The skin and muscles around your eyes are delicate and may loosen with age. This can affect appearance and, in some cases, vision. As the upper and lower eyelids begin to droop, eyes may appear tired even when you feel well-rested.  Eyelid surgery, also called blepharoplasty, is performed to adjust the skin and muscles around the eyelids. The aim is to restore the natural position of the eyelids, which may also improve vision where drooping skin interferes.

Common Reasons People Consider Eyelid Surgery

• Excess skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids

   

• Drooping skin hanging over the eyelid that may reduce vision

   

• Puffiness or swelling in the eyelids

   

• Fine wrinkles or loose skin under the eyes

   

• Bags beneath the lower eyelids

   

• Lower eyelids that sag and show more of the white of the eye

   

Blepharoplasty may be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Upper eyelid surgery often involves an incision in the natural crease, allowing adjustment of skin, fat, or muscle. Lower eyelid surgery usually involves an incision just below the lash line.

Who May Be Suitable

Suitability depends on your anatomy, health, and personal goals. A consultation with a qualified medical practitioner includes an examination of eyelid muscles, surrounding structures, and vision.

Most patients are over 35, but younger people may be considered if eyelid position affects vision or if hereditary conditions are present. Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or high blood pressure, may make surgery unsuitable.

Your First Consultation

During consultation, your practitioner will:

• Take a medical history and discuss current medications or supplements

   

• Examine eyelids, tear production, and vision

   

• Take photographs to plan surgery and assess outcomes

   

• Provide pre-operative instructions, such as stopping smoking and arranging transport home after surgery

   

The procedure generally takes 1–3 hours, depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated.

Recovery

Recovery after eyelid surgery varies. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few days but usually reduce over time. Most people return to normal activities within about a week. General advice may include:

• Using cold compresses in the first few days

   

• Keeping the head elevated

   

• Avoiding strenuous activity, sport, or heavy lifting for two weeks

   

• Protecting scars from sun exposure for six weeks

   

• Avoiding makeup around the eyes until advised it is safe

   

Scars are usually placed in natural folds or just below the lash line and tend to fade with time.

Other Considerations

• Eyelid surgery may help address drooping, puffiness, or bags. It does not treat every concern, such as eyebrow position or malar bags, which may require different procedures. Outcomes vary from person to person.
• Research continues into surgical refinements, such as fat repositioning in the lower eyelids, to improve contour and safety.

Important to know: All surgery carries risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in eyelid position, and outcomes that may differ from expectations.

For more information about eyelid surgery, or to discuss whether it may be appropriate for you, please contact My Cosmetic Clinic on 1300 85 49 89 to arrange a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner.

You can call or visit My Cosmetic Clinic at one of our locations, or contact us today to schedule your consultation.