Everything you always wanted to ask your plastic surgeon before having eyelid surgery
The best cosmetic surgery results are those that you don’t see
Related topics
Contact
Related topics
“In order to stop skin cancer, we have to spot it on time”
December 2, 2022
Why is liposuction one of the most popular plastic surgeries?
October 10, 2022
Contact
- Phone(07) 3844 6069
- Icon locationRequest an appointment
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Have your eyelids sagged and your expression changed? Do your eyes give you a tired or sad expression and make you look older? Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery can correct drooping skin over the upper or lower eyelids so your eyes look wider and you look younger.
Blepharoplasty Brisbane
What is blepharoplasty?
Your eyes are one of the most prominent features of your face. They are the most honest part of your face as they can express emotion without words. The skin around your eyes is very thin and is usually one of the first places to show ageing. Sagging tissue of the upper eyelids and puffy bags below your eyes can make you look tired or sad. For some of you, droopy eyelids interfere with your vision.
Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can correct this. It’s the surgical excision of excess or drooping skin over the upper or lower eyelids to restore a youthful, more alert gaze. It is also useful to restore the tone of the eyelids.
The most common reasons for eyelid surgery are:
- Men and women who feel aged or have a tired look in their facial appearance.
- Obscured vision because of droopy eyelids.
Prior to surgery, we will talk about your concerns and goals. It is important to have realistic expectations of what you can achieve and this will be discussed during your consultation. We will also discuss if you have any visual problems: whether you are wearing glasses or not and recent eye tests. Then we talk about your medical and surgical history, medications (blood-thinning drugs should always be mentioned), allergies, the risk of eye surgery, potential complications and expected recovery after eyelid surgery.

Dr Andrew Hadj
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Types of eyelid surgery
Blepharoplasty is also known as an ‘eyelid lift’ and there are two main options:
- Upper blepharoplasty.
- Lower blepharoplasty.
These two types have different approaches and we will discuss this during consultation.
Healthy men and women who have excess eyelid skin would be suitable for this procedure.
Where do you operate?
I consult from my private rooms at Mater Private Clinic and I operate as a plastic surgeon at many private hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland.
I can see Gold Coast patients from my private rooms at John Flynn Medical Centre and I operate at
Eyelid surgery procedure
Blepharoplasty: step by step
Step 1
Anaesthetic
You will be given a general anaesthetic and once you’re asleep we’ll start the procedure by making a tiny incision. The procedure is day surgery only and performed under general anaesthesia.
Step 2
Incisions
We use a small curved incision in the upper or lower eyelid to excise an appropriate amount of skin (usually between 8-15mm) to restore the tension of your eyelid.
Step 3
Removing excess fat and bulges
Sometimes, only fat and bulges need to be removed with minimal skin. Scars are hidden as much as possible in the natural crease lines of your eyelid. Scars on your upper eyelid are usually only visible when you close your eyes. The lower eyelid scars are placed below the lash line to minimise the scar however this scar is more present.
Step 4
Closing the incisions
After the excess fat and skin are removed, I will close the small incision.
Step 5
Result
You will see final results 4 to 6 weeks following surgery.
Avoid blood-thinning medication (however discuss this with me during your consultation), avoid smoking, remove contact lenses if worn routinely, and maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle.
The results are long-lasting however some degree of relapse is common over 3-5 years. The degree to which this occurs is variable.
Blepharoplasty treats wrinkles of the upper eyelid. Wrinkles of the lateral canthus (crows’ feet) will not be removed by this surgery. However, there are non-surgical options for this condition.
I use very small dissolving sutures.
Eyelid surgery recovery
Recovery after blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery is not painful. After eyelid surgery, avoid sport and any form of exercise for 2 weeks, don’t smoke, rest in a cool, dark and quiet environment, and take occasional pain relief and anti-inflammatories if you’re able to.
Day 1
After leaving theatre, you will wake up in recovery. Our nurses will apply a cold compress to your eyelids for 30 to 60 minutes to decrease swelling. Expect some blurred vision. A friend or relative will need to drive you home following your eyelid surgery.
Day 1-14
After your surgery, the eyes will bruise and swell for up to 2 weeks. This is very normal given the excellent blood supply around the eyelids. Around day 4, the swelling will settle and bruises will migrate down the cheek. By day 8, most swelling will be settled. Puffy eyelids can persist until day 14.
Soft face wash is suitable for cleaning after 36 hours. A topical antibiotic ointment will be given to you to use 3x per day for 7 days.
Simple pain relief will suffice.
Working, bathing, exercising and driving?
- Working is usually fine after 1 week.
- Bathing and showering are fine after 36 hours.
- Driving is fine once visual blurriness has been resolved, this usually happens 2 to 4 days following surgery.
- No exercising within the first two weeks after surgery.
Eyelid surgery risks
Risks and complications
The following risks are associated with eyelid surgery:
- Bleeding.
- Bruising.
- Scar.
- Swelling.
- Infection.
- Asymmetry of skin.
- Itchiness.
- Changes in vision are often temporary. There is a 1:40,000 risk of blindness however this is associated with high-risk eye disease, smoking and excessive straining post-surgery.
Upper eyelid scars are only visible when your eyes are closed. These will fade to a small faint white line over time. Lower eyelid scars are more visible and will fade over time. Often both eyelids do not need treatment at one time; this surgery is far more commonly used to treat upper eyelid skin excess.
Blepharoplasty cost Brisbane
What does the procedure cost?
I’m all about making eyelid surgery affordable and accessible to patients who opt for this procedure. It’s important to know that you’ll get a medicare rebate if there is visual obstruction confirmed (ptosis) by an optometrist.
There are many low-cost options both in Australia and overseas and great care should be taken when dealing with a surgeon who is not an ASPS / AHPRA / FRACS recognised plastic surgeon.
Unfortunately, many patients confuse plastic surgeons with cosmetic surgeons (as mentioned in the ABC Four Corners report) and the training differs significantly.
A plastic surgeon has undertaken over 12 years of post-medical specialist training. That’s an important indicator when it comes to choosing a specialist for eyelid surgery.

Dr Andrew Hadj
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
It’s also recommended to always seek second opinions if you have concerns. Ultimately you should feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon you are seeing.
Call (07) 3844 6069
About Dr Andrew Hadj, Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Plastic surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science
All blog articles
Is there any difference between a plastic and cosmetic surgeon
Finding the right surgeon for cosmetic procedures can be a daunting experience if you don’t know what to look for.
Full article
Featured
Plastic surgeon blog
“In order to stop skin cancer, we have to spot it on time”
Full article
December 2, 2022
Plastic surgeon blog
Why is liposuction one of the most popular plastic surgeries?
Full article
October 10, 2022
FAQs
How do they fix tired eyes after surgery? ›
The surgery to correct this is called a lower lid blepharoplasty. During the procedure, an incision is made inside the lower lid and excess fat is removed. This procedure leaves little or no visible scar and typically produces excellent results.
Who is not a good candidate for blepharoplasty? ›People who are not ideal candidates for eyelid surgery are those who suffer from chronic dry-eye, hypertension, circulation disorders, thyroid disorders, diabetes or heart disease. Individuals who have glaucoma are advised to speak with their doctor before considering the surgery to find out if it is safe for them.
What can go wrong with blepharoplasty? ›- Infection and bleeding.
- Dry, irritated eyes.
- Difficulty closing the eyes or other eyelid problems.
- Noticeable scarring.
- Injury to eye muscles.
- Skin discoloration.
- Temporarily blurred vision or, rarely, loss of eyesight.
- The need for follow-up surgery.
(15), who reported the results of blepharoplasty in 47 patients and identified a surgery success rate of 91.5% in terms of symmetry.
Will blepharoplasty make me look less tired? ›Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is an excellent option to rejuvenate your eyes. The result is a more open appearance to your eyes, makes you look less tired, and will brighten your upper facial anatomy.
Can tired eyes be reversed? ›Eye strain is a sensation most of us have experienced in our lives and is usually reversible. While the condition is not typically urgent, we encourage you to see us for an eye exam and for tips on getting relief.
Are most people happy with blepharoplasty? ›The vast majority of people who have had a blepharoplasty are fully satisfied with their results. Eyelid surgery can make you look years younger after a single procedure, boosting your self-esteem.
When is the best time to have eyelid surgery? ›Winter is often the best season for eyelid surgery for a variety of reasons. Below you will find why it's the most helpful time in regard to your recovery and what to expect if you decide to move forward with the procedure.
What are cons of eyelid surgery? ›- Bruising, bleeding, and swelling.
- It could take 2-3 months to see full results.
- Asymmetry of the eyes is possible.
- Temporary double vision or blindness that often corrects itself within 24 hours.
- Dry or itchy eyes.
After blepharoplasty surgery, the eyelids will be bruised and swollen for one to three weeks. However, most patients say their eyes look normal and better than before after one to three months.
How painful is a blepharoplasty? ›
Generally, an upper lid blepharoplasty is a non painful procedure that patients can usually have performed, and enjoy a minimal amount of post-operative pain medicine, because the procedure is very mild. It's almost like a skin excision, and the eyelid itself is not particularly painful.
Why do my eyes look sad after blepharoplasty? ›Answer: Sad eyes after eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery provides a larger "wide eye" look. There is a slight rounding of the lower eyelid that can be appreciated on your photos. This may be causing the sad eye look your speaking of.
The surgery is worth it for people who want to look younger and better rested in and around the eyes. The results are subtle but dramatic, and recovery is minor with little pain reported.
Does vision change after blepharoplasty? ›Immediately after blepharoplasty, patients may notice changes to their vision during recovery. As the tissues of the eyes begin to heal, it's not uncommon for one's vision to become blurry or disoriented. Double vision may also occur from time to time during the healing process.
Is upper or lower blepharoplasty more risky? ›Upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty are two very different operations. The upper eyelid procedure is consistently safe and reproducible whereas the lower blepharoplasty poses more risks and is a more intricate procedure.
How do you fix tired eyelids? ›According to the National Stroke Association, forcing your eyelids to work out every hour may improve eyelid droop. You can work eyelid muscles by raising your eyebrows, placing a finger underneath and holding them up for several seconds at a time while trying to close them.
How can I make my eyes look less tired? ›- Apply a Warm Washcloth. 1/10. Try a washcloth soaked in warm water on your tired, achy eyes. ...
- Adjust Lights and Device Screens. 2/10. ...
- Wear Computer Eyeglasses. 3/10. ...
- Palm Your Eyes. 4/10. ...
- Change Your Computer Setup. 5/10. ...
- Try Tea Bags. 6/10. ...
- Do Eye Exercises. 7/10. ...
- Take Screen Breaks. 8/10.
If you look at bright light or spend time in a place that's too dim, it can also tire your peepers. Your eyes might get tired easily if you stare for long periods at a computer, smartphone, or game console. The eye doctor might call this computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain.
How long does it take to fix tired eyes? ›How long does it take to feel better? Once you look away from your screen, the pain and discomfort your eyes feel from eye strain may go away nearly immediately. If it doesn't, try focusing on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, about every 20 minutes, to see if that helps.
Will blepharoplasty change my face? ›Cosmetic eyelid surgery and your appearance
Getting a blepharoplasty definitely changes the appearance of your face.
Will I look younger after blepharoplasty? ›
An eyelid lift can produce significant results by tightening the skin around the eyes, removing wrinkles or puffiness, and providing a younger appearance.
Does upper blepharoplasty make you look younger? ›A blepharoplasty, commonly known as an eyelift, can enhance and revitalize the appearance of the eyes. Saggy or drooping eyelids can be an age-defining feature, causing you to appear older than you are.
How long do you have to sleep sitting up after eyelid surgery? ›You should rest with your head elevated in a recliner or with at least 2 pillows for the first 48 hours after surgery. Take the prescribed pain medications before you begin to feel discomfort. It is easier to prevent pain than control it.
What is the fastest way to recover from eyelid surgery? ›- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling. Before your surgery, make sure that you have comfortable ice packs and plenty of gauze on hand for your recovery. ...
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyelids. ...
- Get more sleep. ...
- Avoid physical exertion. ...
- Steer clear of smoking and alcohol.
To keep you comfortable during your procedure, you will be given local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the eyelid and surrounding area, while keeping you sedated but awake during surgery. General anesthesia keeps you asleep throughout the entire procedure.
Is 60 too old for blepharoplasty? ›There is no upper age window for blepharoplasty. Patients in good health can get eyelid surgery even in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
What do you look like right after eyelid surgery? ›Your eyelids will probably look puffy after surgery. The incisions will probably look red, too. The swelling and bruising involved with blepharoplasty recovery tend to resemble a black eye. That is all normal.
Are you awake during blepharoplasty? ›Are you awake during droopy eyelid surgery? In an Awake Blepharoplasty, patients are completely conscious during the procedure. The local anesthesia is usually paired with a soothing sedative to help the patient stay calm and relaxed.
How many weeks are scars visible after blepharoplasty? ›Most often the incisions have really “blended” in and mostly not visible between 3-6 months and rarely out to a year. Once the sutures are removed, coverup makeup can be applied.
When is swelling the worst after blepharoplasty? ›Swelling typically appears shortly after surgery, peaks two to four days after the procedure, and then slowly subsides over the next few days. Some residual swelling may remain for several weeks, but this is typically minor and shouldn't interfere greatly with social commitments.
How long will my vision be blurry after blepharoplasty? ›
After eyelid surgery, it may take about two to three weeks for your vision to return to normal. During the first few days, you may have blurry and double vision caused by eyelid swelling that is usually temporary.
What type of surgeon is best for eyelid surgery? ›An oculoplastic surgeon (also known as ophthalmic plastic surgeon) is a doctor who has dedicated their practice solely to care for the structures around the eyes, including the eyelids.
How can I hide my blepharoplasty? ›To conceal bruising or discoloration, use the rule of complementary colors: Hide purple bruising with yellow concealer. Mask redness with green concealer. Cover yellow discoloration with purple concealer. Avoid black or brown eyeliner at first, as these can emphasize post-operative redness.
How many people go blind from blepharoplasty? ›The most serious complication associated with blepharoplasty, though rare, is permanent partial or complete blindness. A review of the literature re- veals a total of about 60 reported cases of this com- plication, although of these 21 only are reported in detail sufficient to allow any kind of useful new analysis.
Do Eyebags come back after blepharoplasty? ›The results of your blepharoplasty become more visible as side effects, like swelling and bruising, subside. Most patients love their outcomes and do not seek repeat treatments. While future aging may cause your eye bags to return, this ultimately depends on your age, skin condition, and lifestyle choices.
Does blepharoplasty lower your eyebrows? ›A blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the eyes, but it does not reposition the eyebrows.
What are the two types of blepharoplasty? ›Lower blepharoplasty can reshape or remove the fat while tightening the skin around the eyes. This results in a brighter, more rested, and more youthful appearance. Upper blepharoplasty can eliminate loose skin and fat above the eye.
When does surgery fatigue go away? ›Fatigue is normal following surgery and it should improve day after day as your body begins to heal itself. In general, it takes one week per day in the hospital to feel back to normal.
Why are my eyes not focusing after surgery? ›Despite the benefits of a numbed surgical experience, anesthesia can result in some unintended side effects. One such residual effect can be blurred vision - a side effect not caused directly by the drug, but often by an abrasion of the cornea, the outermost layer of the eye.
How long does it take to recover from eye fatigue? ›For minor symptoms, you may find a screen break or wearing accurate prescription lenses offers relief within a few minutes or hours. However, it may take a few days to recover if you're experiencing eye strain because of a sleep deficit.
Why am I so tired 4 weeks after surgery? ›
It is quite common to feel fatigued after surgery, regardless of whether it was a minor or major procedure. This is because your body expends a lot of energy afterward trying to heal. There is an immune response that kicks in, which can be physically draining as well.
Why am I so tired a month after surgery? ›Tiredness, exhaustion, or severe and prolonged fatigue are common after surgery – even minor surgery. This is, in part, due to the effects of anesthesia, which often wear off more slowly in older people.
How do I get my energy back after surgery? ›- Move and Exercise If You Suffer from Extreme Fatigue. People can often remain in bed for days or even weeks after surgery. ...
- Physical Therapy. ...
- Occupational Therapy. ...
- Keep Hydrated. ...
- How We Help with Extreme Fatigue.
- Apply a Warm Washcloth. 1/10. Try a washcloth soaked in warm water on your tired, achy eyes. ...
- Adjust Lights and Device Screens. 2/10. ...
- Wear Computer Eyeglasses. 3/10. ...
- Palm Your Eyes. 4/10. ...
- Change Your Computer Setup. 5/10. ...
- Try Tea Bags. 6/10. ...
- Do Eye Exercises. 7/10. ...
- Take Screen Breaks. 8/10.
Common causes of eyestrain include: Looking at digital device screens. Reading without pausing to rest your eyes. Driving long distances and doing other activities involving focusing for a long time.
What does it mean when your eyes are always tired? ›Your tired eyes can stem from dry eye disease, but digital eye strain may be another culprit. Only your optometrist can conclusively diagnose whether you're dealing with digital eye strain or not. Some of the symptoms you should look out for include: Tired eyes, even after sleeping.
Why is my eye still lazy after surgery? ›This issue is normal as it can take a few days or weeks for the brain to adjust to the new eye position. The alignment of your eyes will also change throughout the healing process. It may take several months before you reach your final alignment.
Why do I still have a lazy eye after surgery? ›The surgery doesn't correct the original defect that caused the brain to let the eyes wander in the first place, so the problem might come back years later. But it doesn't always come back. In fact, most patients require just one corrective surgery over a lifetime.
How do you beat tired eyes? ›Treatment for Tired Eyes
Resting your eyes, reducing screen time, and adjusting applicable lighting can alleviate eye fatigue symptoms and restore vision back to normal. If symptoms persist and get more severe, it is best to consult with an eye care specialist in order to explore medical treatment for your condition.
Blinking Quickly
One of the best ways to ease fatigue is to make an effort to blink often and well, which helps clean and moisturize your eyes. Start by blinking quickly 20 times, and then close your eyes for three deep breaths. Do this every 20 minutes (or as often as you remember) for less tired eyes at work.
What does eye fatigue look like? ›
Symptoms of eyestrain may include: Red, watery, irritated eyes. Tired, aching or heavy eyelids. Blurred vision and problems with focusing.