Upper blepharoplasty, otherwise known as eyelid reduction surgery, is designed to remove excess fatty and loose skin surrounding the eyes. This can help reduce signs of ageing and create a rejuvenated and refreshed appearance.
An upper blepharoplasty aims to address excess skin in the upper eyelid region that may obscure vision. You may be required to undergo a visual field test with an ophthalmologist or optometrist prior to your procedure.
Over time our skin loses its elasticity and the muscles supporting our eyelids may begin to weaken. This can sometimes lead to excess skin and dropping in the upper eyelids. An eyelid reduction, or upper blepharoplasty, can be both a medical or cosmetic procedure that may address these concerns.
Excess skin on the eyelids can cause a ‘heavy’ eyelid sensation. This excess droopy skin may also begin to obstruct your vision, causing functional concerns. Reducing the amount of skin can make the eyelids feel lighter and improve your comfort levels and restore your field of vision.
Eyelid Reduction Before & After
Upper Blepharoplasty Preparation
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters in Brisbane, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure. Then, you can begin to think about how you can prepare for your surgery to ensure a sufficient recovery afterwards. We suggest:
- Preparing an area in your home designed for you to recover comfortably
- Making sure that you will have access to pillows, ice packs, and entertainment to keep you comfortable and occupied while you are recovering
- Pre-preparing some healthy meals
- Ensuring that you have enough comfortable and loose-fitted clothing to wear
- Filling any needed prescriptions before your procedure date
- Organising for somebody to help you around the house for the period of time suggested by Dr Peters and/or a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters and a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
Upper Blepharoplasty Procedure
Before your procedure day, Dr Peters will assess your eyes and discuss your goals for surgery during your initial consultation. This will help him to determine the specific details of the surgery, which will be outlined to you before your procedure.
Blepharoplasty is usually performed as a day surgery, and may be combined with other facial procedures if you are eligible. Combining procedures will increase surgery time, as well as extend recovery time. If combining procedures is something that you are interested in, you can discuss what is possible for you during your initial consultation with Dr Peters.
Recovery
Details of your recovery including symptoms that you may experience or specific postoperative care instructions that you need to follow will be provided by Dr Peters during your upper eyelid reduction surgery consultation.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultation with Dr Peters and a VPS clinic nurse as well as your review appointments post-operatively.
Upper Blepharoplasty Results
After any swelling or bruising has subsided, results of surgery will begin to show. It usually takes about six weeks for final results from surgery to become noticeable, as enough healing time will have passed. Since the tissue around the eyes is quite delicate, minor details like slightly red incision lines may still be visible for longer.
Risks and Complications of Upper Blepharoplasty
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to procedure specific risks. The risks associated with upper blepharoplasty will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters.
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying your doctor of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
You can discuss any concerns that you may have about the possible risks and complications of undergoing upper blepharoplasty surgery in Brisbane with Dr Peters.
How much does Blepharoplasty surgery cost in Brisbane?
The costs associated with surgery vary greatly with the type and complexity of the procedure. When you attend an initial consult, and decide you would like to consider surgery, you will receive a surgical quote which will also include estimates for any rebates you may be eligible for.
As a general rule, plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons is not covered by private health insurance funds or Medicare. Some operations, that have a significant functional aspect, may be considered medical rather than cosmetic and, as such, may attract a small rebate. These procedures have Medicare Item Numbers and if applicable, will be outlined in your quote.
Your questions answered Frequently Asked Questions
No, it will not. Under eye bags are addressed through lower blepharoplasty surgery, which Dr Peters does not perform.
Dr Peters will discuss your desired outcome and expectations with you. Your medical history, current health and requirements will be considered to determine whether surgery is the right option for you. If required, Dr Peters will undertake a thorough examination, and he will suggest a plan that suits your goals and lifestyle. This is an excellent time to raise any concerns or questions you have with Dr Peters to ensure you are fully prepared for surgery. You will often see a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse to discuss the procedure and recovery in more detail. Clinical photographs are usually taken as well.
If you and Dr Peters decide surgery is a good option to manage your concerns, you can opt to receive an obligation-free surgical quote and proceed from there
Dr Peters will always aim to produce results that have minimal scarring. The eyelids can heal quite efficiently, making visible scarring less likely around this area. In the case that noticeable scarring does occur, it should be concealed by the creases of the skin, as Dr Peters places the incision along the natural creases of the eyelid.