Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery in Sydney
Upper and lower eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure designed to address concerns related to the eyelid tissues, aiming to enhance both appearance and function. This is different from double eyelid surgery, in which that surgery specifically creates a crease in the upper eyelid.
At ICCM, our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through each step of the process, ensuring you are well-informed about the potential benefits and risks of this surgery.
What is Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Upper and lower eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes excess eyelid skin, muscle, and sometimes fat from the upper and lower eyelids.
This procedure is performed to address concerns with the appearance of eyelid skin and to address functional issues such as impaired vision caused by drooping upper eyelids.
- Upper Eyelid Surgery: Focuses on removing excess upper eyelid skin and excess fat from the upper eyelids to address concerns with the eye's appearance and potentially improve vision.
- Lower Eyelid Surgery: Involves removing or repositioning excess fat and loose skin from the lower eyelids to address puffiness and wrinkles, aiming for a more youthful appearance.
What Are The Potential Benefits of Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Upper and lower eyelid surgery may offer numerous benefits, including:
- Addressing Concerns with the Appearance of Eyelids: By removing excess eyelid skin and fat, the surgery aims to enhance the overall look of the eyes, with the goal of them appearing more open and youthful.
- Addressing Puffiness and Wrinkles Around the Eyes: The procedure targets loose skin and excess fat, which may help to minimise puffiness and smooth out wrinkles, aiming for a more refreshed appearance.
- Potential Improvement in Vision: For those whose vision is impaired by drooping upper eyelids, removing excess upper eyelid skin may significantly improve sight.
- A Potentially More Youthful and Rested Appearance: The surgery aims to rejuvenate the face, with the goal of achieving a more vibrant and well-rested look.
- Potential for Increased Self-Confidence and Satisfaction with One's Appearance: Many patients feel more confident and satisfied with their looks after the procedure, which may boost their overall quality of life.
A potential good candidate for upper and lower eyelid surgery may include individuals who have drooping or sagging eyelids.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Potential candidates for upper and lower eyelid surgery typically include individuals who:
- Have Drooping or Sagging Eyelids: Those with excess eyelid skin that causes the eyelids to droop or sag may benefit from the procedure.
- Experience Impaired Vision Due to Excess Upper Eyelid Skin: If excess skin on the upper eyelids obstructs vision, surgery may provide significant relief.
- Have Puffiness or Bags Under the Eyes: Individuals with noticeable puffiness or bags under their eyes caused by excess skin and fat may be good candidates.
- Are in Good Overall Health and Have Realistic Expectations: The best candidates are healthy, with no serious eye conditions, and have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery.
Are There Any Potential Risks or Side Effects?
As with any surgical procedure, upper and lower eyelid surgery comes with potential risks and side effects. These may include:
- Temporary Bruising and Swelling: It is common to experience some bruising and swelling around the eyes following surgery, which typically subsides within a couple of weeks.
- Dry or Irritated Eyes: Some patients may experience dryness or irritation in the eyes post-surgery, which can usually be managed with eye drops.
- Difficulty Closing the Eyes: In rare cases, patients might find it difficult to fully close their eyes, which may require additional treatment.
- Scarring: While incisions are made in natural folds to minimise visible scarring, some scarring may occur.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, which can be mitigated by following post-operative care instructions.
- Adverse Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients may have reactions to the anaesthesia used during the procedure.
The procedure typically involves five steps including anaesthesia and recovery.
How Much Does Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery Cost in Sydney?
A starting guide to help with your planning for surgery costs is as follows:
- Upper Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reduction): From $4,500 or $35/Week
- Lower Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Reduction): Surgeons fee starts from $4,500 or $35/Week
Prices may vary based on your specific needs and do not include hospital and/or anaesthetist fees. Our experienced team will be able to offer an exact quote tailored to you after your consultation.
This is a no-obligation pricing, and you will have plenty of time for consideration and questions before making a decision about the procedure.
What Happens During Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery?
The procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anaesthesia: Administered to promote comfort during the surgery.
- Incision: Precise incisions are made in the natural folds of the eyelids to minimise visible scarring.
- Tissue Removal or Repositioning: Excess skin, muscle, and fat are removed or repositioned with the aim of achieving the desired results.
- Closure: Incisions are carefully closed with sutures or skin adhesives.
- Recovery: Initial recovery includes managing swelling and bruising, with full recovery expected within several weeks. Follow-up appointments aim to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any more questions about cosmetic procedures in Sydney or any of our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. In the meantime, you can find our FAQs below that may provide the additional information you’re looking for.
Most patients can return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks, although complete recovery, including the subsiding of swelling and bruising, may take several weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery.
Scars are typically well-hidden within the natural folds of the eyelids and tend to fade over time. Your surgeon will use precise techniques to minimise scarring, aiming to ensure that any marks are as inconspicuous as possible.
The results of eyelid surgery procedures are often long-lasting, but the natural ageing process will continue. Many patients enjoy their results for many years, and some may choose to undergo additional treatments in the future with the aim of maintaining their youthful appearance.
Bags and wrinkles under the eyes are often caused by ageing, which leads to sagging skin, weakened muscles, and a decrease in skin elasticity. Additionally, the accumulation of excess fat in the upper and lower eyelids can contribute to a puffy appearance. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can also play a role.
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.
