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.
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.
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.
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 givenA 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 PeriodThere 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
To find out more information about our procedures, or to book a consultation with one of our surgeons give us a call or complete the form.