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Eyelid Surgery in Melbourne

Eyelid Surgery

The eyes can be on concern due to loose skin, excess pockets of fat and fine lines. Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, looks to address those developments. This procedure may be performed on the upper lids, lower lids or both lids at one time. Dr Thomas performs blepharoplasty on both male and female patients, for cosmetic reasons or to improve the line of vision that has been impacted by drooping eyelids.

Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

  • Isolated fat deposit under the eyes, giving them a puffy appearance
  • Loss of skin elasticity, leading to sagging upper lids
  • Sagging lids that hang low enough to interfere with your line of vision
  • Excess skin and a crepe paper appearance on the lower lids
  • Difficulty applying makeup on the upper lid due to a sagging brow line

About the Procedure

Dr Thomas can perform eyelid surgery under local or general anaesthesia. Incisions will be made in the crease or lash line so that visible scarring after surgery is reduced. Through the incisions, Dr Thomas will remove excess tissue and skin, smoothing the eye area for a refreshed appearance. Most eyelid surgeries take between 45 and 90 minutes to complete.

See Before and Afters

What to Expect After Surgery

Here is a general timeline for eyelid surgery recovery:

Days 1-3:

  • After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room for a few hours to ensure that there are no complications. You will then be allowed to go home.
  • For the first 24 hours, it is important to keep your head elevated while resting or sleeping to reduce swelling.
  • You will experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling around your eyes. Applying cold compresses can help to alleviate these symptoms.

Days 4-7:

  • Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and remove any stitches or sutures.
  • Bruising and swelling may still be present but will begin to improve. Some patients may experience mild pain or itching, which can be managed with pain medication or over-the-counter remedies.
  • You may start to notice some improvement in your appearance, but it is important to avoid any strenuous activity or exercise to allow your body to fully heal.

Weeks 2-3:

  • Swelling and bruising will continue to subside, and you may start to feel more comfortable and return to some normal activities.
  • Your vision may be slightly blurred due to swelling and eye drops, but this should improve as healing progresses.
  • Your surgeon may recommend gentle massage or stretching exercises to promote healing and help you achieve optimal results.

Weeks 4-6:

  • Most of the swelling and bruising should have subsided, and you may begin to see the full results of your surgery.
  • Your surgeon may recommend the use of sunscreen or other protective measures to prevent scarring or discolouration from sun exposure.
  • You can begin to resume normal activities, including light exercise and driving.

Weeks 7-8 and beyond:

  • Your surgeon will likely schedule a final follow-up appointment to ensure that you are fully healed and satisfied with your results.
  • Results of eyelid surgery can last for many years, but individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, skin elasticity, and lifestyle habits.

Eyelid Surgery Risks

The choice to undergo plastic surgery is a deeply personal decision, and you must weigh the potential benefits of achieving your desired outcome with the risks and potential complications associated with eyelid surgery. Ultimately, the decision is yours to make.

Prior to the procedure, you will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you understand the surgery, as well as any potential risks and complications.

Risks associated with eyelid surgery may include:

  • Anesthesia-related risks
  • Bleeding from the incision lines
  • Changes in skin sensation or numbness of the eyelashes
  • Difficulty closing your eyes
  • Dryness of the eyes
  • Ectropion, which is when the lower eyelid rolls outward
  • Infection
  • Lid lag, which is a temporary pulling down of the lower eyelid
  • Pain, which may persist
  • The need for revision surgery
  • Sensitivity to bright light, including sunlight
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Temporary or even permanent changes in vision, and in very rare cases, blindness
  • Unfavorable scarring

Eyelid Surgery Results

You can expect to get close to your final results around the 4-6 week mark, and the results may last for years, depending on your unique ageing situation. 

To ensure that the results of your eyelid surgery last as long as possible, follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully and attend follow-up appointments as directed. Additionally, a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding smoking can help you maintain the results of your eyelid surgery over time.

A Note on Results

The results of any medical treatment, aesthetic or otherwise, will affect patients differently based on various individual, genetic, environmental, diet, exercise and other factors. For that reason, you should always expect to see some variance between the results featured and the results you can achieve. What works for one person may not work for another, and each patient’s unique needs and expectations must be considered when determining the best course of action.

Therefore, it is essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified and experienced medical professional who can help to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific circumstances. It is also important to understand that eyelid surgery is not a quick fix and requires patience and commitment to achieve the desired results.

To learn more about eyelid surgery, contact Dr Thomas and his staff on 03 9034 7738.