Blepharoplasty Melbourne

Dr Rodrigo Teixeira performs upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) in Melbourne to address excess skin, eyelid heaviness, fat herniation, and volume changes that may affect eyelid contour, comfort, or vision.

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure used to address excess skin, drooping, or puffiness around the eyes. These changes can affect both the appearance and function of the eyelids and often become more noticeable with age.

At your consultation Dr Teixeira will conduct a thorough evaluation of your concerns and discuss your options for eyelid surgery and tailor a treatment plan.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty, or upper eyelid surgery, addresses excess upper eyelid skin, eyelid heaviness, and tissue laxity that may affect the natural eyelid contour and, in some cases, visual function. This procedure is commonly performed for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

Dr Teixeira offers upper eyelid procedures, including standard upper blepharoplasty and tarsal fixation blepharoplasty. The technique involves making an incision along the natural eyelid crease to remove redundant skin and, if necessary, reposition or remove fat. This approach helps restore definition to the upper eyelid fold and reduce tissue weight.

In tarsal fixation blepharoplasty, additional internal support is created by anchoring the levator aponeurosis to the tarsal plate, enhancing the stability of the eyelid crease. This method may be selected to improve long-term upper eyelid position in cases of advanced laxity or heaviness.

Upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on patient preference and the surgical plan. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty addresses changes in the lower eyelid region such as skin laxity, protruding fat, and weakened eyelid support. Several techniques may be used depending on the patient’s anatomy and concerns.

Transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty involves an internal incision to access and reposition or remove fat pads without altering the skin surface.

Transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty includes a small external incision just below the lash line to allow for skin excision and fat adjustment. Where needed, a canthopexy may also be performed to support lower eyelid position and tension.

Dr Teixeira may combine these techniques with other measures such as fat repositioning, lower eyelid tightening, or laser resurfacing to improve the transition between the lower eyelid and the cheek, depending on individual anatomy.

The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia and takes approximately two hours.

Ethnic Blepharoplasty

Ethnic blepharoplasty, also referred to as double eyelid surgery, is a procedure often sought by patients of East Asian descent to modify or define the upper eyelid crease.

While some individuals wish to preserve a monolid appearance and simply address excess upper eyelid skin, others may prefer to create a supratarsal crease for aesthetic or functional reasons.

During double eyelid surgery, an incision is made in the upper eyelid to remove excess skin or fat, and the tissues are reshaped to form a defined crease. The height and contour of the new fold are discussed during consultation and tailored to each patient’s preferences and facial features.

The procedure is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia and takes between one and two hours to complete.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty involves potential risks and complications. These may include:

Bleeding
Infection
Scarring
Dry eyes
Asymmetry
Sensitivity to light
Difficulty closing the eyes
Ectropion (outward turning of the lower eyelid)
Temporary or permanent changes in vision (rare)

Additional side effects like prolonged swelling, severe bruising, delayed healing, and fluid accumulation can also occur.

General anaesthesia also carries risks such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, though these are uncommon.

It is important to follow all pre- and post-operative care instructions provided by Dr Teixeira to support healing and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Surgery and Recovery

Knowledge and compliance with the recovery process is an important part of the blepharoplasty process. Dr Teixeira will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure your safety, comfort, and optimal healing following surgery.

Most patients can expect some bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort around the eyes in the days following the procedure. These symptoms are temporary and typically improve over the first two weeks. While recovery timelines vary between individuals, many patients return to light activities within 7–14 days.

Recovery Tips:

Manage swelling and discomfort
Apply cold compresses as directed and take any prescribed medications to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
Protect your eyes
Avoid rubbing your eyes or exposing them to wind, dust, or strong sunlight. Wearing sunglasses outdoors can help shield the eyes during recovery.
Use lubricating eye drops
Dr Teixeira may recommend eye drops to relieve dryness and support ocular surface comfort.
Rest and avoid eye strain
Limit screen time, reading, and activities that require prolonged visual focus during the early recovery period.
Avoid contact lenses
Use glasses until Dr Teixeira confirms it is safe to resume wearing contact lenses.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Stay well-hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and avoid smoking to support tissue healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your healing and address any concerns. It is important to attend all scheduled visits so Dr Teixeira can assess your progress and guide you through each stage of recovery.