Blepharoplasty (Upper eyelid) Surgery Brisbane & North Lakes
Patient information | Dr Rughani, Specialist Plastic Surgeon
What is an Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty?
Changes around the eyes can affect how your eyelids look and feel. Excess upper eyelid skin may create a hooded appearance, feel heavy or, in some cases, interfere with your field of vision.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelids. Depending on your anatomy, small amounts of underlying muscle or fat may also be adjusted. Surgery may be considered for functional or appearance-related concerns
Is Upper Eyelid Surgery suitable for me?
You may wish to discuss surgery if excess upper eyelid skin causes hooding, heaviness or difficulty seeing above or to the sides.
Suitability depends on your eyelid anatomy, eye health, general health and expectations. Dry eyes, previous eye surgery and existing eye conditions should be discussed during your consultation.
Your Consultation with Dr Rughani
It is natural to have questions or feel uncertain about surgery. Dr Rughani will take time to listen to your concerns, understand what matters to you and discuss your medical history.
With your consent, he will examine your eyelids and discuss the changes surgery may achieve, its limitations, alternatives and your individual risks. You will receive information about recovery, follow-up care and costs.
Take your time to decide. Asking questions, seeking a second opinion or choosing not to proceed are all reasonable options.
Plastic Surgeon vs Cosmetic Surgeon
Dr Rughani is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with FRACS (Plastic Surgery) and FRCS (Plastic Surgery) qualifications.
Plastic surgery is a recognised medical specialty with formal training and specialist registration.
“Cosmetic surgeon” describes an area of practice and is not a separate specialist qualification. You can check a practitioner’s registration on the AHPRA public register.
Surgery
Surgery
Surgery
An incision is usually placed within the natural upper eyelid crease.
Excess skin is carefully removed, and muscle or fat may be adjusted where appropriate. The incision is closed with fine sutures.
The resulting scar generally follows the eyelid fold, although it may remain visible.
Dr Rughani performs surgery in accredited hospitals. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is usually performed as day surgery and takes approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the treatment required.
Dr Rughani will discuss the anaesthetic plan with you; this can be under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Before surgery, you will receive personalised instructions about preparation, fasting and medications.
Arrange for someone to take you home and help during your initial recovery.
Recovery
Surgery
Surgery
Swelling, bruising and a tight or pulling sensation are common after surgery. Swelling is often greatest around days two to three and gradually improves over the following 7–10 days.
Temporary watering, dryness or blurred vision from ointment may occur.
Sutures are usually removed around seven days after surgery, at your scheduled review.
Your postoperative instructions will explain how to clean your eyelids and apply the recommended ointments.
Avoid rubbing the area and wait until you are cleared before using eye makeup.
Avoid strenuous exercise, bending and heavy lifting for at least 7–10 days, or longer if advised. Do not drive until your vision is clear, you feel comfortable and you meet the advice provided by your treating team.
Allow time away from work and social commitments. Many patients need approximately one to two weeks, depending on their work and recovery.
Residual swelling and scar changes can take longer to settle.
These are general timeframes, not a promise of recovery. Your individual discharge plan and advice at follow-up take priority.
risks
Surgery
risks
All surgery carries risks. Possible complications of upper eyelid blepharoplasty include:
- Bleeding, infection or delayed wound healing.
- Visible or unfavourable scarring.
- Asymmetry or an unsatisfactory result.
- Dry eyes, irritation or difficulty closing the eyes.
- Altered sensation or persistent discomfort.
- Temporary or permanent changes in vision, including a very rare risk of blindness.
- Anaesthetic complications or the need for further surgery.
Dr Rughani will explain the risks relevant to you before you decide whether to proceed. Outcomes and recovery vary between individuals, and a particular result cannot be guaranteed.
After surgery, seek immediate medical assessment for sudden vision changes, severe or increasing eye pain, rapidly increasing swelling or persistent bleeding.
Dr Rughani will discuss your individual risks, alternatives and the likely limits of surgery during consultation. Results cannot be guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If excess skin obstructs your field of vision, removing it may help. Surgery does not treat conditions affecting eyesight itself. Your consultation will help determine the cause of your symptoms.
The incisions are usually placed within the natural upper eyelid crease. Scars generally soften and fade over time, although they may remain visible (and are permanent) and healing varies between individuals.
Please complete these steps so your appointment can proceed:
- Obtain a GP referral addressed to Dr Milap Rughani that briefly describes the treatment you are seeking, such as blepharoplasty / upper eyelid surgery. Please send it to the practice before your appointment. A GP referral is generally valid for 12 months from your first specialist consultation.
- Complete the pre-consultation questionnaire. Patients considering cosmetic surgery must complete a screening questionnaire, including an assessment for body dysmorphic disorder. Our team will provide the secure link before your appointment.
If either requirement is incomplete, your consultation may need to be rescheduled.
The initial consultation fee is $300. Following your assessment, you will receive a personalised, itemised quote for surgery.
The surgeon’s fee and its inclusions will be explained before you decide whether to proceed. The planned care includes:
- Your Blepharoplasty operation with Dr Rughani
- Two preoperative consultations with Dr Rughani for cosmetic surgery, with no additional fee for the second consultation
- Nurse reviews at approximately one and two weeks after surgery
- Reviews with Dr Rughani at approximately six and twelve weeks
- Further review for up to one year when clinically needed
Your quote will explain how the initial consultation fee is accounted for and identify other costs, including hospital and anaesthetist fees. Medicare or private health insurance benefits depend on individual eligibility; purely cosmetic surgery generally does not attract a Medicare benefit.
For cosmetic surgery, a minimum seven-day cooling-off period applies after your two consultations and signed informed consent, before surgery can proceed. You may arrange your second consultation in advance by calling our rooms. Surgery dates cannot be pre-booked before your initial consultation with Dr Rughani.
No. Your consultation is an opportunity to understand your options and ask questions. Take your time to decide whether surgery is right for you. Dr Rughani's believe in patient informed choices. The choice is entirely yours.
The initial consultation is $300. Dr Rughani’s surgeon fee ranges and increases with complexity.
It is not a total package price.
A written, itemised estimate is provided after assessment.
The surgeon fee includes the agreed operation, two preoperative consultations, postoperative inpatient reviews, planned nurse reviews at approximately weeks one and two, planned Dr Rughani reviews at weeks six and twelve, and review for up to one year when clinically needed.
Hospital and theatre charges, the anaesthetist’s fee, and care outside the agreed plan are quoted separately.
Many patients allow one to two weeks, depending on bruising, swelling and the demands of their work. Physically demanding roles may require longer.
Tell Dr Rughani about dry eyes, eye medications and previous eye surgery. These may affect your suitability and treatment plan. Eyelid surgery can cause or worsen dryness.
Changes from surgery can be long-lasting, but natural ageing continues. Your anatomy and skin quality influence the result, and further eyelid changes may occur over time.
Contact Us
Consultations
Dr Rughani | Brisbane Clinic
North West Specialist Suites
Level 1 Suite 6, 137 Flockton Street Everton Park QLD 4053
Dr Rughani | North Lakes Clinic
Specialist Suites North Lakes Day Hospital
7 Endeavour Boulevard, North Lakes QLD 4509
SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON
Email: contact@drmrughani.com
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