With age, some individuals may experience changes to the upper or lower eyelids, including excess skin or changes to muscle tone.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is a procedure that may be considered to address changes in the eyelids that occur over time, such as skin redundancy or muscle laxity.
This procedure involves the removal or repositioning of tissue and skin to improve eyelid contour and may assist with both functional and aesthetic concerns. Suitability for this procedure depends on individual anatomy, goals, and clinical assessment.
A considered approach to blepharoplasty
Like all of our plastic surgery procedures, the team at Quayside Specialists are committed to working with you to find the best possible option. We will present you with options that meet your expectations for the procedure and account for your overall health and wellbeing.
If you are considering blepharoplasty in Sydney for concerns such as excess upper eyelid skin, lower eyelid fullness, or changes in eyelid contour, our team will guide you through the procedure, including the potential outcomes and associated risks. This ensures you have a clear and realistic understanding of what may be achievable based on your individual anatomy and clinical assessment.
Choose Quayside Specialists for blepharoplasty in Sydney and more
As well as blepharoplasty surgery, our team of dedicated skin specialists and offer a variety of procedures and treatments, including:
- Skin packages
- Dermatology
- Body plastic surgery
- Breast implants and augmentations
- General plastic surgery
- And more
With all of our offered treatments, you can expect an open and honest dialogue with our team, focused on giving you the information you need to make a choice that will empower you.
If you’re exploring options to address changes in your vision or eyelid appearance, our team at Quayside Specialists in Sydney can guide you through the available treatment approaches, including blepharoplasty, based on your individual needs and clinical assessment. Get in touch to book a consultation today.
What is involved in a blepharoplasty?
There are different techniques for blepharoplasty that can achieve different results.
- Upper Blepharoplasty – This procedure involves the removal or repositioning of excess skin or tissue from the upper eyelids. It may be considered where upper eyelid skin contributes to visual obstruction or concerns about eyelid contour.
- Lower Blepharoplasty – This approach addresses the lower eyelid area, which may include the removal of excess skin or repositioning of fatty tissue contributing to fullness or changes in lower eyelid shape.
- Combined “Double” Eyelid Surgery – In some cases, both upper and lower eyelid procedures may be performed in a single surgical session. This can be discussed if concerns involve both areas and will depend on individual factors and surgical suitability.
Book a consultation to discuss which procedure is most suitable for you and your situation today.
Blepharoplasty Recovery
You will be unable to drive yourself home, so arrange for someone to come pick you up, and wear sunglasses as protection on your trip home.
Don’t try to go back to work for at least three to four days. Though you can return to work after a few days, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
Use two or three pillows to elevate your head while resting or sleeping.
What to know before a blepharoplasty
A blepharoplasty is a highly personalised surgical procedure, however, it may not be suitable for everyone. Some deciding factors to take into consideration before undergoing a blepharoplasty include:
- Your Surgeon (Dr Leo Kim) – What results you wish to achieve and what your chosen surgeon can achieve will be discussed in your consultation.
- Final Results – You will not be able to see the final results immediately post-surgery. They may take up to 12 months to emerge, at which point Dr Leo Kim will assess in your follow-up appointments.
- Compatibility – If you have fatty deposits, or excess, sagging skin, you may be a good candidate for eyelid surgery. However, those who have dry eye or infections present are not good candidates. If you smoke or are not in good health, unfortunately, you will also be a poor candidate for the procedure.
- Smoking – If you are serious and committed to undergoing a blepharoplasty, quitting smoking is required. Smokers are at an increased risk of severe complications and Dr Leo Kim will refuse to operate on you if you are a smoker.
- Risks associated – During your initial consultation, Dr Leo Kim will carefully evaluate the post-op results and ensure the surgery does not impede vision. More risks associated can be found below.

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Risks associated with a blepharoplasty
Any invasive surgical procedure poses risk. These risks will be discussed with you in detail at your consultation.
- Infection – You will be covered with the right antibiotics and also provided with topical ointments and drops. Following postoperative care procedures is the best way of avoiding this.
- Chemosis – This is the commonest complication after blepharoplasty. It is when swelling of the red mucosa inside of your eyelid persists after surgery. The condition is usually temporary and is thought to be due to a blockage of the lymphatics. If it does occur it can be treated effectively topical medications and rarely needs any other intervention.
- Dry Eyes – Eye protectors and lubricants are used to minimise this and incidents of injury to the eye and dry eyes are extremely rare.
- Poor Scar Healing – Tissue around the eyes generally heals very well and noticeable scarring is extremely rare. This risk is virtually unheard of if postoperative scar advice is followed closely.
- Ectropion – This is a potential risk of lower lid surgery when the eyelid margin no longer sits on the eye itself. To prevent this proper examination and discussion of a tailored plan including manipulation of eyelids will take place.
- Asymmetry – No two eyes are exactly the same and existing differences between the right and left may remain and, in rare circumstances, be exaggerated.
Blepharoplasty Surgery FAQs
Dr Leo Kim and his experienced team have answered frequently asked questions regarding this surgery. If you have a separate question or concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
The outcomes of blepharoplasty can be long-lasting; however, the natural ageing process continues, and changes in the lower eyelid region may occur over time. In some instances, a secondary procedure may be considered in the future.
If you have concerns about the longevity of results or potential changes over time, this can be discussed during your consultation with Dr Leo Kim. He will provide individualised advice based on your anatomy, treatment goals, and expectations.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid reduction surgery) may improve the appearance of the upper and/or lower eyelids by addressing concerns such as excess skin or fullness in the eyelid region. These changes can contribute to a refreshed or more open appearance, depending on individual anatomy and treatment goals.
It’s important to discuss your expectations in detail during your consultation with Dr Leo Kim. He will assess your needs and provide guidance on whether the procedure is suitable and what outcomes may realistically be achieved.
A good candidate for blepharoplasty has puffy eyelids or requires fatty deposits to be removed from the upper, lower or both eyelids. However, a good candidate is also a patient with realistic expectations.
A poor candidate for blepharoplasty has unrealistic expectations, is present with an infection or dry eye, refuses to quit smoking, has poor overall health, or is under the age of 18 years old.
The process of undergoing blepharoplasty surgery is a fairly straightforward process. Most patients are able to return to work after a few days, begin exercising in earnest after two weeks, and generally return to all the normal activities they enjoy within a fortnight.
Blepharoplasty is able to be performed under both local and general anaesthesia, although procedures performed under local anaesthetic have a shorter recovery time. Because we always take a highly individualised approach to our upper and lower eyelid surgery, our blepharoplasty surgeons will be able to advise you about which course of action we recommend for your unique situation and desired results.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be considered for individuals experiencing functional or aesthetic concerns related to excess skin or tissue around the upper or lower eyelids. In some cases, changes in the upper eyelid may contribute to visual obstruction or affect the appearance of the eyes.
Upper eyelid surgery may be appropriate for individuals with pronounced skin redundancy or tissue descent in this area. A thorough consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr Leo Kim, is required to determine whether the procedure is suitable for your individual needs and goals.
No, after blepharoplasty surgery you will need someone to pick you up and drive you home. We recommend wearing sunglasses after your surgery too, to help protect your eyes on the drive home. After a few days, you’ll be able to drive and even return to work, provided your recovery is without complications.
Suitability for blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) depends on a range of factors, including your overall health, anatomy, treatment goals, and lifestyle. Individuals who are in good general health, are non-smokers (or have ceased smoking well in advance of surgery), and who present with excess eyelid skin or fullness in the upper or lower eyelid regions may be considered for this procedure.
At Quayside Specialists in Sydney, Dr Leo Kim will conduct a thorough consultation to assess whether eyelid surgery is appropriate for your individual circumstances. This includes a discussion of the types of procedures available, the expected outcomes, and the risks involved. Our team is committed to providing detailed, transparent information to support informed decision-making.
Blepharoplasty Sydney CBD
When you come in to see Dr Leo Kim at Quayside Specialists, Sydney CBD, we will ensure you feel self-assured about your decision and are fully informed on all the options suitable for your needs.
Contact Us today to book a consultation or make an enquiry.