What is Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Lower blepharoplasty is a specialised cosmetic surgical procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the lower eyelids and surrounding area. Dr Scott J Turner performs this procedure to:

Remove or reposition excess fat deposits that create “bags” under the eyes
Trim away loose or sagging skin that contributes to fine lines and wrinkles
Tighten underlying tissues and muscles for improved lower eyelid contour
Address tear trough deformities by strategically managing fat distribution
Correct deep grooves, festoons, and hollows in the under-eye area

This transformative procedure effectively reduces signs of ageing and fatigue around the eyes, creating a more refreshed and youthful facial appearance that looks completely natural.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?

Understanding if you are a suitable candidate for lower blepharoplasty is the first crucial step. Ideal candidates typically:

Have concerns with the appearance of their lower eyelid area
Present with excess skin, puffiness, or contour irregularities in the lower eyelid region
Have reached facial maturity (typically 18+ years of age)
Can identify specific aesthetic concerns in the lower eyelid area

Additional important criteria for candidates include:

Physical Health: Being in good overall physical health with no underlying medical conditions that could interfere with healing
BMI Considerations: Research shows that patients with BMI below 30 kg/m² experience significantly better outcomes with only 32.5% overall complication rate compared to 80% in those with BMI above 30 kg/m²
Emotional Well-being: Having realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve and understanding potential outcomes
Smoking Status: Non-smokers or those willing to quit at least 6 weeks before and after surgery, as smoking significantly impairs healing and increases complications
Medical History: No conditions that affect blood clotting or wound healing

A comprehensive consultation with Dr Scott J Turner at either our Double Bay or Manly clinic is essential to determine your suitability for the procedure and to discuss your specific concerns.

Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery – What to Expect

When undergoing lower eyelid surgery with Dr Turner, you can expect a procedure tailored to your specific needs and desired outcomes. The surgery typically takes 60-90 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia in a private hospital setting.

Surgical Approach

Dr Turner will determine the most suitable surgical approach based on your individual facial anatomy and aesthetic goals:

Transconjunctival Approach

Incisions placed inside the lower eyelid (conjunctiva), leaving no visible external scarring
Ideal for patients who primarily need fat removal or repositioning without skin excision
Perfect for younger patients with good skin elasticity who only show fat-related puffiness
Can be combined with laser resurfacing or chemical peels to address skin texture issues

Subciliary Approach

Fine incisions placed just below the lower lash line
Allows for removal of excess skin and fat
Provides access to reposition fat and tighten underlying muscles
Results in a barely visible scar that blends with your natural eyelid crease
Preferred when there is significant excess skin or muscle laxity

Lower Blepharoplasty

Combined with Upper Eyelid and Brow

For comprehensive facial rejuvenation, lower blepharoplasty can be performed alongside:

Upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) to address drooping upper eyelids
Brow lift to elevate sagging eyebrows and reduce forehead wrinkles
Creating a harmonious and balanced appearance across the entire eye area

Complementary Procedures

Dr Turner may recommend complementary treatments to enhance your results:

Non-surgical treatments like injectables, dermal treatments and laser resurfacing procedures to address tear trough deformities, improve skin texture, or reduce fine lines
Face lift or neck lift for more comprehensive facial rejuvenation
Fat grafting to restore volume in areas of hollowness

Your Consultation with Dr Turner

Your lower blepharoplasty journey begins with a personalized consultation with Dr Turner at his Sydney clinics in Manly or Double Bay. During this consultation, Dr Turner will have an open and honest discussion with you to ensure you are fully informed about your procedure, postoperative recovery process and any potential risks.

The consultation process is an essential step in planning a successful lower blepharoplasty. During your consultation, Dr Turner will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your eyelid structure to identify specific concerns. He will assess your overall facial anatomy, skin quality, and eye symmetry to develop a customized surgical plan.

Dr Turner will review your medical history and any medications you are currently taking to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for surgery. Clinical photographs will be taken for surgical planning purposes.

Through detailed discussion, Dr Turner will explain the different surgical approaches available for your specific situation, what the procedure can realistically achieve, and provide information about preparation, recovery, and aftercare. A detailed cost estimate will be provided, outlining all aspects of your procedure including surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, and hospital costs.

Recovery after Lower Eyelid Surgery

Recovery from lower blepharoplasty requires patience as your body heals and the final results emerge. Understanding what to expect during recovery will help you prepare for a smooth healing process.

The initial recovery period typically includes:

Mild to moderate swelling and bruising around the eyes that peaks between 3-5 days after surgery
Some discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication
Temporary blurred vision or light sensitivity
Possible dryness or excessive tearing of the eyes
Burning or itching sensation as healing progresses

Most patients are able to:

Return home the same day as surgery
Return to work and light daily activities within 7-10 days
Resume more strenuous activities after 2-3 weeks (as advised by Dr Turner)
See initial results once primary swelling subsides (typically within 2-3 weeks)
Experience final results that continue to improve over several months

For optimal healing and results, Dr Turner recommends:

Keeping your head elevated while resting
Applying cold compresses as directed to reduce swelling
Using prescribed eye drops or ointments as instructed
Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting until cleared
Protecting your eyes from sun and wind
Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments
Avoiding smoking, which can significantly impair healing

For detailed information about the recovery process, including helpful tips and what to expect at each stage, please read our comprehensive guide: Recovery After Eyelid Surgery

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, lower blepharoplasty carries certain risks. While complications are rare when performed by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon like Dr Turner, it’s important to be informed about potential risks, which may include:

Infection
Bleeding or hematoma
Scarring
Dry or irritated eyes
Difficulty closing the eyes completely (usually temporary)
Asymmetry
Changes in vision (temporary blurriness or sensitivity)
Ectropion (outward turning of the lower eyelid)
Need for revision surgery

Dr Turner takes every precaution to minimize these risks through careful patient selection, meticulous surgical planning, precise technique, and comprehensive aftercare. The risk of complications is significantly reduced when surgery is performed by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) in an accredited facility.

It’s important to note that patients with specific medical conditions may have increased risks. During your consultation, Dr Turner will conduct a thorough health assessment to ensure the procedure is safe for you. For optimal surgical outcomes and reduced risks, Dr Turner recommends patients maintain a BMI below 30 kg/m² as research shows that patients with BMI above 30 kg/m² face significantly higher complication rates.

For a more detailed discussion of potential risks and how to minimize them, please read our informative blog: Risks and Complications of Blepharoplasty Surgery: What Patients Should Know

Why Choose Dr Scott J Turner for Lower Eyelid Surgery in Sydney

When considering lower eyelid surgery in Sydney, your choice of surgeon is crucial for achieving safe, natural-looking results. Here’s why patients choose Dr Scott J Turner for their lower blepharoplasty:

Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) – Dr Turner has completed a minimum of 12 years of medical and surgical education, including at least 5 years of specialist postgraduate training, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
Dedicated expertise in facial rejuvenation procedures including advanced eyelid surgery techniques
Personalised approach that considers your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals
Commitment to safety with all procedures performed in fully accredited hospital facilities
Comprehensive care from your initial consultation through your recovery
Advanced surgical techniques that minimize scarring and optimize results
Two convenient Sydney locations in Manly and Double Bay

Dr Turner takes the time to understand your concerns and expectations, creating a customised surgical plan tailored to your specific needs. His meticulous approach helps ensure optimal outcomes for each patient.

Understanding Lower Eyelid Surgery Costs in Sydney

The cost of lower blepharoplasty in Sydney varies depending on several factors, including:

The complexity of your specific case
Whether you’re having just lower eyelids or both upper and lower eyelids treated
If you’re combining the procedure with other facial rejuvenation treatments
The surgical technique used (transconjunctival vs. subciliary approach)
Hospital or facility fees
Post-operative care requirements

As a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Turner provides transparent pricing information during your consultation, ensuring you have a clear understanding of all costs involved in your procedure. Your personalised quote will include:

Surgeon’s fees
Anaesthetist’s fees
Hospital or facility fees
Follow-up appointments
Any required post-operative garments or medications

Price Range for Lower Blepharoplasty in Sydney

While every patient’s needs are unique, the general price range for lower blepharoplasty in Sydney with Dr Scott J Turner is approximately $8,000 – $14,000. Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty procedures typically range from $12,000 – $18,000.

Medicare and Health Insurance Coverage

Lower eyelid surgery is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. However, if your procedure has a Medicare item number, your private health insurance may cover a portion of the hospital fees.

For more detailed information about pricing for facial plastic surgery procedures, please visit our Face Plastic Surgery Prices Sydney page.

Lower Eyelid (Blepharoplasty) Surgery Sydney, Australia

What is Lower Blepharoplasty Surgery?

Are You a Suitable Candidate for Lower Eyelid Surgery?