Upper Blepharoplasty
IN SYDNEY
Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery)
Subtle refinement of upper-lid skin and contour using a crease-placed incision and meticulous tissue handling.
My approach is considered, curated, and grounded in a deep understanding of facial anatomy. Planning focuses on dermatochalasis (excess skin), brow position, levator function/true ptosis, lateral hooding, skin quality, and dry-eye history. Incisions are placed in the natural eyelid crease and the priority is conservative tissue management that preserves function and a rested appearance.
What is Upper Blepharoplasty?
Upper blepharoplasty addresses redundant upper-lid skin (and selected protruding fat) that can obscure the eyelid platform and lashes or feel heavy. Through a crease incision, a calibrated skin excision is performed; medial fat may be conservatively reduced or redraped, and the crease is re-defined with fine sutures. The goal is a clean lid platform with soft contours - without over-resection or hollowing.
Where Upper Blepharoplasty Fits Among Options:
Upper blepharoplasty alone
Best when heaviness is mainly skin redundancy with stable brow position.
Brow descent (brow ptosis)
If true brow descent drives the hooding, a brow lift (endoscopic, temporal, gliding, or direct) may be recommended with or instead of blepharoplasty.
Internal brow support
In mild lateral descent, a limited internal browpexy can be added through the same upper-lid incision.
Ptosis (levator) repair
If the lid margin sits low (true blepharoptosis), a levator advancement may be combined to improve margin position and symmetry.
Skin quality
Fine lines/crepe changes respond to laser or chemical peel - often staged.
COMBINE YOUR UPPER BLEPHAROPLASTY
Subtle Refinement & Rejuvenation
Brow lift: Endoscopic / temporal / gliding / direct when lateral hooding is primarily brow-driven.
Ptosis repair: Levator advancement for low margin position.
Periocular volume: Micro/nanofat for upper sulcus hollowing (selected cases).
Skin resurfacing: Laser or chemical peel for texture - commonly staged 6–12 weeks post-op.
Adjuncts: Targeted neuromodulators to brow depressors; tear-film optimisation with your ophthalmologist if dry-eye history is significant.)
WHY CONSIDER A BLEPHAROPLASTY?
Who Is the Ideal Candidate?
Redundant upper-lid skin obscuring the lid platform/lashes.
Lateral hooding not solely due to brow descent.
Good ocular surface health (manageable dry-eye) and realistic goals.
Stable medical history and non-smoker (or willing to cease as advised).
When another approach may be better
Predominant brow ptosis - consider brow lift (± limited upper-lid skin).
Significant dry-eye/ocular surface disease - optimise first.
Complex eyelid disorders (e.g., thyroid eye disease, significant lagophthalmos) - tailored multidisciplinary plan.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From Consultation to Recovery - Blepharoplasty Surgery
Undergoing blepharoplasty surgery is a detailed and personalised process. From your first consultation to your final review, every stage is carefully planned to support your comfort, safety, and optimal healing.
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Your Initial Consultation
Eyelid measurements, brow position, margin-reflex distance, levator function, and photo-planning.
Differentiate dermatochalasis vs brow ptosis vs true lid ptosis; discuss options, scar positions, risks, and recovery.
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Preoperative Planning
Medication review (anticoagulants/supplements), smoking cessation, ocular lubrication plan if indicated.
If combining brow/ptosis work, confirm sequencing (same-session vs staged).
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Surgery Day
Setting: Accredited day surgery or clinic procedure room.
Anaesthesia: Local with or without sedation.
Duration: ~45–90 minutes (single procedure).
Technique: Crease-line incision; calibrated skin excision; conservative medial fat management (reduction or redraping as indicated); crease re-formation; fine sutures/taping.
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Week 1 Post-Op
Cold compress 48 hours; head elevation; lubricating drops/ointment as directed.
Bruising/swelling peak 48–72 h, improve over 7–10 days.
Suture removal: usually day 5–7.
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Week 2–3 Post-Op
Back to desk work/social settings ~7–10 days (camouflage if desired).
Resume gentle skincare once closed; avoid contact lenses until comfortable/cleared.
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6 Weeks+ Post-Op
Progressive refinement as residual swelling settles; scar continues to fade within the crease.
YOUR RECOVERY
Postoperative Care & Follow-up
Wound care: Keep incision clean/dry; thin film of ointment as directed.
Activity: Walk daily; avoid strenuous exercise for ~1–2 weeks; no heavy lifting/bending initially.
Eye care: Lubrication for temporary dryness/foreign-body sensation; avoid rubbing.
Scar care: Begin silicone therapy once closed; strict sun protection.
Follow-up: Early review, suture removal, then 4–6 weeks; earlier if concerns.
SURGICAL RISKS
What Are the Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery?
Bruising/haematoma, infection (uncommon).
Dry eye or irritation, temporary blurred vision; chemosis (conjunctival swelling).
Asymmetry, contour irregularity, over- or under-resection (hollowing/skin redundancy).
Lagophthalmos (incomplete closure) while swollen; usually settles with lubrication.
Scarring, milia along the incision line.
Very rare serious complications (e.g., retrobulbar bleeding) - urgent management protocols are in place.
Anaesthetic risks (if sedation used).
Why Choose Dr Karagiannis for your Blepharoplasty?
1. Expertise & Experience
Multiple facial aesthetic fellowships across Europe and Australia with focused periocular experience.
2. Anatomy-first Planning
Anatomy-first, conservative tissue handling to preserve crease definition and avoid hollowing.
3. Combined Approach
Integrated planning with brow lift, ptosis repair, and skin treatments, sequenced to streamline recovery.
4. Continuity of Care
Clear, guideline-compliant counselling and continuity of care in accredited facilities.
Blepharoplasty FAQS
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It sits in the natural eyelid crease and is typically inconspicuous once settled.
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Discomfort is usually mild and well managed with oral analgesia, lubrication, and cold compress.
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Most patients are comfortable in low-key settings by 7–10 days; refinement continues for several weeks.
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Not by itself. Ptosis repair (levator advancement) can be added when indicated.
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If lateral hooding is mostly brow descent, a brow lift may be recommended. We’ll assess this at consultation.
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Cosmetic blepharoplasty is generally not eligible. Functional indications may have criteria for rebates; eligibility is assessed individually and discussed before surgery.
Request a Consultation
We’ll assess brow position, eyelid measurements, ocular surface health, and confirm whether upper blepharoplasty alone, with internal brow support, or combined brow/ptosis surgery best suits you.