Eyelid Reduction Surgery Sydney

Blepharoplasty also known as eyelid reduction surgery or an 'eye lift' is a surgical procedure which can be performed under local anaesthetic, to remove excess skin from the upper lids, to open up the eyes for a fresh, natural look.

Eyelid Reduction Surgery Sydney

Blepharoplasty, commonly referred to as eyelid reduction surgery or colloquially as an ‘eye lift,’ is a detailed surgical procedure intended to rejuvenate the appearance of the eyes. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia for the comfort and safety of the patient.

The procedure involves the careful removal of surplus skin from the upper eyelids. As the skin around the eyes tends to lose its elasticity over time, it can lead to an appearance of tiredness or aging. By removing this excess skin, the procedure aims to provide a more open, fresh, and natural look to the eyes.

Womans face being marked to show facelift areas

How does eyelid reduction surgery work to adjust the contours of the eyes?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Reduction of Excess Skin: The procedure can reduce excess skin in the upper and/or lower eyelids that contributes to a tired or aged appearance.
Reduction of Excess Skin: The procedure can reduce excess skin in the upper and/or lower eyelids that contributes to a tired or aged appearance.
Reduction of Under-Eye Bags: Eyelid surgery can potentially reduce puffiness or bags under the eyes to give a more refreshed appearance.
Improvement of Eye Shape: Depending on the individual's anatomy, the procedure can help improve the shape of the eyes, leading to a more alert and refreshed look.
Enhancement of Eye Symmetry: Eyelid reduction surgery can potentially improve symmetry between the two eyes.
Smoothening of Creases: It can smooth creases or lines in the upper and/or lower eyelids, contributing to a refreshed facial aesthetic.
Reduction of Eyelid Drooping: The procedure may lift drooping upper eyelids, contributing to a more awake and refreshed appearance.

What to expect

Consultation

The eyelid reduction journey begins with a thorough consultation with our experienced surgeon. During this meeting, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and current eyelid structure will be evaluated. The surgeon will assess your eyelid skin quality, muscle tone, and fat distribution. This consultation provides an ideal opportunity for you to voice any concerns or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Number and type of consultation

It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given

A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period

There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid. 

Preparation

Once the surgical plan has been mutually agreed upon, you will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your eyelid reduction surgery. These may include dietary guidelines, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, specific instructions about medications or supplements, and skincare procedures.

Surgery

Eyelid reduction surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, typically takes one to two hours and is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure involves making incisions along the natural creases of the eyelids to minimize visible scarring. Through these incisions, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat, and tightens the underlying muscles as needed. The incisions are then closed with sutures.

Recovery

After the surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery room for a short period. Most patients can go home the same day, though occasionally an overnight hospital stay may be recommended. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are normal but will begin to improve after a few days.

Most patients feel ready to return to non-strenuous daily activities within a week, while more vigorous activities should be avoided for about two weeks. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery.

The final results of your eyelid reduction surgery will be noticeable within a few weeks once the swelling has completely subsided, but the full effect may not be apparent for several months as the skin continues to heal and tighten.

Surgery Time
1 to 2 hours
Hospital Time
Day procedure
Time off work
7 to 10 days
Cast Removal
Sutures in for 7 to 10 days
Showering
Can shower same day, however incisions must stay dry
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Driving
24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.
Travel
After 7 days for national and 4 weeks for international
Full Recovery
6 months for final results

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.
Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.
Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.
Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.
Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.
Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.
Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.
Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Eyelid reduction surgery risks and complications include:

Post-Surgical Pain: Following eyelid reduction surgery, patients may experience significant pain or discomfort, which would require proper pain management.
Risk of Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there's a potential risk of developing a postoperative infection, which might necessitate further medical intervention.
Scarring: Despite efforts to minimize and strategically place incisions, any surgical procedure, including eyelid reduction, can result in noticeable scarring.
Altered Eyelid Function: There's a risk of temporary or permanent changes in eyelid function, including difficulty closing the eyes, dry eyes, or excessive tearing.
Changes in Vision: The surgery could lead to temporary or permanent changes in vision, including blurred vision, double vision, or in rare cases, loss of vision.
Asymmetry: Despite the surgeon's best efforts, there may be an asymmetrical appearance of the eyelids after the surgery.
Dissatisfaction with Cosmetic Outcome: The aesthetic results of the surgery might not meet the patient's expectations, necessitating additional corrective procedures.

How Much Does Eyelid Reduction Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

There are three different types of eyelid surgery that can be performed.Upper eyelid This procedure is performed to remove excess skin and fat that can create a heavy looking eyelid, aged appearance, puffiness, and sometimes blocked vision. Upper blepharoplasty is performed to remove excess skin and fat and can improve vision.Double eyelid surgery This procedure – sometimes termed “Asian eyelid surgery” – is performed to create an upper eyelid crease. Double eyelid surgery is also sometimes referred to as “westernization” of the eyelid.
In most instances, the recovery time after eyelid/blepharoplasty is short. The incisions will be red and visible at first, and the eyelids may be puffy or feel numb for several days. Bruising and swelling is to be expected the day after surgery, and will begin to dissipate shortly after.Participating in light activities such as walking will also help to speed up the healing process. Thin bandages are usually placed over the incision sites and removed in several days, while the stitches can remain in the skin for about a week.Contact lenses may not be worn for two weeks. Eyes can be sensitive to light and wind and may be slightly irritated for a short while; eye drops and cool compresses may be prescribed to ease any discomfort.

Self-Assess Your Readiness For a Facelift

Thank you for taking the Dr Zacharia self-assessment form to better understand how mentally and physically you are for achieving the best facelift possible. Please answer all questions below, and provide photos for a pre op screening by Dr Zacharia.

Disclaimer: Please note that Dr Zacharia has the same rights as a patient. If you choose not to go ahead with Dr Zacharia based on his recommendations, he also has the right to turn away patients who he feels may be too high risk for surgery or show a lack of compliance for surgery protocols.

Surgery is a serious decision, and we are striving for the best outcomes for all. However, all surgery comes with a risk of complication or revision. Follow your pre and post op instructions for your safety and best possible outcome. However, the human body is not an exact science and Dr Zacharia and his team can only use their extensive experience to help guide you through any issue that could arise.

Please complete the following information, so we can send you your results and contact you for further discussion later.

Dr ZACHARIA’s opinion will be based on your anatomy. If the budget you have specified does not meet his recommendations, we will highlight the limitations of lesser invasive treatments based on your budget/ anatomy.

Please provide a front on and profile photo of your face. Also, a photo of you on your profile looking down. Ideally stand in front of a plain wall or door and have someone else take the photos for the best pre op consult advise.

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EMFACE represents the cutting edge of facial treatments, a transformative innovation that changes the game. Harnessing the power of Synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it targets both the skin and underlying muscles, creating a dual-action effect.