Lower Eyelid – Lower Blepharoplasty Sydney for dark circles & eye bags
Lower eyelid surgery or lower blepharoplasty includes a variety of techniques that can solve your problems of the lower eyelids. It can help correct loose skin, remove excess fat, contour under-eye bags, and help reduce wrinkles.
Sydney Plastic Surgeon, Dr Michael Kernohan is a highly experienced lower eyelid plastic surgeon and performs this surgery in Sydney’s Southwest Suburbs and the Southern Highlands NSW.
PLEASE NOTE – If you want to be considered for Secondary or Revision Blepharoplasty (reoperation) – please submit Photos for assessment before booking your consultation.
CLICK to Download Dr Michael Kernohan Blepharoplasty Guide
Why Have a Lower Eyelid Surgery?
Here are some of the reasons to get the procedure:
- There are unsightly bags underneath your eyes
- You experience lower eyelid sagging
- There are fat bulges underneath your eyes
- You are dealing with wrinkles and loose skin under the eyes
Benefits of Getting a Lower Eyelid Lift in Sydney
Some of the benefits of getting lower eyelid lift surgery are:
- Reduced under-eye bags
- Reduces sagging – If the skin underneath your eyes is loose and sagging, the surgeon will lift the skin
- Fewer lines & wrinkles – Lower eyelid surgery often eliminates wrinkles underneath the eyes
Lower Eyelid Procedure
Lower eyelid lift surgery is typically performed on an outpatient or day procedure basis. Local anaesthesia is used to numb your eyelids so that you feel comfortable during the surgery and experience no pain and discomfort as the procedure is performed.
On the lower eyelid, the surgeon will make an incision just below the lashes (where your natural crease is) or inside your lower eyelids. Then Dr Kernohan removes excess fat and sagging skin. The surgery is completed by closing the incision with the help of sutures.
Then, you will be sent into the recovery room where you will be monitored closely for any potential issues. If everything is functioning well, you will be allowed to go home soon after.
Tips for Recovery after Lower Blepharoplasty
Immediately after the surgery, you may have blurred vision, watery eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, puffy or numb eyelids, swelling and bruising around the eyes, and slight discomfort.
Don’t be concerned as all of these effects are completely normal and will fade away in a couple of days. It is very important to take proper care of yourself during the recovery phase if you wish to avoid any complications.
You will need a responsible person to take you home and look after you post-surgery.
Here are a few instructions to stick to during the recovery phase:
- Gently use cold packs on your eyes to minimise the swelling and discomfort at least 5 to 6 times during the day
- Avoid touching your eyes with the hands and use eye drops and ointments
- Keep away from any strenuous activities including heavy lifting for at least a week post-surgery
- Do not smoke or drink during the recovery phase as it can worsen the swelling and bruising
- Avoid rubbing your eyes
- Do not wear contact lenses for at least three weeks after the surgery
- Wear sunglasses when stepping out in the sun
- Keep your head slightly elevated while sleeping
- Always go to your follow up appointments with the plastic surgeon
- Avoid taking blood-thinning medications for at least a week after surgery
- Immediately get in touch with your surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, palpitations, bleeding, problems with vision, and bleeding
How Much Is a Lower Eyelid Surgery in Sydney?
A lower eyelid surgery cost Sydney is $6,000 to $13,000, depending on the experience and talent of the surgeon and quality of the facility you choose. An exact quote will be provided to you during the initial consultation with Dr Kernohan.
For more information please visit Dr Kernohan’s pricing page.
You can contact Dr Kernohan’s team for a cost estimate or to schedule an appointment.
Funding Your Lower Eyelid Surgery in Sydney
If the lower eyelid surgery is required due to medical reasons, you might get it covered by Medicare. If you are getting it done for purely aesthetic reasons, you’ll have to pay for it out of your pocket. Check out here all the details about how Medicare covers plastic surgery.
You can discuss your payment options during the consultation with Dr Kernohan. There is a blepharoplasty payment plan and medical financing options are available from external medical finance companies.
Potential Risks and Complications of Lower Blepharoplasty
All surgery has risks. The lower blepharoplasty intervention is associated with potential risks and complications too. To avoid unwanted complications it’s important to choose a talented and experienced plastic surgeon and follow his instructions both during the preparation for the surgery stage and during the post-operative care.
Have a look at Dr Kernohan’s page about potential risks and complications of plastic surgery.
Finding the Right Lower Eyelid Surgeon Sydney
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial when it comes to lower eyelid or any other plastic surgery.
Here are some things you need to look for:
- The surgeon is a member of ASPS – the Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Your surgeon has many years of experience performing lower eyelid surgeries
- The surgeon is highly trained in facial procedures
- You are completely comfortable with the surgeon
Here are a few steps you need to take to find the right eyelid surgeon in Sydney:
Ask Around
The first step would be to create a list of potential surgeons. Start by asking around in your inner and extended circle, healthcare providers and note their recommendations. Look for a specialist plastic surgeon with extensive experience in performing the lower eyelid procedure.
Research their Credentials and Experience
Now that you have your list, it’s time to research the credentials and experiences of your surgeon. Make sure that the surgeon is a member of ASPS and performs eyelid surgery as one of their main procedures.
The more experience a surgeon has, the better equipped they will be to handle your situation. Lower eyelid surgery is a very delicate procedure and involves a high level of expertise and experience.
Consider the Operating Facility
Any kind of surgical procedure involves more than just your surgeon. There is an entire team behind the surgeon and it is performed in a healthcare facility. It is important to consider the overall performance and quality of care provided at a particular hospital. Avoid having lower eyelid surgery in a backroom clinic.
Find out where your potential surgeon will perform the procedure and look up the facility online. Choose wisely and pay close attention to the facility your potential surgeon will perform the surgery in.
Ask Your Surgeon the Right Questions during the Consultation
Based on the points mentioned above, you’ll be able to land on the right surgeon. Now, it is crucial to get the most out of the consultation. Make sure you are completely comfortable with the surgeon. He should be able to listen to all your questions and clarify all your concerns. Here are a few questions to ask your surgeon:
- How many lower eyelid surgeries have you performed?
- Will you be involved during the recovery phase of the lower eyelid surgery?
- How will you handle any complications during eyelid surgery?
- What makes me the right candidate for lower eyelid surgery?
- Can you share before and after photographs of your past clients?
- How do you plan to hide my scars?
Keep in mind that your satisfaction is equally important as the cost. Don’t automatically choose someone with a lower price tag and neglect all other aspects.
Lower Eyelid Surgery FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the lower eyelid surgery in Sydney:
How long do the results of a lower eyelid surgery last?
- The results of the lower eyelid surgery can last for seven years or more. Your face will continue to age.
Is blepharoplasty covered under Medicare?
- Eyelid surgery can be covered by Medicare if it is considered medically necessary and it is a reconstructive procedure. You must meet the strict Eyelid surgery medicare criteria.
Is lower blepharoplasty permanent?
- The results of lower blepharoplasty last around 7 years – the surgery is considered a permanent change but revision surgery is possible. As a small amount of skin or tissue may be removed it is crucial to find the right surgeon and not take too much.
Is lower blepharoplasty safe?
- Yes, it is considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon.
What is a good age for blepharoplasty?
- There is no right and wrong age for blepharoplasty. You can get it done at any age over 18, provided you are in a physically healthy condition.
How painful is lower eyelid surgery?
- You won’t feel anything during the lower eyelid surgery as it is performed with local anaesthesia. Afterwards you will get pain relief medication.
What causes lower eyelids to droop?
- With age, the muscles underneath the eyes become weak which causes tendons to stretch out and eyelids to droop.
How do they remove bags under the eyes?
- The surgeon removes excess fat through an incision inside the lower lid and then re-joins the skin with the help of stitches. Sometimes the fat is used to graft or fill areas with volume loss.
Does lower eyelid surgery remove dark circles?
- Yes, lower eyelid surgery can help remove both bags and can help remove dark circles. Sometimes the dark circle is caused by thinning of the skin and the darker colour of muscle becoming partly visible through the skin. Fat grafting can also help with this.
Does lower blepharoplasty change eye shape?
- No, the lower blepharoplasty is not designed to change the shape of your eyes.
