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Exploring Bilateral Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty is performed by our specialist plastics surgeons to address excess skin, fat and the hooded appearance of the upper eyelids. This can be done to both improve the visual field of patients with significant droopy eyelid skin and to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper eyelids. This is a meticulous, precise operation and needs to be carefully tailored to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.
What is upper eyelid surgery?
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting droopy eyelids by removing excess upper eyelid skin, skin and fat. It is often performed as a cosmetic procedure, although in many patients it can be done for medical reasons, such as to address severely hooded eyelids or a weak upper eyelid muscle (ptosis correction).
What causes upper eyelid drooping?
Many factors including ageing, genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to the appearance of upper eyelid drooping and skin excess and it is a condition that can sometimes occur in young people.
In most cases, it leads to:- Droopy eyelid skin that rests on the eyelashes
- Looking tired
- A feeling of heaviness on the upper eyelid
- Hooding, shadowing or in severe cases obstruction of vision
In some patients, this may be associated with ptosis, which is a medical condition where the mechanism for retracting the upper eyelid is faulty. This requires special testing and treatment which can often take place at the same time as upper eyelid surgery.
What are the benefits of bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty offers numerous benefits, including the removal of excess eyelid skin, which may improve the visual fields, modify or remove fatty deposits, and restore a more youthful position of the upper eyelid fold. Where upper eyelid ptosis (or weakened upper eyelid muscle) exists a corrective procedure can be done at the same time.
While upper eyelid blepharoplasty can complement lower eyelid blepharoplasty, it is often advisable to consider these procedures separately to minimise the risk of a prolonged recovery.
Am I a good candidate for upper eyelid surgery?
Good candidates for upper eyelid blepharoplasty include patients with excessive or droopy upper eyelid skin or those with weakness of the upper eyelid opening. However, it's essential to have realistic expectations and good general health. A consultation with one of our specialist plastic surgeons is the best way to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Like all surgical procedures, bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty has risks, including infection, bleeding, and incomplete eyelid closure. Rarely, there might be issues with asymmetry or vision changes. For more details on surgical risks and recovery please click here.
What to expect when having upper eyelid surgery in Melbourne?
Consultation
At your initial consultation, one of our specialist plastic surgeons will provide an individualised assessment of the eyelid position and structure, assess your suitability for surgery, and also take time to understand your concerns and goals. We believe excellent and consistent results always begin with a well-informed patient.
Your treatment plan will be discussed with you and should provide realistic expectations of what can be achieved, with time to address any questions you may have about the surgery.
Procedure
Upper eyelid surgery can usually be performed under local anaesthetic with or without sedation. The operation involves carefully measuring and removing excess skin and recreating a crisp upper eyelid (supratarsal) fold. Sometimes a small sliver of redundant muscle and fat is also removed. The wound is usually closed with a suture that is removed in 5 to 7 days. Where needed, additional steps may be necessary such as the repair of tightening of the upper eyelid (levator) muscle to improve eye opening.
Recovery
As with all surgical procedures, recovery will differ between individual patients. It is common to experience:- Some mild discomfort following the procedure, which is usually well controlled with oral medications
- Swelling and bruising which persists for 1 to 2 weeks
- Overall, in 80% of our patients, the majority of the bruising and swelling will be resolved by 2-3 weeks. The final results become apparent as the scar tissue matures over about 3-6 months.
Before and after results of Upper eyelid surgery in Melbourne
Below you can see some images of patients who have had upper eyelid surgery with us at Eastern Plastic Surgery:
Some more examples of pre- and post-surgery results can be found on our results page.
Everyone’s anatomy and expectations are unique. Dr Lin will assess your individual needs during your consultation, and show you a larger selection of photos and videos which are more relevant and meaningful to your individual case.
How much does upper eyelid surgery cost in Melbourne?
The cost of upper eyelid surgery varies, depending on the procedure's specifics and individual complexity. Combining it with other surgeries can also affect the price. A precise cost estimate tailored to your needs will be provided after consulting with our specialist plastic surgeons.
Why choose us for your upper eyelid surgery in Melbourne?
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a common operation performed by all the specialist plastic surgeons at Eastern Plastic Surgery. Dr Frank Lin has a sub-specialty interest in upper eyelid surgery and has been performing this operation for well over ten years. He remains one of the only specialist plastic surgeons in Australia to have both published on this topic and been invited to present his experience at both national and international conferences.
Meet Dr Frank Lin
Dr Frank Lin (MED0001193706) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and founder of Eastern Plastic Surgery and EST Clinic. Dr Lin’s area of interest includes facial and breast aesthetic surgery, as well as non-surgical aesthetic treatments. He has a special interest in minimally invasive treatment for the face and body and a special interest in the treatment of Asian patients.
FAQs
If you have any more questions about upper eyelid surgery in Melbourne, please don’t hesitate to contact us. In the meantime, you can find FAQs below that may provide the additional information you’re looking for.
Treatment is dependent on the contributing factors to the eyelid problem in each individual patient. At Eastern Plastic Surgery, we understand each individual’s case is unique. In general, treatment options may include:
- Improvement of brow position (in patients with a droopy brow, leading to the appearance of eyelid droop)
- Sub-brow skin reduction
- Direct eyelid skin/muscle reduction
- Tarsal fixation skin reduction
The best age for both upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty varies per individual. It's typically considered when droopy eyelids or excess skin becomes noticeable and problematic. Most patients are in their 30s to 60s, but age alone doesn't determine suitability.
The results of upper lid blepharoplasty are long-lasting but are not permanent. While most patients feel that their eyelids look and feel rejuvenated, it does not halt the ageing process. Many patients elect to see one of our experienced dermal clinicians following their recovery to continue with skin rejuvenation through non-surgical treatments. Good skin health, particularly around the eyes, will help to maintain the results achieved with surgery. Ultimately the longevity of the surgical results will depend on multiple individual factors including genetics and lifestyle.
