Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Melbourne

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can help address excess skin, eyelid heaviness, or prominent fat pads around the eyes that may contribute to a tired appearance or, in some cases, affect vision. Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS), performs both upper and lower eyelid surgery in Melbourne to address changes in the eyelids that may result from ageing, genetics, or environmental factors. Blepharoplasty is a tailored procedure, and Dr Teixeira takes a personalised approach to assessing each patient’s anatomy and goals.

What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure to reshape the upper and/or lower eyelids by removing or repositioning excess skin, fat, or muscle. It is performed to relieve functional issues, such as visual obstruction from dermatochalasis (overhanging skin) or eyelid ptosis (drooping eyelids), and to address cosmetic concerns including puffiness, skin excess, or deep lines under the eyes.

The surgical plan for blepharoplasty varies between upper and lower eyelid procedures, each involving distinct anatomical layers and surgical techniques tailored to the patient’s needs. While enhancing appearance is often a benefit, the primary goal is to preserve natural eye shape and maintain healthy eyelid function.

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, is known for his calm manner, attentiveness, and academic background in facial anatomy. He combines clinical experience with aesthetic judgment and takes time to ensure patients feel informed, supported, and comfortable throughout their care.

Learn more about Dr Rodrigo Teixeira and his approach to plastic surgery and patient care.

Upper Eyelid Surgery (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure to remove or reposition excess skin from the upper eyelids. It may be considered when skin laxity causes heaviness, affects comfort, or interferes with the upper field of vision. The aim is to restore upper eyelid contour while maintaining natural eye function and appearance.

Brow position is also assessed, as a descended brow can contribute to upper eyelid heaviness. In these cases, a brow lift may be discussed during consultation as part of a tailored treatment plan.

Incisions are placed within the natural eyelid fold to minimise visibility. Where appropriate, ptosis (drooping of the eyelid muscle) may also be addressed through eyelid ptosis surgery as part of your upper blepharoplasty.

What Concerns Can Upper Eyelid Surgery Address?

Upper eyelid surgery may be appropriate for individuals experiencing:

Excess skin folding over the natural eyelid crease.
A sensation of heaviness around the upper eyelid area.
Reduced peripheral vision due to overhanging tissue.
Difficulty wearing glasses or applying makeup due to skin excess.

Lower Eyelid Surgery (Lower Blepharoplasty)

Lower eyelid surgery addresses a range of concerns beneath the eyes, including under-eye bags, skin excess, fine wrinkles, and hollowness. Fat pads that become more prominent with age can be repositioned or adjusted to smooth puffiness, while loose skin and creases may be treated with conservative skin excision or resurfacing techniques. The procedure can also improve the appearance of tear troughs, hollows between the lower eyelid and cheek, which may be present from a younger age due to inherited anatomy.

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira tailors the surgical approach to your needs:

A transconjunctival approach uses an internal incision to reposition or remove fat, and may be combined with a conservative “pinch” excision when minor skin laxity is present.
A subciliary approach, with an incision below the lash line, may be used when excess skin or fine lines are more prominent.
A canthopexy may be recommended to support eyelid shape and position, particularly in cases of reduced eyelid tone or more extensive correction.

What Concerns Can Lower Eyelid Surgery Address?

Lower blepharoplasty may be considered for:

Puffiness from prominent lower eyelid fat pads.
Wrinkles or skin laxity beneath the eyes.
Tear troughs or under-eye hollowness.
Reduced lower eyelid support or tone.
Difficulty with makeup due to shadows or volume loss

The procedure is personalised to address these concerns while maintaining eyelid function and natural appearance.

Dr Teixeira’s Surgical Approach to Blepharoplasty

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira takes an anatomy-led approach to eyelid surgery, balancing function and natural appearance. Each procedure is tailored to the individual, with careful assessment of eye shape, facial structure, tissue quality, and brow position; an important factor in upper eyelid heaviness that may influence whether eyelid surgery alone is appropriate or if brow support is also needed.

Rather than removing tissue, his approach favours volume preservation and repositioning in both upper and lower eyelid surgery. Age-related changes can lead to volume loss and contour irregularities, and overly aggressive tissue removal may result in a hollowed appearance. Fat is typically conserved or redistributed to maintain structure and avoid overcorrection.

Where appropriate, Dr Teixeira uses tarsal fixation, a refined technique that secures skin to the tarsal plate through an internal incision. This method supports natural eyelid fold definition and enhances long-term stability, drawing on principles established by Dr Bryan Mendelson to preserve contour and maintain eyelid function.

What to Expect at the Blepharoplasty Consultation

Your consultation with Dr Rodrigo Teixeira is an important step in planning eyelid surgery. This appointment allows for a clear discussion of your concerns, a detailed examination, and a recommendation that aligns with your goals and anatomy.

During your first consultation, Dr Teixeira will review your medical history and assess your upper and lower eyelids, brow position, skin quality, and eyelid support. Clinical photographs will be taken, and where appropriate, a screening questionnaire for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) will be completed, in line with AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic procedures.

You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms, expectations, and treatment preferences—whether aesthetic, functional, or both. Dr Teixeira will explain the likely benefits, risks, and limitations of surgery or non-surgical alternatives, and outline a tailored approach based on your anatomy. If there are signs of dry eye or visual concerns, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may be consulted to assess tear film and ocular surface health.

A second consultation is required to confirm your plan, address any further questions, and complete consent. In accordance with national guidelines for cosmetic surgery, a minimum seven-day cooling-off period follows the initial consultation before surgery can be booked.

For more on what to expect during your appointment, visit our patient information page.

Risks and Considerations of Eyelid Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, eyelid surgery involves potential risks. These vary based on your anatomy, medical history, and the type of procedure being performed. Outcomes also differ between individuals due to natural differences in healing, skin quality, and tissue behaviour, which cannot be fully predicted in advance.

Common side effects may include bruising, swelling, temporary discomfort, or dry eyes. Some patients may experience irritation, mild asymmetry, temporary difficulty closing the eyes, or changes in eyelid contour. Less common risks include infection, delayed healing, thick or irregular scarring, bleeding, or lower eyelid malposition (such as ectropion), which may require further treatment.

It is especially important to assess how surgery could affect blinking, tear production, or the ocular surface, particularly in individuals with a history of dry eye, contact lens use, or previous eye procedures. These factors are carefully reviewed by Dr Teixeira during your consultation to help minimise risk.

What to Expect During Recovery & Aftercare Following Blepharoplasty

Recovery varies between individuals, depends on the type of procedure, your general health, and how your body responds to healing but understanding the typical blepharoplasty recovery timeline can help you prepare for each stage of healing. Swelling and bruising are common in the first week and usually improve with time. Mild discomfort or tightness may occur and can often be managed with cold compresses and simple pain relief. Some patients also experience temporary dry eye symptoms, which may be supported with lubricating drops if needed. To help you recover safely and comfortably, Dr Teixeira will provide personalised post-operative instructions.

General blepharoplasty recovery recommendations include:

Rest with your head elevated for the first few days.
Use cold compresses as directed to minimise swelling.
Avoid bending, heavy lifting, and vigorous activity for 1–2 weeks.
Limit screen time and reading in the early stages to reduce eye strain.
Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect healing skin.
Follow all wound care instructions carefully.
Use lubricating eye drops if advised.
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

Most people feel ready to return to work or light activities within 7 to 10 days, although individual recovery timelines can vary. While early results are often visible within a few weeks, minor swelling may take longer to settle. Dr Teixeira and his team will monitor your recovery and provide support at each stage.

Our Melbourne Clinic

Unveil Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery is located in the heart of Ivanhoe East, just 10 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Our boutique clinic on 244 Lower Heidelberg Road offers a calm, welcoming environment designed for comfort, privacy, and discretion.

When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our reception team and guided through a supportive experience tailored to your needs. Whether you’re attending a consultation or undergoing treatment, we aim to provide personalised care at every step. Our clinic is equipped with modern consultation spaces and is easily accessible with convenient parking nearby.

We understand that deciding to undergo blepharoplasty is a deeply personal process. Our team is here to provide clarity, reassurance, and trusted guidance throughout your journey, from first enquiry to follow-up care.

Combining Blepharoplasty with Other Procedures

Blepharoplasty is often performed on its own, but in some cases it may be combined with other procedures to address broader facial concerns. Whether this is appropriate depends on your anatomy, goals, and overall treatment plan. For example, a brow lift may be considered alongside upper eyelid surgery if brow descent contributes to eyelid heaviness. This can help reposition the brow and reduce the need for excessive eyelid skin removal.

Lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be combined with fat transfer when there is significant tear trough hollowing or volume loss beneath the eyes. Using your own fat to restore volume can improve contour and soften under-eye shadows.

Other options may include skin treatments or volume restoration procedures to support skin quality or refine results, where clinically appropriate. Any combined approach is guided by a thorough consultation with Dr Teixeira and is based on clinical suitability, your preferences, and long-term facial balance.

FAQs

How long does blepharoplasty take and how long is the surgery?

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 3 hours, depending on whether upper or both upper and lower eyelids are treated, or whether it’s combined with other procedures.

How much does blepharoplasty cost?

Costs vary depending on whether you’re having upper, lower, or both eyelids treated. An in-person consultation is required to provide an accurate quote. Medicare or private rebates may apply in some medically indicated cases.

Can blepharoplasty be done under local anaesthesia?

Yes, upper eyelid surgery is often performed under local anaesthesia. Lower blepharoplasty may require twilight sedation or general anaesthesia depending on the approach.

Are there visible scars after blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty incisions are placed to minimise visibility. For upper eyelids, the incision is usually hidden in the natural crease. Lower eyelid surgery may be done from inside the eyelid (transconjunctival) or just below the lash line if skin needs to be removed. Scars generally fade well over time, but may be more visible in some individuals with darker skin or increased pigmentation around the eyes.

Are non-surgical alternatives as effective as blepharoplasty?

Some non-surgical treatments, including energy-based devices and prescription-only cosmetic procedures, may offer mild improvements in brow position, skin texture, or periorbital volume. These options can be suitable for early signs of ageing but are generally more limited in scope and duration compared to surgical blepharoplasty. For concerns such as significant skin laxity, prominent fat pads, or eyelid heaviness, surgery remains the most effective and lasting solution.

What is the best age to have eyelid surgery?

There’s no set age for blepharoplasty. While the procedure is most commonly performed between ages 40 and 60, younger individuals may be suitable candidates if they have inherited traits such as puffiness, early skin laxity, or tear through hollowing.

Will I be able to see after blepharoplasty?

Yes. Most patients maintain clear vision after blepharoplasty. Temporary changes such as swelling, sensitivity, or blurry vision can occur in the early recovery phase.

When can I wear contact lenses or makeup after eyelid surgery?

Contact lenses are usually avoided for 1–2 weeks after surgery to reduce irritation. Makeup near the eyes should also be paused until the incisions have fully healed, typically after suture removal and with clearance from your surgeon.

When can I sleep on my side after blepharoplasty?

It’s usually recommended to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first 1–2 weeks to reduce swelling and avoid pressure on the eyes. Dr Teixeira will advise when it’s safe to resume side sleeping based on your healing.

Can I drive after blepharoplasty?

You should not drive immediately after surgery, especially if you’ve had sedation or anaesthesia. Most people resume driving a few days post-surgery, once their vision is clear and they are no longer taking strong pain medication.

Can I fly after eyelid surgery?

Flying is generally safe after initial healing, but it’s best to avoid air travel during the first 2-3 days due to swelling, dryness, and risk of bleeding. Dr Teixeira can provide personalised advice if you plan to travel soon after surgery.

Can blepharoplasty cause blindness?

Permanent vision loss is extremely rare. When it occurs, it is usually linked to retrobulbar bleeding shortly after surgery or vascular complications from non-surgical treatments. While upper eyelid blepharoplasty carries minimal risk, patients undergoing lower eyelid surgery may sometimes be admitted overnight for observation as a precaution.

Can I have eyelid surgery more than once?

Yes, revision blepharoplasty may be appropriate in some cases. A full assessment is needed, as brow position can contribute to eyelid heaviness, sometimes a brow lift is more suitable or recommended in combination with secondary blepharoplasty.