Blepharoplasty (for men)

With age, the upper eyelids can become stretched and begin to sag onto the upper eyelashes, causing a number of aesthetic and functional issues. Men with excess skin on the eyelids may feel that it gives them a tired or aged appearance, and in some cases, can impair vision.

Whilst eyelid surgery is performed on both men and women, the techniques for men are designed to complement their facial anatomy. Male blepharoplasty, also called an eyelid lift, aims to treat droopy eyelids whilst maintaining your masculine features. Dr Jeremy Richardson uses modern, tailored techniques in order to give you a natural-looking result.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Prior to your surgery date, you will need to consultation with Dr Richardson to discuss the details of your procedure. You will be able to express your skin concerns and outline your reasons for wanting surgery, as well as your ideal outcomes. We will discuss the surgery in detail in order to ensure you are well informed about the process and manage your expectations. Additionally, we will examine your eyelid condition and discuss the best surgical options for your case.

If you have drooping skin around the eyes or hooded eyelids that are impacting your vision, male blepharoplasty may be ideal for you. During the initial meeting with Dr Richardson, you will be able to ask further questions and gain a clear idea of what to expect.

The Procedure

Dr Richardson performs male blepharoplasty with either general or local anaesthesia. The most suitable type of anaesthetic for you will be discussed at your consultation.

Generally, incisions are placed in the natural crease above the upper eyelid. Dr Richardson will remove the excess skin from the area in order to create a firmer, smoother look. As well as this, some procedures may involve fat redraping to achieve the patient’s desired look.

The procedure can also involve surgery on the lower eyelid to address under-eye bags and puffiness. Dr Richardson will place incisions in the lower lash line in order to make the scars less visible. He then removes excess skin to smoothen the under-eye area. Once the required tissue has been removed, your incisions will be closed with sutures.

Since male blepharoplasty is a day procedure, you should arrange for someone to take you home on the day of your surgery.

Cost of Male Blepharoplasty

Surgery fees can vary depending on the details of your surgery. Since some procedures are more extensive than others, we will need to discuss your needs in order to outline costs. We will consider factors such as hospital fees, the anaesthetist fees, and the cost of aftercare. Since the procedure is often sought for cosmetic reasons, most patients will need to pay for their own surgery. However, if your eyelids are causing vision problems, Medicare may cover a portion of the overall cost. If you have other questions, we will be happy to provide more details during a private consultation.

Aftercare

Afterwards, you may have some bruising, swelling, and discomfort. We can help you manage this with pain medication and instructions on how to take care of your operated site. Patients may also have impeded vision. It is a good idea to have someone to help you with daily tasks such as driving, lifting, and caring for children. Dr Richardson may give advice such as:

• Reduce your eye movement
• Sleep on your back in an elevated position
• Keep your incisions clean and dry
• Take prescribed medications
• Avoid smoking, alcohol, and strenuous tasks
• Refrain from exercise
• Take time off work to rest and recover

During recovery, most patients can expect:

• Initial discomfort after the procedure
• Plenty of rest time in the first 24 hours
• Return to work after one to two weeks, depending on your healing progress and the nature of your work
• No strenuous exercise for at least two weeks
• Resume wearing makeup and contact lenses after two weeks
• Full recovery in about three months

Risks and Complications

Every surgery involving incisions comes with some amount of risk. Before your male blepharoplasty, you should research the risks in order to be fully informed. We will discuss the potential risks before your procedure, such as:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Ongoing pain and swelling
• Damage to underlying tissues
• Slow or poor healing
• Scarring
• Unwanted results
• Further surgery