Eyelid Surgery: What Makes You A Candidate for a Blepharoplasty Procedure?

How can I tell if eyelid lift surgery is right for me?

Dr David Sharp

Specialist Plastic Surgeon + Registered Medical Practitioner

Article written by Director and Journalist Liz Washington B.Journ, and medically reviewed by Dr. David Sharp, MBBS, FRACS (Plast)

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, can address changes to the skin around the eyes caused by ageing, genetics, or other factors. Commonly performed to address droopy or sagging eyelids, some changes to the eyes can sometimes interfere with vision – although eyelid surgery is often performed for aesthetic purposes. If you think you may want to undergo eyelid surgery, it’s important to have a good understanding of what your surgeon will need to consider when determining if you are a suitable candidate. You will have your personal suitability assessed during a consultation, but in the meantime, this blog will discuss the key details as to what makes a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty.

If you think you’re ready for your consultation, contact us to book with surgeon Dr David Sharp in Brisbane. Dr Sharp is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 20 years of experience and training and with a special interest in aesthetic procedures, including blepharoplasty. Choosing a qualified plastic surgeon to perform your eyelid surgery is essential when it comes to minimising risks and supporting effective results.

What is eyelid surgery/blepharoplasty?

A blepharoplasty is designed to address the appearance of the eyelids by removing excess skin, fat, and muscle from the upper and/or lower eyelids.

Depending on the patient’s personal concerns, it can address puffiness, wrinkles, and sagging skin. This procedure can be performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons, addressing aesthetic concerns while also potentially improving vision obstructed by overhanging eyelid skin.

Each patient receives a personalised surgery plan, specifically tailored to their needs and designed to achieve their personal aesthetic (and/or functional) goals.

Pictured, right, before and 3 months after blepharoplasty surgery with Dr Sharp

eyelid lift with Brisbane plastic cosmetic surgeon

What makes a suitable candidate for blepharoplasty?

It’s essential to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for eyelid surgery before undergoing the procedure. While this will ultimately be done during a consultation, understanding what makes a suitable candidate ahead of time can help you know what to expect during your assessment.

Generally, candidates with droopy or sagging eyelids due to ageing or genetics may benefit from blepharoplasty. If the skin around your eyes appears loose, eyelid surgery may be an effective option. Puffiness or under-eye bags caused by excess fat deposits can also make a candidate suitable for the procedure, typically lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

In some cases, sagging eyelid skin can interfere with vision, leading to functional concerns. If you experience vision obstruction due to overhanging eyelids, blepharoplasty may offer improved functionality.

When it comes to being suitable for surgery, candidates should be in good general health, not currently experiencing any underlying medical conditions that could pose risks during the procedure or impact the healing process. A thorough medical evaluation will be important before proceeding with the surgery.

Another factor to consider when it comes to general health is smoking habits. Smoking can impair the body’s ability to heal properly and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Candidates for blepharoplasty are typically instructed to quit smoking, for a specified period of time before and after the procedure.

As well as considering health factors, it’s also important to consider patient expectations. Suitable eyelid surgery candidates should have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. The results of eyelid surgery can vary depending on individual factors, such as skin elasticity and facial structure, so discussing how you can expect your results to appear during your consultation will help to manage expectations.

What will I discuss with my surgeon during an eyelid lift consultation?

Before undergoing blepharoplasty, you will have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your aesthetic goals and your expectations for the results. Your consultation will also involve an assessment of your eyelids, particularly skin elasticity, and overall health.

Your surgeon will also inquire about your medical history, including any medications you may be taking and previous surgeries or treatments. Some candidates may be advised to undergo some pre-operative tests to ensure suitability.

If you are considered to be a suitable candidate, your surgeon can then create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Eyelid surgery with Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr David Sharp in Brisbane

If you’re considering eyelid surgery, having a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is an essential first step in your surgery journey. By discussing your concerns, health and expectations, you can work together to determine whether blepharoplasty is the right choice for you.

Located in Brisbane, Dr Sharp believes every patient deserves the highest level of care. As a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, he has years of training and experience, having completed over 20,000 surgical procedures. Dr Sharp has a special interest in aesthetic surgery, including blepharoplasty.

Contact our team to book your initial consultation at our Brisbane location today. You can also contact us with any further questions you may have, and read more about Dr Sharp here.

About Dr. David Sharp:

Dr. David Sharp is an experienced specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane, with a special interest in breast, body and facial cosmetic surgery.

With over two decades of experience in medicine, Dr. Sharp has performed over 20,000 surgical procedures in Australia and has an established surgical and non surgical practice in Brisbane.

For more information and to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sharp, please contact our patient support team at 3202 4744 or visit our online booking request form here.

This information is intended for general knowledge and should not replace personalised advice from your surgeon. Always consult with your surgeon for individual care.