Blepharoplasty Melbourne – Eyelid Surgery

(also known as cosmetic eye surgery, eyelid surgery, upper and lower blepharoplasty.)

What is Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery that refines the appearance and, in selected cases, the function of the upper and/or lower eyelids. It can remove or reposition excess skin and fat, and when appropriate, support or tighten the structures around the eyelids. Many patients choose to treat both the upper and lower eyelids in a single procedure for overall harmony and a single recovery period, while others benefit from addressing only the upper or lower lids, depending on their anatomy and goals. 

The aim is a fresher, less tired look while maintaining your natural eye shape. In patients with significantly overhanging upper‑lid skin, surgery may also improve the upper field of vision following assessment.

Me Clinic offers blepharoplasty surgery in Melbourne and Tasmania, performed by experienced specialist plastic surgeons.

Upper Blepharoplasty

Upper blepharoplasty can remove excess skin and refine small fat pads through a crease‑line incision. Upper eyelid surgery aims to open the eyes by removing the upper eyelid ‘hooding’ look and restoring a clean lid platform while keeping your natural eye shape. Learn more about Upper Blepharoplasty.

Lower Blepharoplasty

Lower blepharoplasty smooths under-eye bags and tightens the skin for a softer lid-cheek transition. Lower eye fat is often repositioned to reduce bulging and improve shadowing, while preserving eyelid function and eye shape. Learn more about Lower Blepharoplasty.

Surgical Warning: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Read more on the Risks of Surgery


Benefits of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty benefits can be cosmetic and, in some patients, functional. The procedure is designed to address the tissues that cause common eyelid concerns—excess skin and prominent fat pads—so it can target the source rather than only camouflaging it. Suitability and outcomes vary between individuals; Me Clinic’s specialist plastic surgeon will advise what is appropriate for you.

Blepharoplasty benefits may include:

  • Upper eyelids: reducing excess skin/hooding that rests on the lashes and reopening the eyelid platform, which can make makeup application easier.
  • Lower eyelids: softening under‑eye bags and blending the lid‑cheek junction; selective fat repositioning may reduce shadowing from hollows.
  • Appearance around the eyes: aims to reduce a tired or heavy look while preserving your eye shape and eyelid function.
  • Vision and comfort: in selected patients with documented overhanging upper‑lid skin, surgery may improve the upper field of vision following assessment.
  • Day‑to‑day practicality: less makeup smudging from excess upper‑lid skin and fewer contours that catch light as “bags.”

Why do cosmetic eye concerns develop?

Ageing and genetics reduce skin elasticity and can shift fat around the eyes. Sun exposure, allergies, fluid shifts, and brow descent may further contribute to upper‑lid hooding and under‑eye bags or shadowing. Eyelid anatomy varies widely; some people notice changes earlier, others much later.


Blepharoplasty Facts

Blepharoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or, when appropriate, general anaesthesia—your surgeon will recommend the option that suits your plan and comfort. Procedures are carried out at either Glenferrie or Masada, and typically take 1–3 hours, depending on whether the upper lids, lower lids, or both are treated. It is a day procedure; most people go home the same day, accompanied by a support person.

For more information or general advice, please contact Me Clinic via our contact form or phone number at 1300 852 050.


How Blepharoplasty is Performed

Blepharoplasty is tailored to your eyelid anatomy. On the day of surgery, measurements and crease markings are confirmed while you are sitting upright so the plan reflects how your lids look in a natural position. After anaesthesia, small incisions are placed where they tend to be most discreet.

  • For the upper eyelids, the incision sits in the natural crease.
  • For the lower eyelids, access is either on the inside of the lid (transconjunctival) when skin quality is good, or just beneath the lashes (a fine subciliary/skin‑pinch incision) when extra skin needs tightening.

Excess skin is precisely trimmed and fat pockets are conservatively removed or repositioned to soften bulges and reduce shadowing. The aim is to refine eyelid contours while preserving eyelid function and your eye shape. Fine sutures close the incisions and ointment with cool packs are applied before discharge.

Blepharoplasty Recovery Information

  • First 48 hours: cool compresses, head elevation, frequent lubricating drops/ointment as guided by your surgeon.
  • Bruising/swelling: typically peaks at 2–3 days; improves over 1–2 weeks.
  • Stitches: upper blepharoplasty is usually removed or dissolve around day 5–7 (if non‑dissolving are used).
  • Work & social downtime: many people return to desk‑based work in 7–10 days; allow longer if your job is physical or public‑facing.
  • Exercise: avoid strenuous activity for ~2 weeks; your surgeon will tailor guidance.
  • Vision: temporary blur from ointment and swelling is common; protect eyes from wind/sun.
  • Makeup & contact lenses: typically after review (often around 1–2 weeks for makeup; contacts when comfortable and approved).

Healing times vary. Follow your written post‑op plan and attend all reviews.

Blepharoplasty

Costs depend on the plan (upper, lower or both), facility/anaesthesia fees, and whether additional procedures are performed. If medically indicated (e.g., overhanging upper‑lid skin documented to impair visual fields), there may be a Medicare item and potential health‑fund contribution; strict criteria and assessments apply. Cosmetic indications are generally not eligible. A detailed quote is provided after consultation.

Combined Blepharoplasty Surgery

It is common for patients to undergo both an upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedure together to achieve the optimal aesthetic result.

Combining both an upper blepharoplasty and lower blepharoplasty into a single eyelid surgery procedure can also be a more affordable alternative to undergoing two separate procedures for the upper lid and lower lid. In addition, the recovery period would be the same as if you were undergoing a single procedure.

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Blepharoplasty

There are also several alternative non-surgical cosmetic treatments which can achieve similar results to a blepharoplasty.

Anti-Ageing Injections

facial injections can also be an effective way to refresh tired looking eyes.

By carefully targeting key muscles around the eye area, anti-ageing injections can relieve the downward pressure causing the skin to stretch and sag, allowing the forehead muscles to lift the brow unhindered. In most cases, the treatment can cause the eyebrow to lift several millimetres.

The treatment is safe and effective and only takes around 10 minutes. You can usually see results in 10 to 14 days. While results can vary between patients, treatment will usually last from 3 to 6 months, but tends to last longer (up to 12 months) after you’ve completed your first few treatments.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are another non-surgical cosmetic treatment option that works by increasing volume in strategically selected locations to pad out sunken areas and hold the skin taut.

Small amounts of filler can be injected underneath the eyebrow to increase the volume and provide better support to elevate the brow and pull the loose or sagging eyelid taut.

Dermal filler treatments will usually last between 6 and 9 months before gradually fading away. However, the results may last longer (over 12 months in some cases) following several treatments.

Blepharoplasty Costs

As every patient we see has different requirements and each blepharoplasty surgery is tailored to the individual patient’s situation, it’s important to contact us as the first step to arrange a personalised consultation with one of our surgeons.

During the consultation, you will be able to discuss your individual requirements with the surgeon who will conduct an assessment of your condition and provide an obligation-free quote for the most appropriate treatment option. The consultation is entirely confidential and we make every effort to make our patients feel relaxed and comfortable.

At our Melbourne clinic, the procedure price we quote includes all associated costs so you’ll be fully informed from the beginning.

You will need a referral from your doctor to see one of our plastic surgeons and we are generally able to see you within 7 to 14 days.

Please call us or email to find out an estimated range for your Blepharoplasty surgery.

What Should I Expect Following Blepharoplasty?

Eyelid surgery is usually performed using local anaesthetic with sedation. It can also be performed under general anaesthesia.

After your procedure you may feel drowsy, especially from a general anaesthetic, so it’s important to have someone drive you home and stay overnight. On the evening of the procedure we recommend you rest. You are provided with an after-hours direct number in the event you may have any questions or concerns you wish to speak to us about. You must come back to the clinic for your first post-operative check the next day following the procedure.

The area around your eye may be bruised and swollen for between 7 to 14 days. Patients should keep their head upright and place cold, compresses on their eyes periodically. Where sutures are used, they are removed after 5 to 7 days. You should avoid swimming until healing is complete as this carries a risk of infection.

Your skin will generally heal within 2 to 3 weeks.

Our surgeons and nurses will continue to monitor your recovery through a number of post-operative check-ups and are available at any time if you have questions or concerns.

Why Choose Me Clinic for Eyelid Surgery Melbourne?

Me Clinic has over 35 years of experience in cosmetic surgery and have performed over 5,000 cosmetic eye procedures since the 1980s in Australia. Our team of highly trained and experienced surgeons, cosmetic physicians, nurses, aestheticians, consultants and support staff take the time to listen to your needs and explain the various cosmetic procedure treatment options available to you to ensure you are fully informed. Not only do we have an unparalleled safety, patient care and satisfaction record, but you’ll also feel the warmth and support from our staff from the moment you walk through our door.

We offer a range of surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment options to combat the signs of ageing and loss of skin elasticity. We also offer surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments to reduce excess skin and loose skin on the face and neck area. These include blepharoplasty, upper eyelid ptosis (droopiness) corrections, forehead and brow lift, traditional facelift, suture lift, dermal fillers and laser skin resurfacing. Please note, if your surgical procedure is purely cosmetic, it generally does not qualify for Medicare rebates.

Our Practitioners Who Perform Blepharoplasty in Melbourne

Dr Gary Kode

Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MED0001405964)

30+ years experience
25,000+ procedures

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Dr Gary Kode is a highly experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 33 years in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, having performed approximately 25,000 procedures. A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), he is renowned for his expertise in facelift surgery and breast augmentation, delivering natural and refined results.
Read more

Dr Amir Tadros

Specialist Plastic Surgeon (MED0001375519)

18 years experience
10,000+ surgeries

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This information has been medically reviewed by Melbourne-based specialist plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Tadros, with registration number MED0001375519.

FAQs

With all cosmetic procedures it’s important to have realistic expectations, fully understand your treatment options as well as build a rapport with your surgeon. For eyelid surgery at Me Clinic, you can discuss problem areas, suitable treatments and what to expect in your initial consultation with your surgeon. Eye area problems may include issues with eyelid skin, eyelid crease, eye bags, drooping eyelids and even dry eyes.

From an eyelid lift (double eyelid surgery) to tear trough and under eye fillers, your Me Clinic surgeon will assess your needs and discuss the best surgical and non-surgical treatment options for you in your initial consultation. Once our surgeon has fully assessed your specific needs, Me Clinic will provide a no-obligation quote.

Patients choose eyelid surgery (upper lid and/or lower lid) at Me Clinic for a number of reasons. Results include a more youthful appearance, larger eyes, improved symmetry, enhancement of the upper eyelid fold, definition of the eyelid crease, reduced puffiness and a fast recovery time. Result expectations and timeline for recovery depends whether you choose upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or an eyelid lift (which is double eyelid surgery). Results and expectations will also depend on each patient’s lower eyelid skin and skin of the upper eyelid.

In general though, for both lower and upper eyelid surgery, your skin will normally heal completely within 2 to 3 weeks. And even for double eyelid surgery, the average healing time is much the same with a rough guide of 2 to 3 weeks’ recovery time, with normal day-to-day activities able to be resumed after 7 to 10 days. Whether you choose surgery on the upper lid or lower lid, or opt for double eyelid surgery, your Me Clinic surgeon will assess your eye area thoroughly and advise the best eyelid surgery treatment option for you.

For all cosmetic procedures at Me Clinic whether you’re based in Victoria, or anywhere in Australia, an initial consultation with our surgeon is required to assess if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. In your appointment with our surgeon you can also enquire about potential side effects, and recovery time to help you make an informed decision before proceeding with any treatment. If you’re not in Melbourne, wherever you are in Australia, we also offer online consultations as a first step in learning more about our clinics’ treatments and suitability for your needs.

Most people report mild–moderate discomfort for a few days; simple pain relief usually suffices.

Blepharoplasty aims to preserve your eye shape and eyelid function.

When your vision is clear, swelling has settled, and you’re off any sedating medicines; your surgeon will confirm at review.

Skincare and volume enhancing treatments may help address mild concerns; however, significant skin excess or true fat bags usually require surgical intervention.

Noticeable improvements occur around 2 weeks, with further refinement over several months as the swelling resolves.

Yes, many patients can undergo both upper and lower blepharoplasty in one operation; they can also be performed individually if that suits your needs.

Upper‑lid incisions sit in the crease; lower‑lid incisions may be inside the eyelid or just below the lashes. Blepharoplasty scars generally fade over time and are discreet, but are inevitable, like all surgical scars.

Blepharoplasty aims to provide long‑lasting improvements, but ageing continues, and tissues change over time. Longevity varies between individuals, and some people may consider age-refining procedures.

 

Yes. Blepharoplasty is carried out under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia in an accredited day‑surgery facility. Most people go home the same day, accompanied by a support person.

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