The eye area is often one of the first places to show visible signs of ageing. Over time, the upper and lower eyelids may develop puffiness, skin laxity, or discolouration due to factors such as ageing, environmental exposure, or genetics. In some cases, excess skin around the eyes can also interfere with vision.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids to address these concerns. To find out if this procedure is suitable for you, book a consultation at My Cosmetic Clinic to discuss your options with a qualified medical practitioner.
The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest and most delicate on the body, making it particularly prone to the effects of ageing. Natural lines and skin laxity often begin to appear in the 30s and become more pronounced in the 40s and 50s. In some individuals, these changes may develop earlier, often due to hereditary factors.
Sagging or drooping eyelids can also result from environmental exposure, previous surgery, trauma, or structural factors present from birth. In more advanced cases, excess upper eyelid skin may begin to impair the visual field, especially when affecting one or both eyelids.
Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to address sagging, drooping, or puffy eyelids. This procedure removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper or lower eyelids to restore a more refreshed and rejuvenated appearance. Blepharoplasty does not only address cosmetic concerns, but also functional issues as eyelid surgery may also improve vision if sagging skin obstructs the field of sight.
Blepharoplasty may help you improve the droopiness and sagging around your eyes with surgery options available for both the upper and lower eyelids.
Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) can:
With age, the upper eyelids often begin to sag due to skin laxity, muscle weakening, and the accumulation of excess fat. This can lead to a “hooded” appearance, where the skin folds over the natural eyelid crease, creating a heavy or tired look.
Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) is performed to remove excess skin and fat, and in some cases, tighten the underlying muscle. While many patients choose this procedure for cosmetic reasons, it may also offer functional benefits. In cases where drooping skin interferes with the upper visual field, surgery may help restore clearer, unobstructed vision.
As part of the natural ageing process, the lower eyelids may develop puffiness, skin laxity, and under-eye hollows due to fat displacement, reduced skin elasticity, and weakening of the orbital septum. These changes can result in a tired or aged appearance.
Lower eyelid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) involves the removal or repositioning of excess fat and, where necessary, the tightening of skin and muscle. This procedure can reduce the appearance of under-eye bags and smooth the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek.
The best candidates for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are:
The best way to determine if you are suitable for this procedure is to consult an experienced cosmetic practitioner at My Cosmetic Clinic, who can assess your individual needs and expectations.
Some disorders would preclude you from having this surgery or require extra precautions:
There are different types of eyelid surgery, and many patients often don’t know what the differences are and how to choose which type of surgery they should have. It’s important to know the different types of eyelid surgery and what you can expect from the results.
Bladeless blepharoplasty uses an energy-based device rather than a scalpel to create the incision designed to correct drooping eyelid skin. This technique enables quality precision and less bleeding, bruising and swelling. The incisions are barely visible, and patients enjoy less discomfort and shorter recovery times without compromising the results of their procedure.
An upper lid blepharoplasty may be performed using local anaesthesia only, although patients may choose to be slightly sedated during the procedure. An incision is made in the natural fold of the upper eyelids.
As the incision is made, it’s very inconspicuous and fades with time to the point of being nearly invisible. The excess eyelid skin is removed from the upper lid, and any excess fat may also be removed. The eyelid muscles can also be tightened to give that illuminated appearance.
Surgery on the lower eyelids typically involves an incision below the lower lash line or just inside the lower lids. Designed to rejuvenate the lower lids, they will remove the loose, crepey skin and fatty tissue that causes the lower eyelid skin to droop.
The surgical procedure often includes the repositioning of the muscle around the eye, which creates a more youthful, natural appearance. To close the incision, you will either have dissolvable stitches or very fine sutures (which, if so, will be removed about a week later).
Before booking, you’ll need a GP referral. This can be easily obtained from your local doctor.
Book your consultation
($150 fee), which includes:
• An in-person meeting with our Doctor
• A follow-up telehealth consult after a two-week cooling-off period
Our surgical team will guide you through pre-surgery preparation and schedule your procedure.
On the day, you’ll be looked after by our team from start to finish, with post-op care provided to help assist in a smooth recovery.
At My Cosmetic Clinic, we understand that undergoing any surgical procedure can be a significant decision. Our goal is to provide clear information and attentive care at every stage — from your initial consultation through to your recovery. Here’s what you can expect during your first consultation for eyelid surgery.
During your initial eyelid surgery consultation, we will discuss with you:
We ask you to arrive about half an hour before your eyelid surgery, and you will be given a small dose of oral sedative at that time. After photographs are taken of your eye area, the surgery is fully explained to you (we also explain your surgery at your consultation), and your queries are answered. Dr Ansari will make accurate measurements of the skin that needs to be removed, giving you ample time to ask any remaining questions prior to your surgery.
Next, you will be taken to the theatre room and a small amount of local anaesthetic is used to numb the site of your surgery. This local anaesthetic is allowed to work for about 10 minutes, and then your eyelid surgery is performed. Once your surgery is completed, you will be observed while you recover for another 20 – 30 minutes.
Only antibiotic ointment will be applied to your wound without the bulky dressings. You might prefer to bring your sunglasses to cover your eyes in the early recovery period.
It is not possible to drive yourself home following a blepharoplasty, but if you do not have anyone who can drive you safely home, we can call you a taxi.
To fully recover from an eyelid lift, the healing process can take up to 3 months. The bruising will go down first after approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Then the swelling around the eye will gradually go down over the next 3 to 6 weeks. After 12 weeks, most people can see the full results of their surgery. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.
Right after getting a blepharoplasty, you will most likely suffer from a few temporary side effects. These can include:
This invasive procedure carries risks, and so you may be advised on a number of post-procedure instructions to minimise the chances of developing complications.
My Cosmetic Clinic is the first cosmetic clinic in Australia to achieve accreditation against the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. This reflects our commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality in health care.
The NSQHS Standards are the benchmark for excellence in healthcare safety, ensuring that every patient receives care in a safe, high-quality environment. Achieving this accreditation underscores our dedication to maintaining the utmost professionalism in all our medical procedures.
Patient safety is our top priority, and we continually strive to meet and exceed these rigorous standards to ensure that every aspect of our practice is aligned with the best possible healthcare outcomes.
Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) are answered below:
Yes. A GP referral will be required for your first consultation. This can easily be obtained from your local GP.
Blepharoplasty is the right procedure for you if you are troubled by the aesthetic appearance of your eyelids and/or are experiencing hindrance to your vision because of your eyelids.
There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, and blepharoplasty is no exception. Although unlikely, the most common complications to occur as a result of blepharoplasty include: scarring, injury to eye muscles, skin discolouration, the need for follow-up surgery, temporarily blurred vision or, in extremely rare cases, loss of eyesight.
An eyelid lift is not typically painful, and the most you will usually feel is a slight burning sensation around your eyes for a few hours after the procedure.
The discomfort of any kind subsides within a few hours, and the rest of your recovery period should be comfortable.
Yes, you can perform surgery on the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously.
Before having your blepharoplasty, we recommend:
A specifically tailored list of directions will be provided to you following your initial consultation.
Most patients normally need around a week off work and normal activities to recover from the procedure.
The cost for Upper Eyelid Surgery is $4,950.
Dr Masood Ansari
(MED0000942278)
AACS, MBBS, MSC, MRCS, FACCS
Dr Ansari began his initial surgical training in the United Kingdom under the National Health Service and went on to obtain membership in the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) in 2006. He then carried out extensive training in cosmetic surgery in Australia where he was granted a fellowship from the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery.
The cost of treatment will vary depending on if you are combining it with other procedures on other areas of your body. Before we perform any procedures we will provide you with a comprehensive quote so you know exactly how much you will be paying.
Upper eyelid surgery — Cost: $4,950
Deciding to undergo eyelid surgery is a deeply personal journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
At My Cosmetic Clinic, we prioritise your safety, well-being, and desired outcome, making sure you feel confident and informed about your decision.
If you’re ready to explore eyelid surgery, book a consultation at one of our eyelid surgery clinics in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Castle Hill to understand this procedure better.
If you are still unsure if eyelid surgery is right for you, book a free discovery call to talk to our team about your options.
Find more information about the risks associated with cosmetic surgery at www.mycosmeticclinic.net/risks.
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