BlepharoplastyEyelid Surgery
Restore a refreshed, alert appearance by removing excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids — with natural results and minimal downtime at Coastal Plastic Surgery, Erina NSW.
Overview
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty — eyelid surgery — removes excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids. It is a commonly sought facial rejuvenation procedure, restoring a refreshed and alert appearance to eyes that look tired, heavy, or aged.
Upper blepharoplasty addresses drooping or hooded upper eyelids that can make you look tired and in some cases obstruct peripheral vision — qualifying it for a Medicare rebate. Lower blepharoplasty targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin beneath the eyes.
Both procedures can be performed together or separately and are commonly combined with a facelift or brow lift for a more complete facial rejuvenation result.
Surgical options
Upper vs lower blepharoplasty
Upper blepharoplasty
Removes excess skin and fat from the upper eyelid. When drooping skin obstructs the visual field, Medicare may provide a partial rebate. Incisions are hidden in the natural eyelid crease.
- Treats heavy, hooded upper eyelids
- Incision hidden in eyelid crease
- Medicare rebate possible if functional
- Local anaesthesia with sedation option
Lower blepharoplasty
Removes or redistributes under-eye fat and tightens loose skin to eliminate bags and a tired appearance. Can be performed via a skin incision or transconjunctival (hidden inside the eyelid).
- Treats under-eye bags and puffiness
- Transconjunctival option leaves no external scar
- Often combined with upper blepharoplasty
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses eyelid anatomy, skin laxity, fat distribution, and visual field if relevant. A tailored plan is created and Medicare eligibility assessed for upper lid cases.
- 2
Anaesthesia
Blepharoplasty is commonly performed under local anaesthesia with sedation as a day procedure, or under general anaesthesia if combined with other facial surgery.
- 3
Incision and tissue removal
Incisions are precisely placed in the natural eyelid crease (upper) or inside the eyelid (lower transconjunctival). Excess skin, fat, and muscle are carefully removed or repositioned.
- 4
Closure
Fine sutures close the incisions. Upper eyelid sutures are typically removed at 5–7 days. The natural crease hides the scar so it becomes near-invisible once healed.
- 5
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients go home the same day. Follow-up at 1 week for suture removal, then at 4–6 weeks to review results.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 3
Rest and cold compresses
Swelling and bruising peak in the first 48 hours. Rest at home with head elevated. Cold compresses reduce swelling. Avoid screens to rest the eyes.
Days 5 – 7
Suture removal
Upper eyelid sutures are removed. Bruising is fading and swelling is noticeably reduced. Many patients can resume desk work.
Weeks 2 – 3
Presentable in public
Residual bruising can be covered with makeup. Most patients are comfortable in social and professional settings.
3 – 6 months
Final result
Scars have faded into the eyelid crease and are near-invisible. The refreshed, alert appearance is generally established and long-lasting.
Fees
Cost of blepharoplasty in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Swelling and bruising
Expected and temporary. Peaks in the first 48 hours and resolves significantly within 2 weeks. Cold compresses and head elevation help.
Dry eyes
Temporary dryness or irritation is common as the eyelids heal. Lubricating eye drops are prescribed and symptoms resolve as healing progresses.
Asymmetry
Minor asymmetries during healing are normal. The eyes are rarely perfectly symmetrical before surgery — your surgeon discusses realistic expectations at consultation.
Scarring
Incisions in the eyelid crease heal to near-invisible over 3–6 months. Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty leaves no external scar at all.
Ectropion
Outward turning of the lower eyelid is a rare complication more common in patients with pre-existing eyelid laxity. Your surgeon assesses this risk at consultation.
Vision changes
Temporary blurring from lubricating ointment is normal. Significant vision changes are extremely rare. Report any sudden vision change to your surgeon immediately.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionMedicare may provide a partial rebate for upper blepharoplasty where excess skin is proven to obstruct the visual field. A visual field test with documented dermatochalasis is required. Lower blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic and Medicare rebates do not apply. At Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina we assess your eligibility at consultation.
Blepharoplasty costs in NSW vary depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated and whether the procedure is combined with other surgery. A full written quote is provided at consultation. Where Medicare eligibility is confirmed for upper eyelid surgery, rebates can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Most patients return to desk work within 5–7 days once sutures are removed. Bruising is cover-able with makeup within 2 weeks. The intended result is typically more visible at 3–6 months as scars fade into the eyelid crease.
Upper blepharoplasty scars are hidden in the natural eyelid crease and become near-invisible within a few months. Lower blepharoplasty performed via the transconjunctival approach leaves no external scar at all. Skin-incision lower blepharoplasty leaves a fine scar just below the lash line that fades well.
Upper blepharoplasty results typically last 7–10 years or longer, as the skin removed does not regrow. Lower blepharoplasty results are long-lasting. Ageing continues naturally after surgery but most patients enjoy their results for many years.
Blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags caused by protruding fat and excess skin but does not treat dark pigmentation or vascular dark circles. Your surgeon will advise on the likely improvement for your specific anatomy at consultation.
Blepharoplasty at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in cosmetic facial surgery including upper and lower blepharoplasty, with a focus on natural, refreshed outcomes.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon with particular interest in facial rejuvenation including eyelid surgery, delivering precise and natural results.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a meticulous approach to eyelid surgery, combining technical precision with a keen aesthetic eye to achieve refreshed and balanced results.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.