Face: Upper Eyelid Reduction (Bletharoplasty)
Table of Contents
Why would I consider Upper Eyelid Reduction?
Upper eyelid reduction is an operation to decrease the excess skin and fat of the upper eyelid. This reduces the overhang and obstruction of vision and also creates definition of the upper eyelid, corresponding to a more youthful and attractive appearance.
Who Benefits?
Most patients complain of fullness in the upper eyelid that may cause functional problems due to severe heaviness of the upper eyelids, ie you feel like you have a hat on all the time, or you have difficulty looking upwards, or you feel like you are under a veranda all the time.
How is it done?
The operation is performed under a light general anaesthetic and is typically performed as day surgery.
What can I expect?
You are typically admitted on the day of surgery fasted from the night before or 8 hours prior.
Cold gauze is applied immediately following the surgery and sleeping on 2 pillows helps to reduce swelling.
How long does it take to recover?
Recovery time is in the order of a number of days, to a week, for all bruising to subside.
What complications can occur?
Refer to Surgery Complications – Risks of Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery
What other procedures are often performed at the same time?
Face and neck lift is often done in combination with upper eyelid reduction.
Tightening of the outside corner of the eye is sometimes needed (lateral canthopexy) if the lower eyelid is lax. This can avoid problems of the pulled down look or functional problems (ectropion).
Fullness of the upper eyelid can be due to low position of the eyebrow, which is more appropriately treated with a brow-lift procedure or brow-lift and upper eyelid reduction in combination.
What does it cost and will private insurance help?
Exact costing is highly variable as it depends on your history and circumstances, the hospital used and specifics of the procedure.
If a procedure can be given an item number then rebates will apply and significantly reduce out of pocket expenses if they are applicable.
If the upper eyelid reduction is cosmetic, private health insurance and medicare do not assist with costs.
A cost guide can be requested from my office on 9228 2188 (+61 8 9228 2188).
Alternatively, we can be emailed at info@cosmetic-surgery.com.au
Where can I get more information?
If you have specific questions, or wish more information on specific procedures, please contact my office.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Please refer to the Risks of Plastic or Cosmetic Surgery.
