Blepharoplasty

Hospital stay will depend on your choice of anesthetic. Procedures performed using localised anesthetic may be completed in one of our fully-equipped Plastic Surgery Clinic procedure rooms located in St Leonards.

For a combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty or lower blepharoplasty alone, a general anesthetic will be required. In these circumstances, a one-night hospital stay is recommended as lower eyelid surgery is typically more involved and generally requires specific post-operative care requirements.

Following your surgery, Dr Reddy will speak to you to ensure that you are comfortable, informed and fully prepared to embark on the recovery process. If you’re staying overnight in the hospital, Dr Reddy will visit again in the morning before you are discharged. You will also be provided with detailed instructions for your recovery period at home, along with contact details that are accessible 24 hours a day, to help ensure you can begin your recovery with peace of mind and support.

Over the course of your recovery, Dr Reddy will meet with you at regular intervals to oversee your healing. Around 5-10 days after the operation you will have your first check-up and all of your sutures and dressings will be removed. You will be advised on how best to care for the operation site to minimise scarring. Your post-operative visits will continue until both you and Dr Reddy are pleased with your results and healing.

All surgeries carry potential risks, in rare instances, eyelid surgery may be complicated by infections or medical difficulties during the surgery. It is also rare, to have any significant residual skin left after surgery or an outward roll of the eyelid. If these situations arise, they can be corrected with subsequent surgery.

Blepharoplasty surgery is usually associated with only mild post-operative discomfort, with the majority of patients not needing pain medication stronger than that which is available over the counter without a prescription.

Generally, patients are able to continue with their normal self-care activities the day after the operation. However, we do recommend that you refrain from driving for a week post-surgery as your eyes may feel gritty, dry, and extra sensitive to bright light during this time.

While bleeding is very uncommon after a blepharoplasty operation, it is quite common that patients experience bruising around the eyes. Bruising is most visible during your first week of recovery, and will subside in 2 weeks. Patients often return to work 2 weeks post surgery, while others feel comfortable returning after 1 week. We advise you to refrain from physical exertion for 1 month after your operation to help the healing process.

By the time you come in for your first post-surgery check-up around 5-7 days after the procedure, your results will be quite evident. You will immediately notice a difference in your eyelids by this time.

However, slight swelling and bruising may still affect the appearance of your final results at this time. Generally, most of the bruising will have subsided by 2 weeks after your operation. Your final results should become evident 4-6 weeks post operation.

Each case is different depending on how much sagging and puffiness there is to begin with. Results are more dramatic if there is more skin to remove, however if you are a candidate for eyelid surgery you will notice a marked improvement after surgery.

The scarring associated with blepharoplasty is very minimal, as the scars are primarily located in the natural eyelid crease, making them very inconspicuous.

In upper eyelid surgery, the incision is hidden in the crease of the eyelid and over time blends in so that it is not distinguishable from the crease itself. The lower eyelid surgery incision is hidden either on the inside of the lower eyelid making it invisible, or along the eyelid margin crease,  with very little to see.

Results may last a very long time, the actual amount of time is different for each individual. It is important to consider that The skin will continue to age and may over time create extra folds of skin over the eyes. The purpose of the surgery is to eliminate the existing skin excess thereby rejuvenating the eyelid region, but also in the process, will ensure that you are well ahead when the ongoing age-related changes develop.

As all patients provide varied circumstances and situations, the cost blepharoplasty surgery varies across the board. To discuss the cost for blepharoplasty details and pricing, book in a consultation with Dr Reddy and explore this further.