Upper Eyelid Surgery – Blepharoplasty Sydney
Sydney’s Specialist Plastic Surgeon for Blepharoplasty – Dr Michael Kernohan
An Upper Eyelid Surgery, or Upper Blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure targeting the upper eyelids. It involves the removal of excess fatty tissue and the trimming of loose skin to rejuvenate the appearance of your eyes.
Dr Michael Kernohan, a highly experienced Plastic Surgeon in Sydney, specializes in upper eyelid surgery. He performs these procedures in Sydney’s Southwest Suburbs and the Southern Highlands NSW.
Important Note: For those considering Secondary or Revision Blepharoplasty, please submit photos for assessment before booking your consultation.
Blepharoplasty Before and After
View the full blepharoplasty gallery here
Benefits of Upper Eyelid Surgery
Upper eyelid surgery, also known as upper blepharoplasty, is a procedure that can potentially address several concerns:
- Remove Excess Skin: Ageing, genetics, or other factors can lead to excess skin on the upper eyelids, which may create a tired or aged appearance. Removing this excess skin can help alleviate a tired appearance.
- Vision: Excess skin can sometimes fall over the eyelashes and impair vision. Upper eyelid surgery can help remove this obstruction, helping increase the field of vision.
- Correct Ptosis: Ptosis (excess, loose skin) on the upper eyelid, can be removed through surgery, increasing both appearance and function.
- Eyelid Contour: The procedure can alter the contour and shape of the upper eyelid, resulting in a more alert and refreshed appearance.
- Address Puffiness: Fatty deposits that cause puffiness in the upper eyelids can be removed or repositioned, contributing to a more even eyelid appearance.
- Symmetry: Upper eyelid surgery can correct asymmetry between the eyes, creating a more balanced look.
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Blepharoplasty Guide
Upper Eyelid Surgery
The upper eyelid surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia and can take up to one hour.
Before the surgery, Dr Kernohan will mark out the incisions that follow your eyelid crease. This serves as a guideline for the removal of excess skin.
During the procedure, he will remove the excess skin and tighten the muscles. If needed, the redundant orbital fat will be excised. Then the cut edges are brought together and sutured. The stitches are usually absorbable so you don’t have to worry about having them removed.
The incisions are usually well hidden and will heal over the next couple of months.
Recovery after Upper Blepharoplasty Sydney
Expect to have mild bruising and swelling around your eyes for at least 2 to 3 weeks. You also need to avoid wearing makeup for the first couple of weeks post-surgery.
Avoid wearing contact lenses for a couple of weeks. If you have issues with your vision, you can wear sunglasses. Make sure to go to the follow-up appointments to ensure everything is functioning as expected. If Dr Kernohan has prescribed medication, make sure to take them.
Potential Complications of Upper Blepharoplasty
Complications associated with blepharoplasty are usually rare, though they can still occur. Common side effects include swelling and bruising around the eyes which usually fade over time. You might feel tightness when opening and closing your eyes. In certain cases, you might experience eye dryness.
To find out more about the risks and complications associated with upper eyelid surgery, check out Dr Kernohan’s page.
At Home Care after Upper Eyelid Surgery
Here are a few tips that will help you care for yourself post upper blepharoplasty:
- Make sure to wear dark sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light
- Avoid wearing contact lenses for at least 3 weeks post-surgery
- Do not opt for any strenuous activities until Dr Kernohan gives you a go
- Rest as much as you possibly can.
- Sleep with your head in an elevated position
- Do not drive until your swelling goes down and your vision becomes clear
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Do not apply makeup or skincare products around the eyes for at least 2 to 3 weeks
- Always visit Dr Kernohan for follow up appointments
- If you notice anything unusual or any signs of infection, immediately get in touch with Dr Kernohan
Upper Eyelid Prices and Fees – How Much Is Upper Eyelid Surgery in Sydney?
When it comes to the cost of the upper eyelid surgery in Sydney, you can expect to pay around $5.000 to $13,000+. A smaller fee for the upper eyelid surgery is often charged either by an undertrained doctor or cosmetic surgeon with no hospital privileges or a surgeon with little to no experience.
Cost of surgery alone should never be the most important criteria when choosing a plastic surgeon to play out your intervention.
For more detail about how much is upper eyelid surgery in Sydney, check out Dr. Kernohan’s pricing page.
Contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a cost estimate or to schedule an appointment.
Funding Your Upper Eyelid Surgery
The exact quote for your upper eyelid surgery will be provided during the initial consultation. The cost depends on the surgeon and facility you choose and your particular needs.
If you are getting it done for purely aesthetic or cosmetic reasons, it won’t be covered by Medicare and you’ll have to pay for it out of your pocket.
For more information check out our payment plan page for your upper eyelid surgery.
Will Medicare cover Eyelid Surgery?
If the upper eyelid surgery is required due to medical reasons (if it interferes with your peripheral vision), you might be eligible for some coverage by Medicare. Have a look at more detail about how and when Medicare covers plastic surgery costs.
When having problems with your vision due to excess, loose skin, you can visit an ophthalmologist. If they think that getting an upper eyelid surgery is a medical necessity, you may get a Medicare rebate to help cover the procedure. But you will still have out of pocket costs.
What is the Medicare test for eyelid surgery?
- You will need to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to undergo two visual field tests. This includes: one with the eyelid in its resting state and one with the eyelid taped up.
Does Insurance pay for upper eyelid surgery?
- If your ophthalmologist or eye surgeon has recommended upper eyelid surgery because it interferes with your vision and is considered a medical necessity, it might be partially covered by some health insurance plans, provided that you meet the criteria.
How to Find the Right Upper Eyelid Surgeon in Sydney for you
Are you getting the surgery done for aesthetic reasons? You can ask your doctor to refer you to a Plastic Surgeon.
Make sure that your surgeon has years of experience performing upper eyelid surgery. Always look at the before and after photographs of past patients before making the final decision.
Ask your surgeon the right questions such as:
- How many eyelid surgeries have you performed so far?
- Will you be involved during the recovery phase?
- How will you handle any complications?
- What makes me the right candidate for the procedure?
- Can you share before and after pictures of your patients who had the upper eyelid surgery?
Upper Eyelid FAQs
Here is a list of frequently asked questions about upper blepharoplasty:
