Blepharoplasty in Melbourne | Oculoplastic Eyelid Surgery, Over 10 Years’ Experience
Blepharoplasty in Melbourne, assessed and performed at Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic
Advanced Cataract Surgery in Melbourne | 10+ Years Experience
Cataract surgery in Melbourne — care at Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic
Eyelid surgery at our practice begins with a detailed assessment of your eyelid function and anatomy
Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that addresses excess upper eyelid skin and the tissue changes that develop around the upper and lower eyelids. As part of the natural aging process, eyelid skin can become loose or sagging, and fatty deposits can appear as puffiness beneath it. Our ophthalmologists assess each patient individually before any recommendation is made. The procedure may involve the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, depending on what the examination shows.
A consultation determines whether surgery is appropriate. Your surgeon examines eyelid position, skin laxity, tear film and the muscles controlling eyelid closure, then discusses treatment options and their potential benefits and limitations in relation to your individual anatomy.
Eyelid change is not always purely cosmetic. When too much skin drapes over the lash line, it can rest on the lashes or affect vision, at which point the concern becomes functional rather than aesthetic. Distinguishing between the two shapes affects both the surgical plan and how the procedure is classified. Patients who present for assessment commonly describe one or more of the following:
- A heavy or tired appearance across the upper eyelids
- Loose skin that folds over the lid crease or touches the lashes
- Vision that feels obscured by drooping upper eyelid skin
- Puffiness or fullness beneath the lower eyelids
- Extra skin and fine wrinkling along the lower lid
These signs are reported by patients considering eyelid surgery, and they vary between individuals. An examination is required to establish what is driving the change, since eyelid ptosis and sagging brow structures can coexist with loose eyelid skin. Assessment also confirms whether excess eyelid skin is the primary issue, and our eyelid surgery overview explains those distinctions.
Blepharoplasty surgery carries inherent risks, as all surgery does. Potential risks include dry or watery eyes, abnormal positioning of the eyelids, bleeding behind the eye and, rarely, vision loss. Your surgeon will explain the specific risks that apply to your case, along with realistic recovery time, so you can weigh the potential benefits against them before deciding.
Who performs blepharoplasty surgery at Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic?
Blepharoplasty sits within oculoplastic surgery, the branch of ophthalmology concerned with the eyelids, tear ducts and orbit. It differs from general plastic surgery in emphasis: the surgeon is trained to protect the ocular surface and eyelid function while addressing appearance. Our surgeons are associated with The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and bring over 10 years’ experience. Your case is discussed with you in detail before any surgical date is considered.
Because Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic provides general and subspecialty ophthalmology within one practice, eyelid concerns are assessed alongside the health of the eye itself. That matters for blepharoplasty, since dry eye, thyroid disorders, ongoing glaucoma management and previous eye surgery can all influence decisions about the operation, including the type of anaesthetic used. Where an eyelid problem turns out to be ptosis, a brow issue or a lid margin condition rather than excess skin, the appropriate pathway is identified at assessment rather than after a procedure has been booked.
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as a day procedure, and most patients return home on the same day with written post-operative instructions. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is usually carried out under local anaesthetic; for lower eyelid work, sedation or a general anaesthetic may be used, and your surgeon will advise which option applies to you. The practice accepts cash and credit cards, and on-the-spot private health insurance claims can be processed. Fees are not published, since they depend on the operation planned and are confirmed in writing beforehand.
The blepharoplasty procedure explained
Preparing for surgery
Preparing for surgery
Your initial consultation includes a physical examination and a review of your medical history, medications and aesthetic goals. Tell your surgeon about any thyroid disorder, diabetes, cardiovascular condition or previous eye surgery, and about every medication you take, including fish oils and vitamin supplements. Smokers are asked to stop beforehand, since smoking raises the risk of complications such as postoperative infection. Written consent follows once the potential complications have been explained.
During the operation
During the operation
For the upper lids, a surgical incision is placed in the skin fold across the eyelid. For the lower lids, the incision sits just below the lower eyelashes or on the inside of the lid. Removing excess skin follows, with fat repositioning or removal, before underlying tissue is tightened if required and the incisions are closed with sutures, surgical tape or tissue glue. Operating time is usually around 60 to 90 minutes.
Healing and follow-up
Healing and follow-up
Swelling, bruising, numbness and mild discomfort are expected, and soreness around the eye can persist for a few weeks. Apply eye ointment as prescribed, use cool compresses for dryness, and protect your eyes from sunlight until healing is complete. Follow-up is arranged within the first one to two weeks. Bleeding, severe pain or unusual symptoms should be reported to your surgeon, and sudden loss of vision is treated as a medical emergency.
Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic assesses eyelid concerns as part of its oculoplastic service, with surgery planned around the findings of your examination rather than a standard template.
If heaviness or loose skin around your eyes is affecting how you see or how you look, call our clinic to arrange an assessment.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is blepharoplasty a cosmetic procedure or a medical one?
Is blepharoplasty a cosmetic procedure or a medical one?
Blepharoplasty can be cosmetic surgery or a functional operation, and which applies is a clinical determination rather than a patient preference. The distinction affects consent, documentation and how the operation is recorded. Your surgeon will confirm which applies to your case.
How do you determine suitability for eyelid surgery?
How do you determine suitability for eyelid surgery?
Suitability is established at examination, not from photographs. Tear film, corneal health, eyelid tone, brow position and conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are reviewed. Some patients are advised against surgery, or to address another condition first.
Can upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?
Can upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery be done at the same time?
Sometimes, though they are frequently staged. Upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery use different incisions and heal differently, so combining them is a clinical judgement. Patients are generally advised to prepare for two separate operations.
What is the difference between upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty?
What is the difference between upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty addresses hooding above the lash line. Lower blepharoplasty targets fullness and laxity beneath the eye. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty carries a higher chance of lid position change, including lid lag and an outward-rolling lower lid, so planning is conservative.
What general surgical risks apply beyond the eyelid itself?
What general surgical risks apply beyond the eyelid itself?
Documented complications include reaction to anaesthesia, wound infection and blood clot formation. Individual risk varies with age, smoking status and medical history, and is discussed before consent is signed.
Will I need a general anaesthetic?
Will I need a general anaesthetic?
Not necessarily. Many patients have upper lid work under local anaesthetic alone. Where general anaesthesia is planned, you would meet the anaesthetist prior to the operation to review your history and confirm the approach.
Do non-surgical aesthetic treatments work instead?
Do non-surgical aesthetic treatments work instead?
They address different concerns. Non-surgical aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections act on fine wrinkles rather than redundant tissue. There is no medical alternative that repositions or reshapes the eyelids.
Is eyelid surgery blepharoplasty permanent?
Is eyelid surgery blepharoplasty permanent?
Not in the sense of halting further change. Certain conditions can be corrected, but the effects of the ageing process continue. Final results show within several weeks, though incision lines may take a year to fully heal.
Have a Question? Contact us Today!
We’re Open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
WHERE TO FIND US:
OPENING HOURS:
Weekdays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
CONTACT US:
Phone: (03) 9070 3580
FAX: 03 9086 4156
Email: info@morningtoneye.com.au
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
© Copyright – Mornington Peninsula Eye Clinic 2025
