03
Apr
Upper Eyelid Lift (also called Upper Blepharoplasty) is a surgical procedure routinely requested by patients wanting to acheive a youthful and aesthetically pleasing eyes in our Perth clinic.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can be broadly divided into two catgories:
1) Traditional Blepharoplasty involving excision of part of orbicularis occuli muscle (thin muscle encircling the eyes) and removal of deeper fat pads.
2) Tissue-sparing blepharoplasty which involves removal of excess eyelid skin only. The deeper structures of the upper eye as mentioned above are not removed, making it a quicker, safer and cost effective option for the right candidate. It is becoming increasingly popular these days.
In our Perth, Sydney and Alice Springs Practices, I often see patients who ask me if Upper eyelid Lift (blepharoplasty) attracts medicare rebates?
To clarify this question, I would like to explain that In Australia, Medicare rebates are applicable only when upper blepharoplaty is performed to improve a patient's field of vision. Patients in their 60's and above, the loose skin of upper lids can obscures their outer field of vision and it can be difficult for them to perform certain daily tasks such as driving and can increase the risk of falls.
Cosmetic Blepharoplasty on the other hand is solely performed to improve facial aesthetics and currently no medicare rebates are applicable in such case. Any clinics offering cosmetic blepharoplasty under Medicare are potentially in breach of medicare rules and regulations.
I have been performing blepharoplasty surgeries since 2011. These days I perform this surgery in under 60 minutes (I remember my first independent eyelid surgery took me over 3 hours!).
I routinely perform this procedure under local anesthesia alone without the need for Twilight or General Anaesthesia. I like to use CO2 Laser or Radiowave Surgery incision technique when performing this surgery. For wound closure, I like to use nonabsorbable 6.0 sutures as they are very thin and help minimise any infection, localized allergic reaction or scarring. Sutures usually come out on day 8 after the procedure. Initial healing usually takes under 2 weeks. The residual swelling and redness of the incision line improves over the coming weeks. Results of a well performed eyelid surgery last for 10 to 15 years in majority of cases. Potential risks associated with this surgery include infection, swelling, bruising and delayed healing.