Eyelid Surgery in Melbourne (Blepharoplasty)
Blepharoplasty is surgery to reshape the upper, lower, or both eyelids by removing or repositioning tissue. Because similar concerns can have different underlying causes, consultation and examination help clarify what is driving the change, which options may suit the anatomy, and the likely risks and recovery.
Why eyelid surgery may be considered
The eyelids are thin, mobile structures positioned between the brow, the eye and the cheek. Over time, genetics, skin quality and natural tissue descent can change how this area rests and moves. In the upper lids, this can appear as a heavier skin fold or a less defined crease. In the lower lids, it may present as under-eye fullness, looser skin, or a deeper lid–cheek groove that creates shadowing.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be considered when eyelid changes influence contour, eye comfort, or overall facial balance. Similar concerns can have different causes, such as excess upper eyelid skin, brow descent, true ptosis, fat prolapse, laxity, or tear-trough hollowing. A consultation helps clarify what is contributing and supports a tailored discussion of options, limitations, risks, recovery, and the variability of outcomes.
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with a practice focus on facial plastic surgery. His fellowship training includes aesthetic plastic surgery and craniofacial/cleft surgery, supporting an anatomy-led approach to facial structure, soft tissues, and surgical planning. His clinical work includes eyelid surgery as part of facial plastic surgery practice.
Learn more about Dr Rodrigo Teixeira and his approach to plastic surgery and patient care.
Assessment first: what’s causing the concern?
Concerns usually fall into upper-lid, lower-lid, or combined patterns. Similar concerns can look alike in photos or in the mirror, even when the underlying cause is different. Assessment typically considers appearance and function, eyelid support and movement, eye surface health (including dryness), and any history of eye or eyelid surgery. This helps clarify what is most likely driving the change and which options may be appropriate. Concerns usually fall into upper-lid, lower-lid, or combined patterns.
Upper eyelid concerns
Upper eyelid concerns are often described as “heavy” or “hooded” lids. Common signs include a skin fold sitting closer to the lashes, a less visible crease, or eyes that look more tired in photos. A common day-to-day clue is that eyeshadow can look less visible, and eyeliner or mascara may transfer as the fold sits lower.
Some people notice heaviness that builds by afternoon, a habit of lifting the brows to feel more open, or forehead tension. In some cases, there may be reduced upper field awareness when looking up or reading signs. When upper lids are the main concern, upper blepharoplasty may be discussed depending on the cause (such as skin excess, brow position, or true ptosis).
Learn more: Upper Blepharoplasty in Melbourne
Lower eyelid concerns
Lower eyelid concerns are often described as “bags,” “puffiness,” or “dark circles,” although these terms can reflect different underlying factors. Common signs include under-eye fullness, a deeper lid–cheek groove that creates shadowing, or fine creasing that becomes more visible when smiling, often most noticeable in overhead lighting or photos.
Puffiness can fluctuate and may look worse in the morning, with allergies, after salty meals or alcohol, or when sleep is poor. When lower lids are the main concern, lower blepharoplasty may be discussed after assessment of the key contributors (fullness, laxity, hollowing, and lower lid support).
Treatment pathways
After assessment, the discussion may include upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combined approachwhen concerns involve both the upper and lower eyelids. The aim is to match the plan to the underlying cause while preserving eyelid support and eye comfort.
Where clinically appropriate, adjunct procedures may be discussed, such as ptosis correction, brow support procedures (see Brow Lift), lower eyelid support techniques, or approaches that help improve the lid–cheek transition, including fat repositioning or fat grafting in selected cases (see Fat Transfer).
Dr Teixeira’s Approach to Eyelid Surgery
Planning begins with assessment of eyelid anatomy, brow position, eyelid support, and eye surface health. The approach aims to balance form and function and maintain natural eyelid contour. In selected cases, a tissue-preserving plan may be preferred, as excessive removal of skin or fat can sometimes contribute to hollowing or tightness over time. Adjunct procedures may be discussed where indicated to address the underlying cause.
Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty involves risks and individual outcomes vary. While many patients recover without major issues, results cannot be guaranteed.
Complications are uncommon but can include:
- Bruising, swelling, or temporary asymmetry
- Infection or delayed healing
- Temporary irritation, dry eyes, or tightness
- Difficulty closing the eyes fully during early recovery
- Changes in eyelid contour or mild scarring
Rare complications can include bleeding, eyelid malposition, or vision disturbance. Individual factors, such as dry eye symptoms or prior eye surgery, are reviewed during consultation as part of surgical planning.
What to expect during recovery
Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure, general health, and healing response. Eyelid surgery is typically a day procedure and may be performed under local anaesthetic, sedation, or general anaesthetic, depending on the surgical plan.
In the first week, common experiences include swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness. These effects often improve within 7–10 days, although more subtle swelling can take longer to settle. Comfort measures may include cool compresses, simple pain relief, and lubricating eye drops if temporary dryness occurs. Follow-up appointments are used to monitor healing and provide individualised advice.
Our Clinic in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne
Unveil Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery is located in Ivanhoe East, around 10 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Our clinic on Lower Heidelberg Road is easily accessed, with convenient parking nearby, and provides a calm, welcoming environment designed for comfort and discretion.
On arrival, the reception team assists with check-in and helps coordinate appointments. Care is centred on clear communication, appropriate pre-operative assessment, and structured follow-up after surgery.
Eyelid Surgery FAQs
Not always. A heavy or hooded appearance may relate to excess skin, brow descent, or true eyelid ptosis (a lower eyelid margin). Assessment helps clarify the main contributor.
Not always. Puffiness can relate to fat prolapse, but shadowing can also be driven by tear-trough hollowing, skin quality, and cheek support. More than one factor may be present.
In some cases, excess upper eyelid skin can reduce the upper field of vision. A clinical assessment is needed to determine whether concerns are functional, cosmetic, or a combination.
The aim is usually to improve eyelid contour while preserving eyelid support and eye protection. During healing, swelling and tightness can temporarily change appearance. Longer-term changes in contour are a known risk and are discussed during consultation.
Recovery varies. Swelling and bruising are common early and typically improve over the first 1–2 weeks, while more subtle swelling can take longer to settle. Timelines differ between upper and lower eyelid surgery.
A combined approach may be discussed when concerns involve both the upper and lower eyelids, such as upper lid hooding alongside under-eye bags or shadowing, based on anatomy, eye health, and recovery planning.
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