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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Gold Coast

Choose Dr Terrence Scamp for blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, to address excess skin around the eyelids at our Bundall practice on the Gold Coast.

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Blepharoplasty Gold Coast

What Is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)?

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to address excess skin, fat, and underlying tissue around the upper or lower eyelids. The procedure is generally undertaken for one of two reasons: aesthetic concerns relating to the appearance of the eyelid area, or functional concerns where excess upper eyelid skin is affecting vision or eyelid movement.

A blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, depending on the individual’s anatomy and the surgical goals. The procedure may be performed on its own or in combination with other facial procedures, such as an endoscopic brow lift or a facelift (rhytidectomy), where the surgical plan indicates this is appropriate.

Dr Terrence Scamp is a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Bundall on the Gold Coast, with over 30 years of experience in plastic surgery. The practice sees patients from across South East Queensland, including those travelling from Brisbane. A consultation is the appropriate first step for anyone considering eyelid surgery on the Gold Coast.

Upper and Lower Eyelid Surgery

Blepharoplasty is divided into two distinct procedures depending on which part of the eyelid is being addressed. Many patients require one or the other; some require both.

Upper eyelid surgery: Upper blepharoplasty addresses excess skin and fat in the upper eyelid area. With age, the skin of the upper eyelid can stretch and become lax, sometimes hanging down over the lash line or, in more pronounced cases, encroaching on the field of vision. Upper eyelid surgery involves removing this excess skin, and where indicated, repositioning or removing small amounts of underlying fat tissue. Where excess upper eyelid skin is affecting vision, the procedure may be considered functional rather than purely cosmetic.

Lower eyelid surgery: Lower blepharoplasty addresses concerns relating to the lower eyelid area, including under-eye puffiness, loose skin, and the appearance of fat pads beneath the eyes. The surgical approach for lower eyelid surgery varies based on the individual’s anatomy. Some procedures involve an incision along the lower lash line, while others use a transconjunctival approach (an incision inside the lower eyelid) where appropriate.

The most suitable technique for any patient is determined during a surgical consultation, where Dr Scamp will assess the eyelid area and discuss the goals of the procedure.

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Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

Suitability for eyelid surgery is determined on an individual basis at consultation. Eyelid surgery is generally considered for patients in their late twenties or older who experience aesthetic or functional concerns relating to the eyelid area. There is no strict upper age limit, provided the patient is in good general health.

Suitable candidates are typically:

  • In good general health, without significant underlying medical conditions
  • Non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure
  • Aware of the risks associated with surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure

Eyelid surgery may not be suitable for patients with certain eye conditions, including dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, detached retina, or thyroid eye disease. These should be disclosed during the consultation so the surgical plan can be assessed accordingly.

A Consultation with Dr Terrence Scamp

Before any surgical procedure, a consultation with Dr Terrence Scamp is required. The consultation is an opportunity to discuss the reasons for considering eyelid surgery, the outcomes the patient is looking to achieve, and any aesthetic or functional concerns relating to the eyelid area.

During the consultation, Dr Scamp will assess the eyelid skin, underlying tissue, and overall facial anatomy to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. The patient’s full medical history, including any medications, eye conditions, or previous facial procedures, will be reviewed to assess suitability for the procedure.

The risks and recovery associated with eyelid surgery will be explained in full at this stage so patients can make an informed decision before proceeding. The consultation is also the appropriate time to ask any questions about the procedure, the surgical plan, recovery, or expected outcomes.

Cost of Eyelid Surgery on the Gold Coast

he cost of eyelid surgery on the Gold Coast varies between patients, as each surgical plan is tailored to the individual. An accurate cost estimate can only be provided after a consultation, where the surgical plan is agreed.

Factors affecting the overall cost include:

  • Whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both
  • The complexity of the individual procedure
  • The surgeon’s fee
  • The anaesthetist fee
  • Hospital and theatre charges
  • Whether the procedure is being combined with another facial procedure
  • Post-operative care requirements

In some cases, where eyelid surgery is considered medically necessary, particularly where excess upper eyelid skin is documented as affecting vision, there may be applicable Medicare item numbers, and private health insurance may contribute to the hospital component of the surgical fee. Eligibility is reviewed during the consultation, and patients are encouraged to speak directly with their private health fund to confirm what their specific cover includes.

The Eyelid Surgery Procedure

Eyelid surgery is generally performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, depending on the surgical plan and the patient’s individual circumstances. Before surgery begins, Dr Terrence Scamp marks the eyelid area to indicate where the incisions will be made.

For upper blepharoplasty, the incision is typically placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid, where it is less visible once healed. Excess skin is removed, and where indicated, underlying fat is adjusted before the incision is closed.

For lower blepharoplasty, the incision is placed either just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival approach), depending on the surgical plan. Excess skin, fat, or loose tissue is addressed before closure.

Eyelid surgery typically takes between one and three hours to complete, depending on whether the procedure involves the upper eyelids, the lower eyelids, or both, and whether it is being performed in combination with another procedure.

Recovery and Aftercare

After eyelid surgery, the eyelid area will be swollen and bruised. This is a normal part of the early healing process. Cold compresses may be recommended to help manage swelling in the first 48 hours. Pain relief can be prescribed if needed.

Recovery generally follows this timeline:

  • First week: Rest at home, with the head elevated when sleeping to help reduce swelling. Sutures are typically removed around five to seven days post-surgery.
  • One to two weeks: Most patients are able to return to desk-based work and light activity. Bruising and swelling continue to settle during this period.
  • Two to four weeks: Most visible bruising resolves. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and exercise remain restricted.
  • Four to six weeks onwards: Gradual return to exercise and full activity, as confirmed at follow-up appointments.
  • Up to six months: The eyelid area continues to settle into its final appearance as residual swelling fully resolves.

Patients are advised to avoid contact lenses, eye makeup, and direct sun exposure to the eyelid area during the early recovery period. Specific aftercare instructions will be provided by Dr Scamp following the procedure.

As with all surgery, blepharoplasty carries risks, including but not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, changes in eyelid position, dry eye symptoms, and temporary changes in vision. These are discussed in full at the consultation, so patients can make an informed decision before proceeding. For more information, please visit the surgery risks and complications page.

Book an Eyelid Surgery Consultation on the Gold Coast

To enquire about an eyelid surgery consultation with Dr Terrence Scamp at his Bundall practice on the Gold Coast, contact the rooms on (07) 5539 1000 or visit the booking information page.