benefits of Blepharoplasty surgery includes:

Addressing excess eyelid skin and underlying tissue
In some cases, addressing droopy eyelids and sagging skin which may impact vision
Reducing the appearance of dark circles under the eyes
Hiding surgical scars within the natural eyelid crease
It can be combined with other cosmetic surgical procedures when appropriate
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic with light sedation and recovery time is typically one to two weeks

Individual results may vary. It is important to have realistic expectations and discuss potential outcomes with your doctor.

Who is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

You may be a candidate for blepharoplasty if your upper or lower eyelids are characterised by:

Excess skin that hides the natural fold of the eyelid
Loose skin on the eyelid which may obstruct your vision
Lower eyelids with dark circles, bags, excess skin or puffiness
Fine wrinkles in the area of the lower eyelid

Some individuals may choose to undergo eyelid surgery to alter the overall facial aesthetic. A personal consultation with our doctor is the first step for any patient considering blepharoplasty.

During your consultation, we will assess your overall eyelid contour, the amount of excess eyelid fat and skin, your eyebrow position and the condition of muscles in the area.

What Happens During Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is performed under local anaesthesia with light sedation for patient comfort. Here’s what to expect:

Anesthesia Administration
Incision Placement
For upper eyelid surgery, incisions are made within the natural folds of the upper eyelid with the goal of concealing scars. For lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, incisions are typically made just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid.
Removal of Excess Tissue
The surgeon will remove excess skin, muscle and fat as needed. In cases of lower blepharoplasty, excess fat may be redistributed to address puffiness and hollow areas.
Adjustment of Muscles and Tissue
The underlying muscles and tissues are tightened and the remaining skin is repositioned.
Closure of Incisions
Very fine sutures are used to close the incisions which are designed to be hidden within the natural eyelid fold or lash line to minimise visible scarring.
Recovery Instructions
After the procedure, you will be given specific post-operative instructions to promote proper healing and optimal results.

Are There Any Risks with the Blepharoplasty Procedure?

While blepharoplasty is generally considered safe, like any surgical procedure, it comes with potential risks and complications. These may include:

Infection
Scarring
Dry eyes
Difficulty closing your eyes
Bleeding
Changes in skin sensation
Potential need for revision surgery

It is important to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon during your consultation to ensure you have a clear understanding of the procedure and its possible outcomes.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost Sydney?

At ICCM, we offer competitive pricing for our blepharoplasty procedures:

Upper Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction surgery) - from $4,500
Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction surgery) - surgeons fee starts from $4,500

Pricing is subject to change. Individual treatment plans and costs may vary based on your specific needs and goals as assessed during your consultation.

With our experienced team at ICCM, we can assist. If you would like to know more about Blepharoplasty or to request a consultation, please contact us today.

How long does the recovery process take?

Can blepharoplasty be combined with other procedures?

Is blepharoplasty covered by Medicare?

What should I avoid before the surgery?

Risks and complications of cosmetic surgery

These risks, while concerning, are generally rare and can be mitigated through careful planning, following pre- and post-operative care instructions, and working with qualified and experienced medical practitioners, like those at ICCM. But it can still be beneficial to understand potential risks that can occur, so you can discuss these risks before proceeding with any treatment.

Scarring

Scarring is a common risk with any surgery that involves making incisions in the skin. While practitioners take care to place incisions in discreet areas and close them carefully to minimise scars, the body’s healing process varies from person to person. Some individuals may develop thicker, more noticeable scars, known as hypertrophic scars or keloids, which can be difficult to treat and may require additional procedures.

Bruising and Swelling

Bruising and swelling are common side effects of surgery as the body responds to tissue trauma. While these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks, severe bruising can cause discomfort and prolong recovery. In some cases, significant swelling might indicate underlying issues such as fluid accumulation or infection, requiring further medical attention.

Bleeding

Bleeding during surgery is controlled by the surgical team, but there is always a risk of excessive bleeding either during the procedure or postoperatively. This can lead to complications like hematomas, where blood pools under the skin, potentially requiring surgical drainage. Severe bleeding can also lead to shock, which is a medical emergency.

Infection

Infection is a risk whenever the skin is broken, as it provides a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. Surgical sites are particularly vulnerable, especially if the wound care instructions are not followed closely. Infections can range from minor skin infections to more serious, deep-tissue infections that might require antibiotics, drainage, or even additional surgery to resolve.

Pain

Pain is an expected part of recovery from any surgery, but its intensity and duration can vary. While most pain can be managed with prescribed medications, some patients may experience prolonged or severe pain, which could indicate complications such as nerve damage or infection. Chronic pain is a less common, but more serious, concern that might persist long after the typical recovery period.

Undesirable Cosmetic Outcome

An undesirable cosmetic outcome occurs when the results of the surgery do not meet the patient’s expectations, or the aesthetic goals outlined before the procedure. This could be due to asymmetry, unnatural appearance, or a failure to achieve the desired contour or shape. In some cases, additional procedures, known as revision surgeries, may be needed to correct these issues.

Nerve Damage

Nerve damage is a risk in many cosmetic procedures, especially those that involve cutting near nerves. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation in the affected area. While some nerve damage may be temporary and improve over time, permanent nerve injury can result in lasting changes in sensation or function.

Seroma

A seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that can build up under the skin after surgery. It often occurs when the surgical area is not fully drained, leading to swelling and discomfort. Seromas are usually treated by draining the fluid with a needle, but if left untreated, they can increase the risk of infection or contribute to poor wound healing.

Anaesthetic Complications

Anaesthetic complications can arise from both general and local anaesthesia. These risks include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions such as malignant hyperthermia. Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those undergoing lengthy procedures are at a higher risk. Complications can range from temporary disorientation or nausea to more serious outcomes like heart attack or stroke.

Death

Death is the most severe and rare risk associated with cosmetic surgery. It can result from complications related to anaesthesia, excessive bleeding, severe infection, or an adverse reaction during the procedure. While the overall risk is low, it underscores the importance of a thorough preoperative assessment and choosing an experienced, qualified medical practitioner to minimise risks.

The information on the website is for general guidance only and cannot be used as a basis to make a surgical decision, an initial consultation with our doctor is required to help patients make an informed decision before proceeding with any surgical procedure. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

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