Eyelift surgery, or blepharoplasty, has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in Australia (with an expected 7.3% annual growth rate between 2025 and 2030), due to its ability to create a natural-looking and long-lasting facial rejuvenation.
Not only used for cosmetic purposes, eyelifts can also serve a functional purpose for improving vision and eye comfort, by removing sagging eye tissue caused by heavy upper lids.
Eyelift surgery has transitioned from a luxury treatment into a mainstream wellness procedure, with many patients successfully addressing both premature ageing and the daily discomfort of drooping eyelids.
Functional Eyelifts
As skin loses its elasticity after 40-50 years old, the upper eyelids can sag to the point of interfering with normal sight, creating the need for functional rather than cosmetic correction. Younger-aged groups may also be genetically predisposed to heavy eyelids.
After consulting your GP, functional blepharoplasty may be deemed a viable medical option for correcting overhanging upper eyelids that are causing eye irritation. This procedure has the ability to improve your visual field, reduce eye strain and fatigue, increase comfort and enhance eye health by reducing tearing and dry eye caused by improper lid position.
Upper lid corrective surgery is often undertaken by patients aged 50 and older, with the majority over the age of 60. If medically necessary (upper lids only), eyelid surgery is covered by both Medicare and private health insurance. Private hospital health insurance covers a portion of hospital, theatre or surgeon fees, if covered by your specific policy.
Early Eyelid Surgery
People in their 30s and 40s will seek out eyelid surgery to counter the early signs of ageing, such as persistent under-eye bags or puffiness. These concerns can be corrected by lower eyelid surgery. Younger individuals will also seek treatment for drooping, heavy upper lids.
Reasons for earlier eyelid surgery are to reverse a fatigued appearance, remove hereditary fat deposits, correct vision impairment caused by drooping eyelids, and boost self-confidence. Younger skin normally contains better elasticity and faster healing times compared to older patients.
The Patient Journey: Consultation to Recovery
In Australia, there are strict safety regulations and a two-step consultation process and cooling-off periods, to ensure patients are fully informed on the uses and risks of eyelid surgery.
Consultation
Before attending a consultation with the surgeon, there is a requirement for a GP referral for both cosmetic and functional procedures. As part of the surgeon’s consultation, a mandatory psychological readiness and Body Dysmorphic Disorder assessment is undertaken.
In the first consultation, a client’s medical history and suitability are reviewed. In the second consultation, personal goals and concerns are discussed, as well as reviewing surgical procedures. In between these consultations and before surgery, there is a minimum 7-day cooling-off period. This means that from the first consultation to when surgery can be booked, there is a minimum of 14 days.
The Procedure
Eyelid surgery is usually a day procedure that is done under local anesthesia. Light sedation provides maximum comfort and relaxation. Upper lid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) removes excess skin and fat via an incision hidden in the natural crease in the eye. Lower lid surgery (lower blepharoplasty) focuses on removing or repositioning fat to smooth the under-eye area, often via an incision inside the lower lid to avoid a visible scar. The procedure takes approximately 90-minutes.
Recovery
There is a fast turnaround between the procedure and being able to return to regular activities, usually within 2- 3 days. Localised pain may be experienced in this period, and a support person is recommended during this time. Common side effects may include temporary swelling and bruising, which peak around day 3, and may last up to 2 weeks.
Patients usually return to work within 7-14 days. Other aftereffects, although rare, include dry eyes, infection or temporary blurred vision. Asymmetry after lower blepharoplasty is a common, mostly temporary, condition where the eyelids look slightly misaligned. While the initial recovery is fast, final results can take from several months up to a year to achieve. Upper eyelid surgery can last between 5 and 7 years, while lower lid surgery often lasts for a lifetime.
Ageing Gracefully
Modern eyelid surgery strikes a balance between aggressive ageing and surgical overcorrection.
The focus has shifted from radical change to steady preservation. This trend focuses on rejuvenation rather than alteration, aiming for a revitalised look that preserves a person’s unique anatomy, avoids excessive tissue removal, and integrates with the overall face.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
If you’re thinking about eyelid surgery, choosing the right surgeon matters now more than ever. With cosmetic tourism and budget providers on the rise, more Victorians are prioritising credentials, experience, and consultation quality over cost. A specialist in eye lift surgery at a reputable clinic provides the gold standard in client care.
Budget providers have an increased risk of complications like infections and non-reversible aesthetic outcomes. Proper aftercare, provided by a qualified professional, is crucial for managing post-surgery expectations and protecting your investment in yourself.
