Blepharoplasty may be appropriate for patients bothered by excess eyelid skin, heaviness around the eyes, puffiness, under-eye bags or an overall tired appearance.

Some patients seek surgery for cosmetic reasons, while others experience functional problems caused by excess upper eyelid skin affecting their vision or comfort.

Good candidates are generally medically well, non-smokers or willing to stop smoking, and have realistic expectations regarding surgery and healing.

Factors that can affect suitability include:

• dry eye symptoms
• previous eyelid surgery
• thyroid eye disease
• significant brow drooping
• uncontrolled medical conditions
• smoking
• certain eye conditions.

These factors will be carefully assessed during consultation.

In some patients, brow position or facial ageing may contribute more significantly to the appearance of heaviness around the eyes than the eyelids themselves. In these situations, alternative or additional procedures may also be discussed with Dr Cameron.

Preparation for blepharoplasty begins with a detailed assessment of the eyelids, brow position, skin quality and overall facial balance.

Dr Alex Cameron will discuss the specific concerns bothering you, whether these are primarily related to excess skin, puffiness, under-eye bags or tired appearance.

Medical history is particularly important in eyelid surgery. Existing dry eye symptoms, previous eye surgery, thyroid disease, visual problems and medications affecting bleeding risk will all be reviewed during planning.

Preparation may also include smoking cessation, management of dry eye symptoms and arranging appropriate post-operative support during the early recovery period.

The goal is to improve the appearance of the eyes while preserving natural eyelid function and avoiding an over-operated or hollow appearance.

Blepharoplasty is usually performed as day surgery under local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic, depending on the extent of surgery and patient preference.

Upper blepharoplasty commonly involves removing excess upper eyelid skin and, in selected patients, a small amount of underlying muscle or fat. Incisions are carefully placed within the natural upper eyelid crease so scars are usually very well concealed once healed.

Lower blepharoplasty may involve repositioning or reducing prominent fat beneath the eyes, tightening excess skin, or supporting the lower eyelid where required.

In some patients, lower eyelid surgery can be performed through an incision hidden inside the eyelid, known as a transconjunctival approach. This technique avoids an external lower eyelid scar and is particularly useful in younger patients with under-eye puffiness but minimal skin excess.

The aim is to create a refreshed appearance while preserving natural eyelid shape, function and facial expression.

Dressings are usually minimal following surgery and drains are not required.

Dr Cameron performs blepharoplasty procedures at Burnside Hospital, St Andrew’s Hospital or Glenelg Community Hospital.

Blepharoplasty can create a more refreshed, rested and less heavy appearance around the eyes.

Upper eyelid surgery may improve hooding, heaviness and excess skin, while lower eyelid surgery can improve puffiness, under-eye bags and shadowing.

In patients with functional upper eyelid skin excess, surgery may also improve peripheral vision and eyelid comfort.

The goal is not to make you look different, but rather less tired or heavy around the eyes.

Results from blepharoplasty are generally long lasting, however the ageing process continues over time and the tissues around the eyes will continue to change naturally.

Recovery following blepharoplasty is usually straightforward, although bruising and swelling around the eyes are expected during the early healing period.

Most patients experience mild discomfort, tightness or irritation rather than significant pain. Symptoms are usually manageable with simple pain relief such as paracetamol.

Bruising and swelling are usually most noticeable during the first one to two weeks before gradually settling.

Temporary blurry vision, watering eyes, light sensitivity, dryness or mild asymmetry during healing can occur and usually settle as swelling improves.

Cold compresses, head elevation and avoiding strenuous activity during the early recovery phase all help minimise swelling.

Upper eyelid scars are typically hidden within the natural eyelid crease and usually heal extremely well. Lower eyelid scars, where present, are generally very subtle once healed.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled throughout your recovery, and Dr Cameron is happy to review you at any stage if you have concerns.

As a general guide, most patients are able to return to regular activity as follows:

• Walking and light activity: within several days
• Desk-based work: usually 1–2 weeks
• Light exercise: around 2 weeks
• Gym: around 4 weeks
• Swimming: around 4 weeks
• Driving: usually several days to 1 week, provided vision is comfortable and you are not taking sedating pain medication.

All surgery carries some degree of risk. These risks are reduced through careful preparation, surgical planning, post-operative care, and the experience and judgement of Dr Cameron and the Morphē team.

General risks associated with facial surgery will be discussed with you before your procedure.

Risks specific to blepharoplasty may include:

• Bruising and swelling. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are expected and usually settle over several weeks.
• Dry eyes or irritation. Temporary dryness, irritation or watering of the eyes is relatively common during healing and usually improves over time.
• Asymmetry. Minor asymmetry is common and perfectly identical eyelids are not achievable.
• Scarring. Eyelid scars are usually very well concealed and heal extremely well. Visible scarring is uncommon.
• Eyelid malposition. Lower eyelid retraction or ectropion, where the eyelid pulls away from the eye, is uncommon but can occur, particularly in patients with poor eyelid support or aggressive skin removal.

Risks specific to blepharoplasty may include: (cont.)

• Difficulty fully closing the eyes. Temporary tightness or incomplete eye closure can occur during early healing. Persistent problems are uncommon.
• Bleeding. Rarely, bleeding behind the eye can occur following surgery. Although extremely uncommon, this is a serious complication requiring urgent treatment.
• Vision changes. Temporary blurry vision is relatively common during recovery. Permanent vision loss is extremely rare.
• Need for revision surgery. Small revisions are occasionally required to improve contour, symmetry or residual skin excess.