Blepharoplasty Sydney

With Dr. Mark Kohout

Dr Mark Kohout, MBBS, FRACS (Plast), is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney with more than 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr Kohout offers blepharoplasty consultation and treatment planning taking into account individual eyelid anatomy, eye health, medical history, symptoms, tissue characteristics and treatment goals.

Blepharoplasty is facial surgery involving the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both. It may be considered for concerns such as excess upper eyelid skin, selected lower eyelid tissue changes, eyelid asymmetry or, in some cases, functional symptoms affecting vision.

The eyelid area is anatomically complex. Changes around the eyes may relate to the skin, underlying fat, muscle, eyelid support, brow position, bone structure or a combination of these factors. For this reason, a concern that appears to involve the eyelids may not always be addressed by eyelid surgery alone.

Where excess upper eyelid skin contributes to obstruction of the upper visual field, surgery may have a functional role. Clinical assessment is required to determine the cause of symptoms and whether relevant Medicare criteria may apply.

Blepharoplasty at a Glance

Blepharoplasty is not performed in the same way for every patient. The surgical approach depends on whether the concern involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.

Assessment also needs to consider the structures around the eyelids, including brow position, eyelid support, eye closure, skin quality, fat distribution and any underlying eye condition that may affect treatment planning.

The information below is a general guide only. Individual assessment is required before suitability for surgery, the proposed technique, recovery expectations and costs can be discussed in detail.

Question

What Surgery Am I Reading About?

General Information

Upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty or combined eyelid surgery

Is Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Yes. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure and carries risks

What Can It Address?

Selected concerns involving eyelid skin, tissue position, fullness or asymmetry

What Anaesthesia May Be Used?

This depends on the procedure, treatment plan and individual circumstances

What Is Recovery Like?

Swelling, bruising and temporary eye symptoms may occur during recovery

Can Medicare Contribute?

Medicare may contribute in selected medically indicated circumstances if the relevant criteria are met

Are Outcomes Guaranteed?

No. Results and recovery vary between patients

Important points:

This information does not replace individual medical advice.
Suitability for surgery requires clinical assessment.
Blepharoplasty does not address every concern around the eyes.
Risks, recovery and costs vary according to the procedure and individual circumstances.
Medicare eligibility cannot be confirmed without assessment against the relevant requirements.
The appropriate surgical plan depends on anatomy rather than on a standard approach.

What Is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery involving the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.

The purpose of surgery depends on the individual concern being assessed. In some patients, the issue may relate primarily to excess skin. In others, there may also be changes involving fat position, tissue support or the relationship between the eyelids and surrounding facial structures.

Upper blepharoplasty may involve removing selected excess skin and, where appropriate, addressing underlying tissue. Lower blepharoplasty may address selected concerns involving lower eyelid fullness, fat position, skin laxity or eyelid support.

Blepharoplasty does not address every concern around the eyes. It may not treat all causes of:

Dark circles
Pigmentation
Fine skin texture changes
Brow descent
Facial volume changes
Tear trough appearance
Eye irritation caused by an underlying eye condition
Changes related primarily to bone structure or facial anatomy outside the eyelids

The distinction is important because several different anatomical factors can produce similar concerns around the eyes.

A consultation is therefore used to determine what is contributing to the patient’s concern and whether blepharoplasty is likely to address that issue.

What Can Blepharoplasty Address?

Patients seek assessment for blepharoplasty for different reasons.

Some are concerned about excess upper eyelid skin. Others may notice lower eyelid fullness, asymmetry or changes in the relationship between the eyelid skin and underlying tissue.

Blepharoplasty may be considered for selected concerns such as:

Excess upper eyelid skin.
Skin that rests close to or on the upper eyelashes.
Lower eyelid fullness.
Selected changes in fat position.
Skin laxity affecting the lower eyelid area.
Eyelid asymmetry.
A sensation of heaviness affecting the upper eyelids.
Functional visual field concerns in selected patients.

The procedure may alter the appearance or position of selected eyelid tissues, but it does not produce the same change in every patient.

The likely extent of change depends on anatomy, skin quality, tissue characteristics, eye health, surgical planning and individual healing.

What Is the Difference Between Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty?

Upper and lower blepharoplasty involve different anatomical areas and may require different surgical approaches.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty focuses on the upper eyelids.

The assessment typically considers the amount and distribution of upper eyelid skin, the position of the brow, the upper eyelid crease, eye closure and the relationship between the skin and underlying tissues.

Surgery may involve removing selected excess skin and, where appropriate, addressing underlying tissue.

Incisions are commonly planned in relation to the natural upper eyelid crease, although the exact approach depends on individual anatomy and the surgical plan.

In some patients, apparent upper eyelid heaviness may be influenced by brow position rather than eyelid skin alone. This distinction can affect whether blepharoplasty is likely to address the concern.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty focuses on the lower eyelids.

The assessment may consider:

Lower eyelid skin
Fat distribution
Eyelid tone and support
Position of the lower eyelid
The relationship between the lower eyelid and upper cheek
Previous surgery
Eye health

Depending on the clinical findings, surgery may involve addressing:

Lower eyelid fullness
Selected fat compartments
Skin laxity
Tissue position
Eyelid support

Lower eyelid surgery may involve different considerations from upper eyelid surgery because of the importance of maintaining appropriate eyelid position and support.

Do I Need Upper Eyelid Surgery, Lower Eyelid Surgery or Both?

Some patients seek assessment only for the upper eyelids, while others are concerned mainly about the lower eyelids. Some may wish to discuss both.

Whether one or both areas should be considered depends on what is causing the concern rather than on appearance alone.

Assessment may include:

Whether the concern involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids or both.
Whether brow position contributes to upper eyelid skin changes.
Whether lower eyelid support is adequate.
Whether functional symptoms are present.
Eye health.
Ability to close the eyes.
Skin quality.
Tissue distribution.
Previous eye or eyelid surgery.
Medical history.
Whether combined surgery would be appropriate.

Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty is not suitable for every patient.

In some circumstances, treating one area may be more appropriate than treating both. In others, surgery may not be recommended at all.

Who May Be Suitable for Blepharoplasty?

Suitability for blepharoplasty depends on a combination of anatomical, medical and practical factors.

A patient may be considered for surgery when there is a clearly defined eyelid concern that is potentially addressable by blepharoplasty and when the expected benefit is considered reasonable in relation to the risks.

Factors that may be considered include:

General health.
Eye health.
Eyelid anatomy.
Eyelid support and closure.
Skin quality.
Tissue characteristics.
Medical conditions.
Medications and supplements.
Smoking or nicotine use.
Previous eye or eyelid procedures.
History of dry eye or other eye symptoms.
The patient’s concerns and expectations.
Ability to follow pre-operative and post-operative instructions.

Suitability also involves understanding what surgery can and cannot address.

A patient may have a concern around the eyes that is caused by brow position, pigmentation, volume change or another factor rather than the eyelids themselves. In that situation, blepharoplasty may not be the most appropriate option.

When May Blepharoplasty Not Be Appropriate?

Blepharoplasty may not be appropriate where the risks are considered to outweigh the likely benefit or where the concern cannot reasonably be addressed by eyelid surgery.

Factors requiring particular consideration may include:

Significant or inadequately managed dry eye symptoms.
Active eye inflammation or infection.
Certain thyroid-related eye conditions.
Medical conditions that may increase surgical or anaesthetic risk.
Medications that affect bleeding or healing.
Smoking or nicotine use.
Previous eyelid surgery.
Reduced eyelid support.
Difficulty with eye closure.
Certain anatomical features that increase the risk of eyelid position changes.
Expectations that cannot reasonably be addressed by the procedure.

Some patients may require further assessment from another medical practitioner, including an eye specialist, before a decision about surgery can be made.

Others may be advised that another treatment option or no surgery is more appropriate.

What Happens During a Blepharoplasty Consultation?

A blepharoplasty consultation involves assessment of more than the appearance of the eyelids.

The aim is to determine what structures are contributing to the concern and whether surgery may be appropriate.

Relevant medical history, eye health, previous procedures, medications, symptoms and treatment concerns should be reviewed.

Assessment may include:

Upper and lower eyelid anatomy
Brow position
Eyelid support
Eye closure
Skin quality
Tissue distribution
Symmetry
Eye symptoms
Relevant medical conditions
Previous eye or facial surgery
Smoking or nicotine use

The consultation may also consider whether the concern is predominantly cosmetic, functional or a combination of both.

Patients can discuss:

Whether blepharoplasty may be appropriate
Which area of the eyelids may require treatment
Other treatment options
Limitations of surgery
Potential risks and complications
Anaesthesia
Surgical planning
Recovery
Scarring
Costs
Medicare considerations where relevant

A consultation does not mean that surgery is required or recommended.

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What Does Blepharoplasty Surgery Involve?

The details of blepharoplasty depend on the area being treated and the individual surgical plan.

There is no single blepharoplasty technique that is appropriate for every patient.

Depending on the clinical findings, surgery may involve:

Planning incisions according to eyelid anatomy.
Removing selected excess skin.
Addressing selected fatty tissue where appropriate.
Repositioning selected tissue where clinically appropriate.
Considering eyelid support where required.
Closing surgical incisions.

For upper eyelid surgery, the incision is commonly planned in relation to the natural eyelid crease.

For lower eyelid surgery, the position of the incision and the tissues addressed depend on the underlying concern and individual anatomy.

The amount of tissue treated is also important. Removing too much skin or altering support structures unnecessarily can affect eyelid function, so treatment planning needs to consider both appearance and function.

The specific approach for an individual patient should be discussed during consultation.

What Anaesthesia Is Used for Blepharoplasty?

The type of anaesthesia used for blepharoplasty depends on the procedure being performed, the extent of surgery and individual patient factors.

There is no single anaesthetic plan that applies to every patient.

Factors that may influence the approach include:

Whether upper or lower eyelid surgery is planned.
Whether both areas are being treated.
The extent of surgery.
Medical history.
Previous anaesthetic history.
Individual anaesthetic considerations.
The planned surgical setting.
Whether other procedures are being performed at the same time.

Before surgery, patients should receive information about the proposed anaesthetic approach, relevant risks and any preparation required.

What Is Recovery Like After Blepharoplasty?

Recovery after blepharoplasty varies between patients. The early recovery period commonly involves visible swelling and bruising. These changes can temporarily alter the appearance of the eyelids and surrounding tissues.

Other temporary symptoms may include:

Tightness around the eyelids.
Dryness.
Watery eyes.
Eye irritation.
Light sensitivity.
Temporary blurred vision associated with swelling or ointment.
Temporary changes in sensation.
Mild differences between the two sides during early healing.

Recovery may also involve:

Wound care.
Eye care.
Medication where prescribed.
Activity restrictions.
Time away from selected work duties.
Avoiding selected exercise or strenuous activity.
Follow-up appointments.

Healing is gradual, and the early appearance should not be interpreted as the final result.

What Should I Expect During Early Recovery?

During the first few days after surgery, swelling and bruising are common.

Some patients may also experience discomfort, tightness, watering, dryness or irritation around the eyes.

Patients are given post-operative instructions appropriate to the procedure.

These may include advice about:

Keeping the head elevated while resting.
Caring for the surgical area.
Using prescribed or recommended eye drops.
Applying ointment where advised.
Using compresses where recommended.
Avoiding rubbing the eyes.
Avoiding pressure on the eyelids.
Limiting selected physical activities.
Taking prescribed medications as directed.
Attending follow-up appointments.

The appearance of the eyelids may change from day to day during early healing.

Patients should seek medical advice if they develop unexpected or concerning symptoms.

Symptoms requiring prompt assessment may include:

Sudden changes in vision.
Increasing or severe pain.
Significant bleeding.
Marked swelling affecting one side.
Difficulty closing the eye.
Symptoms specifically identified in the post-operative instructions.

What Are the Risks of Blepharoplasty?

All surgery carries risks. Blepharoplasty has general surgical risks as well as risks specific to the eyelids and eyes.

The likelihood and significance of complications vary according to individual anatomy, eye health, medical history, medications, smoking or nicotine use, previous surgery, the procedure performed and the healing response.

Possible risks and complications may include:

Bleeding or haematoma
Infection
Delayed wound healing
Unfavourable scarring
Dry eye symptoms
Watery or irritated eyes
Temporary changes in sensation
Temporary blurred vision
Eyelid asymmetry
Changes in eyelid position
Difficulty with eyelid closure
Persistent swelling
Changes in tear function
Altered eyelid contour
Need for additional treatment
Need for revision surgery
Anaesthetic complications

In lower eyelid surgery, changes in lower eyelid position or support can be particularly important considerations.

Blepharoplasty may also involve uncommon but potentially significant complications affecting the eye or vision.

The relevant risks should be discussed before surgery so that patients can make an informed decision.

What Changes and Limitations Should I Understand?

Blepharoplasty is intended to address specific anatomical findings identified during assessment.

The procedure may alter excess skin, selected tissue fullness or tissue position, depending on the surgical plan.

The degree of change varies between patients.

Outcomes may be influenced by:

Eyelid and facial anatomy
Skin quality
Tissue characteristics
Eye health
Age
General health
The extent of surgery
Surgical technique
Scar formation
Individual healing

Early appearance may be affected by swelling and bruising and does not represent the final outcome.

It is also important to understand the limitations of surgery.

Blepharoplasty does not:

Stop ongoing age-related change.
Guarantee symmetry.
Remove every line or skin texture change.
Correct every cause of dark circles.
Correct concerns caused primarily by brow position.
Guarantee a particular appearance.
Guarantee that further treatment will never be required.

Some degree of natural asymmetry is common before surgery and may remain afterwards.

Further treatment or revision surgery may occasionally be required.

What Scarring Can Occur After Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty requires surgical incisions, and all surgical incisions result in scars.

The location of the scar depends on the procedure performed.

In upper blepharoplasty, incisions are commonly planned in relation to the natural upper eyelid crease.

In lower blepharoplasty, incision placement varies according to the surgical approach and tissues being addressed.

Scar appearance changes over time.

Early blepharoplasty scars may appear more noticeable because of redness, swelling or firmness. These features may gradually change during the healing process.

Factors that may influence scarring include:

Incision location.
Skin characteristics.
Individual healing response.
Smoking or nicotine use.
Infection.
Wound-healing problems.
Previous scarring history.

Scars may continue to mature for several months.

No surgical scar can be guaranteed to become invisible.

How Much Does Blepharoplasty Cost in Sydney?

The cost of blepharoplasty in Sydney varies according to the individual treatment plan.

There is no single fee that applies to every patient because the procedure may differ in extent and complexity.

Factors affecting the total cost may include:

Whether upper eyelid surgery is planned.
Whether lower eyelid surgery is planned.
Whether upper and lower eyelid surgery are combined.
The extent of surgery.
Surgeon’s fees.
Anaesthetist fees.
Hospital or surgical facility fees.
Post-operative care.
Other treatment-related expenses.
Whether additional treatment is required.

An individual cost estimate can only be provided after consultation and treatment planning.

Patients should clarify what is included in any quotation and whether surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital or other costs are charged separately.

Where Medicare or private health insurance may apply, this does not necessarily mean that all treatment costs will be covered.

Before and After Photos of Blepharoplasty Surgery

View blepharoplasty before-and-after examples. Individual outcomes vary.

Disclaimer

Individual results vary due to personal health factors and genetics, and all surgical procedures carry inherent risks that should be discussed with a qualified health professional.

Before and after photographs show the outcome experienced by the individual patient photographed.

They should not be interpreted as a prediction of another patient’s outcome.

Results vary according to:

Individual anatomy.
Skin quality.
Tissue characteristics.
The procedure performed.
Healing response.
Timing after surgery.

FAQs About Vaginoplasty

Can blepharoplasty change the shape of my eyes?

Blepharoplasty is intended to address selected eyelid tissues rather than deliberately change the natural shape of the eyes. However, changes in skin, fat or eyelid position may alter how the eye area appears.

Can brow position affect whether I need upper blepharoplasty?

Yes. A lower brow position can contribute to the appearance of upper eyelid heaviness or excess skin. This is one reason the brow and eyelids should be assessed together before deciding whether upper blepharoplasty is appropriate.

Can blepharoplasty help if one eyelid looks different from the other?

Blepharoplasty may address selected causes of eyelid asymmetry, but not all asymmetry is caused by excess skin or tissue. Natural differences in brow position, muscle activity, bone structure or eyelid support may remain after surgery.

Can dry eye symptoms affect blepharoplasty planning?

Yes. Existing dry eye symptoms may be relevant because eyelid surgery can temporarily affect eye comfort and tear function. Significant or poorly controlled symptoms may require further assessment before surgery is considered.

Can previous eye surgery affect blepharoplasty?

Previous eye or eyelid surgery can influence anatomy, tissue support, scarring and treatment planning. Details of previous procedures should be discussed during consultation so they can be considered as part of the assessment.

Can blepharoplasty correct dark circles under the eyes?

Not necessarily. Dark circles can be caused by pigmentation, skin thickness, shadowing, blood vessels, volume changes or other anatomical factors, and some of these are not addressed by blepharoplasty.

Why can my eyelids look uneven during recovery?

Swelling does not always occur evenly on both sides, so temporary differences can be noticeable during early healing. The appearance may continue to change as swelling settles and tissues heal.

Can contact lens use affect recovery after blepharoplasty?

Patients may need to temporarily modify contact lens use after surgery depending on healing and eye symptoms. Individual instructions should be provided as part of post-operative care.

Does blepharoplasty stop future eyelid changes?

No. Blepharoplasty does not stop ongoing changes associated with ageing, skin quality or other anatomical factors. The tissues around the eyes can continue to change over time after surgery.

Can blepharoplasty affect how completely I close my eyes?

Temporary changes in eyelid closure may occur during recovery, and difficulty closing the eyes is also a recognised potential complication. Eyelid closure and support are therefore important parts of pre-operative assessment and surgical planning.

Medical References

Rodrigues C, Carvalho F, Marques M. Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty: Surgical Techniques and Results: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2023;47(5):1870–1883. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10581926/
Lee JC, Codner MA. Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2016;4(7). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4977129
Bhattacharjee K, Ghosh S, Ugradar S, Azhdam AM. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty: An overview. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2020;68(10):2075–2083. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7727946

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About Dr Mark Kohout

Dr Mark Kohout, MBBS, FRACS (Plast), is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney with more than 25 years of experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Patients considering blepharoplasty may consult Dr Kohout for individual assessment and treatment planning.

His AHPRA registration number is MED0001133000.

Consultation includes assessment of:

The patient’s concerns.
Eyelid anatomy.
Relevant medical and eye history.
Suitability for surgery.
Risks and limitations.
Recovery considerations.
Treatment planning.
Expected costs.

The purpose of consultation is to determine whether surgery may be appropriate and to provide information relevant to informed decision-making.

Blepharoplasty Consultation in Sydney

Patients considering blepharoplasty can arrange a consultation with Dr Kohout to discuss their individual circumstances and whether surgery may be appropriate.

The consultation allows eyelid anatomy, eye health and relevant medical history to be assessed and provides an opportunity to discuss:

The nature of the concern.
Whether blepharoplasty may address it.
Other treatment options.
Surgical planning.
Potential risks.
Recovery.
Scarring.
Costs.
Medicare considerations where relevant.

The purpose of consultation is to provide an individual assessment and sufficient information to support an informed decision about treatment.

Welcome to the Practice of
Dr. Mark Kohout

With over 25 years of experience and Harvard training, Dr. Mark Kohout offers experienced plastic and reconstructive surgery at his Sydney and Orange clinics. His patient-first approach focuses on delivering safe, natural results tailored to your unique goals.

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