Blepharoplasty – also known as eyelid surgery – is a procedure that can alter the appearance of the eyelids and surrounding skin and tissue. In some cases, the procedure can also improve vision. In medical cases such as those, a percentage of costs for the procedure may be covered by health insurance. Our board-certified plastic surgeon – Dr Vlad Milovic – has extensive training and experience performing blepharoplasty.
Quick Facts about Eyelid Surgery Procedures
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or twilight sedation
- Inpatient/Outpatient: Typically outpatient
- Potential Benefits: A revitalised and youthful effect in the eyelids and surrounding facial tissue; improved vision through reduction of eyelid ptosis (potentially)
- Potential Side Effects: Bruising, swelling, soreness, scarring, irritation/dryness; risks associated with all surgical procedures (see below)
- Recovery Time: Approximately one to two weeks
- Blepharoplasty Risks
- What is Blepharoplasty Surgery?
- Blepharoplasty Candidates
- Blepharoplasty Procedure
- Types of Blepharoplasty
- Blepharoplasty Recovery
- Blepharoplasty Side Effects
- Blepharoplasty Results
- More Information/FAQs About Blepharoplasty
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilizes advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Poor wound healing
- Potential for an additional surgery
- Blood clots
- Bleeding at the incision sites
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Dry/irritated eyes
- Problems with closing the eyes
- Ectropion – a condition characterized by the eyelid turning outward from the eyeball
- Lid lag – a condition characterized by the eyelid pulling in a downward trajectory
- Light sensitivity
- Potential changes in vision (including blindness) which may be temporary or permanent
What Is Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Blepharoplasty surgery, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure designed to contour the area around the eyes. Eyelid surgery can correct aesthetic and functional concerns.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?
Generally, most patients who seek eyelid surgery are men and women between the ages of 30 and 80 years old; however, there are some younger patients who have developed eyelid features they want to change as well. In addition to wanting cosmetic changes to their eyelids, some patients also seek vision improvements, as excess skin may impair their field of view.
Ideal candidates should typically be in good health and either not smoke or be willing to stop smoking several weeks before and after their surgery. Dr Milovic will discuss the plan with you prior to any procedure being performed.
What Is the Blepharoplasty Procedure Like?
Dr Milovic performs a variety of different blepharoplasty techniques, including:
- Composite upper blepharoplasty
- Tarsal fixation
- Ptosis correction
Dr Milovic assesses every patient as an individual case, keeping in mind their natural facial anatomy. A technique will be tailored to suit the patient’s needs.
What Are the Types of Blepharoplasty?
As noted in the section above, Dr Milovic is able to employ several different eyelid surgery techniques: composite upper blepharoplasty, tarsal fixation and ptosis correction.
Utilising composite upper blepharoplasty can allow Dr Milovic to recontour the upper eyelid. With tarsal fixation, the supporting structures for the eyelids can be returned to their natural position, counteracting the changes brought on by age. The ptosis correction technique involves elevation of the eyelid.
During your initial consultation, Dr Milovic will evaluate your concerns and talk with you about your ultimate goals. Once he has determined a technique, Dr Milovic will develop a customised blepharoplasty treatment plan designed to achieve your expectations.
How Long Does Blepharoplasty Recovery Take?
Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and will also depend on the extent of the surgery. That said, upper blepharoplasty typically requires less time to heal than lower blepharoplasty. You can expect to have bruising and swelling for a few weeks post-surgery. You will be given more personalised post-operative instructions to follow during your consultation. If you have any questions, please speak to Dr Milovic.
What Side Effects Can I Expect From Eyelid Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) may involve a range of potential side effects. Common post-operative effects can include bruising, swelling, mild discomfort, scarring and temporary dryness or irritation of the eyes. In rare cases, more serious complications such as infection, nerve injury or visual changes may occur. Dr Milovic will discuss all potential risks and side effects with you in detail during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
How Long Do Eyelid Surgery Results Last?
While there is no universal timeframe, many individuals find that the blepharoplasty procedure provides lasting changes. That said, it is important to understand that eyelid surgery cannot prevent future changes in facial appearance or skin laxity.*
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EYELID SURGERY
WILL I NEED ANAESTHESIA DURING EYELID SURGERY?
Lasting between one to three hours, blepharoplasty is generally done as a day procedure under general anaesthesia or twilight sedation. Dr Milovic will discuss these two options with you in advance. If anaesthesia proves to be the right choice for you, you can rest assured that Dr Milovic will engage the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).
Furthermore, please make sure you have an up-to-date list of your medications and allergies before the surgery.
WHAT DO BLEPHAROPLASTY SCARS LOOK LIKE?
As with all surgery, some scarring is inevitable. Dr Milovic has performed numerous eyelid lift surgeries, and he always strives to make incisions in discreet locations.
WHERE WILL MY BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY TAKE PLACE?
Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed as a day procedure, though some cases may require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure can take between one to three hours to complete, depending on your personalised treatment plan. Dr Milovic will only perform your blepharoplasty surgery in an accredited operating facility.
WILL EYELID SURGERY IMPROVE MY VISION?
If your vision is being impaired by ptosis, blepharoplasty may be able to provide improvement. However, if your vision is being impaired for other reasons, eyelid surgery will likely not have an effect. Dr Milovic will help determine whether ptosis is impacting your vision during your consultation.
WHEN CAN I START WEARING CONTACTS AFTER EYELID SURGERY?
In order to reduce the risk of infection, patients who require corrective lenses generally need to wear eyeglasses for about one to two weeks following their eyelid surgery. Avoiding the use of contact lenses eliminates unnecessary touching of your eyes and eyelids. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may be required to go without contacts for a longer period of time.
WHEN CAN I WEAR EYE MAKEUP AFTER BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Similar to avoiding the use of contacts to refrain from touching your eyelids as the areas heal, it is recommended that you do not use eye makeup for about two to three weeks following blepharoplasty. Your eyelids will likely be sensitive to any physical contact and the use of makeup may cause irritation. Any unnecessary or excess contact with your eyelids before they have had the chance to fully heal increases the risk of infection, which can negatively impact the results of the procedure and cause discomfort.
Learn More About Dr Milovic’s Facial Rejuvenation Options
Our sister website is dedicated to providing detailed information about Dr Milovic’s facial and nasal procedures. You can explore this resource to learn more about eyelid surgery, facelift surgery and a wide range of other treatment options that can address various facial concerns.