Upper Eyelid Surgery Sydney (Upper Blepharoplasty)

Cosmetic Concerns Procedure Information Risks & Complications Procedure FAQs Procedure Pricing

An upper eyelid reduction or upper blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin, and sometimes fat, from the upper eyelid and can be performed in both men and women.

An upper blepharoplasty can:

Remove the excess skin from the upper eyelid that can interfere with vision
Remove excess skin from the upper eyelid that makes one look older
Define the tarsal crease, which is produce a crisp upper eyelid crease
Remove bulging areas of fat
Improve the shape of the upper eyelid to produce a refreshed, youthful appearance

Women and men seek upper blepharoplasty surgery to

Remove the heaviness of the upper lid skin resting on the eyelashes
Remove skin obstructing their vision
Feel more refreshed and look more youthful
Feel confident

The best candidates for upper blepharoplasty are men and women who:

Are physically and mentally healthy
Are of a healthy weight
Have realistic expectations

Upper eyelid surgery may not be suitable for men and women who:

Have multiple medical problems
Are on blood thinning medication
Have unrealistic expectations
Have multiple eye problems such as dry eyes, changing visual acuity.

Upper blepharoplasty has a high satisfaction rate amongst patients, providing dramatic results with little down time.

Some patients chose to combine upper blepharoplasty surgery with:

Lower Blepharoplasty
Brow lift surgery
Face and Neck Lift
Facial fat grafting
Non-surgical treatments such as fillers whilst under anaesthetic.

Dr Aggarwal

Dr Aggarwal is a well regarded, respected, highly skilled and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Graduating at the top of his class throughout his training, Dr Aggarwal has completed fellowship training at some of the world’s most prestigious reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery institutions in Canada and the USA. He continues to publish research is prestigious plastic surgery journals, and is actively involved in the training of future plastic surgeons.

What sets Dr Aggarwal apart from others is his personal, affable and warm nature. Not only does he pay attention to detail, to producing natural, beautiful results but he ensures that the patient’s journey is just as special as their outcome. Dr Aggarwal looks after patients at one of Sydney’s most prestigious public hospital campuses (POWH/SCH/RHW), and operates privately on Sydney’s North Shore. Dr Aggarwal has treated thousands of patients throughout Sydney and beyond who have achieved outstanding results under his care.

Procedure Snapshot

Anaesthetic: GA by accredited anaesthetist
Time: 1 hour
Duration of stay: Day Surgery
Hospital: Any of the hospitals where Dr Aggarwal works. Skin only blepharoplasty can be offered under local anaesthetic in rooms.
Medicare/Health fund rebate: Medicare and Health Funds will provide a rebate only if there is sufficient excess of skin that causes obstruction to vision, in addition to having an appropriate level of health cover.

Recovery: You go home the same day. You are required to use ice packs to minimise bruising and swelling. Most people can resume work within 1-2 weeks.
Results: One of the most satisfying procedures for patients but it is important to note that results vary from patient to patient.

Cosmetic Concerns

I am concerned regarding the scars of an upper blepharoplasty – will people know?

The art of a beautiful eyelid surgery is inconspicuous scars combined with a result that looks natural and beautiful without looking like you have had an operation.
The scar of upper blepharoplasty is placed in the crease of the upper eyelid. In fact effort is made to make the crease more crisp which produces a more youthful appearance.
In general, while in the short term the scar may be visible, the eyelid skin heals very well and provides for a barely visible scar long term.

I have had a previous upper blepharoplasty. Is it possible to have another?

A well performed upper blepharoplasty is generally permanent.
Very rarely does the loose skin recur but it is possible to perform a repeat conservative excision if needed.
Dr Aggarwal will make a careful assessment of your face during the consultation, as sometimes it is the brow that droops, creating the impression of upper eyelid skin excess when in fact it is the brow that has dropped. People in this category will generally benefit from a brow lift rather than a repeat upper blepharoplasty.

I have a lot of bulging fat in my upper eyelid – can this be removed during surgery?

Yes.
However upper blepharoplasty techniques have veered away from aggressive removal of fat.
Dr Aggarwal aims to try and achieve a natural result – the key to upper blepharoplasty is to remove only the problematic bulging fat without over-resection. Removal of too much fat can produce a skeletonised look to the eyes which looks very aging.

I have droopy upper eyelids

A droopy appearance to the upper eyelid can occur for two reasons – that there is a lot of extra upper eyelid skin, or the actual position of the eyelid has lowered to cover the coloured part of the eye called the iris.
The latter is known as ptosis and can occur for several reasons.
While ptosis repair can be undertaken at the same time as upper blepharoplasty surgery, if you have significant ptosis Dr Aggarwal will refer you to an eye surgeon who routinely performs ptosis repairs.

Procedure Information

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia given by an accredited anaesthetist in a fully accredited and licensed facility. The procedure takes one hour and patients go home the same day. Uninsured patients or those for whom a rebate may not apply, who require only a skin excision may be eligible for a procedure under local anaesthetic in rooms.

Incisions

Dr Aggarwal will mark you before your procedure, taking into account the natural fold of the upper eyelid, the amount of skin that needs to be removed, and judging if the amount of skin left behind will be adequate for proper function of the upper lid.
The scar of an upper blepharoplasty goes from the medial corner of the eye (medial canthus), to beyond the lateral corner of the eye to remove the adequate amount of skin.

The Procedure

Local anaesthetic is carefully injected just under the skin.
The skin and a part of the underlying muscle is removed.
If required bulging fat is removed and any bleeding controlled
The skin is then carefully closed.
The sutures are left long and carefully taped to the skin of the face.

After your upper eyelid surgery

Dr Aggarwal will place steri-strips over the loose ends of the sutures – you must keep these dry and intact until you see Dr Aggarwal after the surgery.
You will be instructed to use frequent ice packs over the eyes as this significantly reduces bleeding and bruising post upper eyelid surgery.
It is also a good idea to keep your head elevated when you sleep at least for the first 2 nights.
You will be given a script for antibiotics by Dr Aggarwal which you must continue for 1 week. You will also be given appropriate pain relief medications.
While most sedentary activities can be resumed when you go home, you must lay low and not exert yourself. You should refrain from any activity that raises your blood pressure for the first 72 hours. Most people are able to return to normal work at 1-2 weeks.
Dr Aggarwal will see regularly after your discharge from hospital.

Risks & Complications

Every surgery carries risks, and therefore one must consider if risks outweigh the benefits for your own personal situation. If they do then the surgery may be well worth it. Dr Aggarwal will discuss the pros and cons of surgery with you during your consultation.

General Complications

Risks of anaesthetic – there are general risks of going under an anaesthetic such as a mild stress on the heart and lungs, risk of reaction to anaesthetic drugs and risk of blotting in the legs. These risks are generally low in patients who are otherwise fit and healthy. It is also possible to perform this surgery under pure local anaesthetic omitting some of these risks.
Bleeding (1-2%) – any bleeding is controlled during surgery however unexpected bleeding can occur in the immediate postoperative period. If this occurs it will necessitate a return to theatre to control the bleeding. If fat has been removed there is a small chance that bleeding can cause a threat to vision, and therefore you must report immediately to Dr Aggarwal if there is any change in your vision.
Infection (<1%) – this is very rare. However you are given antibiotics during induction (when you are going to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics after your surgery to keep this risk to a minimum.

Specific Complications

Deterioration in vision – this is a very rare complication as a result of bleeding which needs immediate attention. If this emergency is not rectified immediately it can lead to blindness or reduced vision in the affected eye.
Inability to close the eyelids – while Dr Aggarwal takes careful attention to never remove excess skin, at Mode we do see patients who have had surgery elsewhere who occasionally have this complication. Unfortunately the only way to correct this is to add skin to the upper eyelid through further surgery.
Asymmetrical scars – There can be a difference in how each eyelid behaves to surgery and skin tension, and can produce an asymmetry to the scars, albeit the aim is to get them as symmetrical as possible.
Hypertrophic or poor scars – How one’s body behaves to scarring is individual and largely genetic. Some types of skin are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, and some individuals and families are more prone to this. We will routinely advise you on how to improve the quality of scars over time. You should also discuss any history of abnormal scarring with Dr Aggarwal preoperatively.
Recurrence of fat bulging – occasionally despite removal of fat, bulging of fat can recur.

FAQs

Do I need a referral for an upper blepharoplasty?

We recommend that patients obtain a referral for upper blepharoplasty.
If you do obtain a referral it is possible to claim a Medicare rebate of approximately $73 for the initial consultation
Furthermore if you qualify for the Medicare item number, and you also have an appropriate level of health cover, you may qualify for a rebate from Medicare/health funds with a referral.

Where can I see Dr Aggarwal?

You can see us at our main practice at Gordon, or at our other locations at Hornsby, Hunters Hill or Camperdown.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to find out more information about these locations.

Where will I have my operation?

Any of the hospitals where Dr Aggarwal works – most commonly Hunters Hill Private or SAN Day Surgery Hornsby.
Skin only blepharoplasty may also be performed under local anaesthetic in rooms.

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

Cease fish oil, and other supplements such as Ginkgo, Ginseng.
Please discuss with Dr Aggarwal if you are on blood thinning medications as to when you should stop and recommence those.
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

Will I be able to exercise after surgery?

You must not do any activity that raises your blood pressure for 72 hours
Most people are able to resume most activities at 1-2 weeks.

Will I need special medications after surgery?

Dr Aggarwal will provide you with the necessary scripts for antibiotics and pain relief.

Do I need to wear any special garments?

No
However you will be required to use regular ice packs over the eyes for the first 48 hours.

Will I need further surgery?

Can I travel in an airplane after surgery?

Yes
However we always encourage patients not to be away overseas shortly after having a procedure, so that we can closely follow your recovery and address any concerns that may arise.

When will I be able to swim after an upper blepharoplasty?

You can swim in a pool or beach after 2 weeks once all wounds have healed.

When will I be able to drive after an upper blepharoplasty?

It is best to not drive for the 24-48 hours after upper eyelid surgery as the swelling initially may interfere with your vision.

Do you offer local anaesthetic or sedation for upper blepharoplasty?

Yes, patients who require sedation or general anaesthetic have their surgery in an accredited private hospital.
If you require a skin only upper blepharoplasty you can elect to have the procedure under local anaesthetic in rooms.

Are there any alternatives to upper blepharoplasty?

Unfortunately no – the only way to remove excess skin (and fat) from the upper eyelid is through direct excision.

Procedure Pricing

A quote for this procedure will be provided to you after a consultation with Dr. Aggarwal. You can also call or email our office for our current indicative pricing.
This fee is all inclusive, which includes
- Surgical fees
- Hospital theatre fees or Rooms procedure fee
- Anaesthetist fees (if applicable)
- Follow up
Please note that some patients may qualify for a Medicare item number and this can reduce the out of pocket costs.
Please note that the above prices do not include
- Preoperative consultation fees
- Other procedures such as lower blepharoplasty, brow lift, or other facial cosmetic procedures.

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