01Article · Eyelid surgery
Eyelid surgery —
not just surgery.
Patients consider blepharoplasty for many different reasons — excess eyelid skin, the feeling of weight above the eyelashes, or a wish to alter the shape and form of the upper or lower eyelid. The procedure is straightforward to describe; the decision rarely is.
02Why this article exists
The procedure is one part —
the decision is another.
The most common reason people consider blepharoplasty is excess upper-eyelid skin that adds visible weight above the eyelashes, sometimes making it harder to open the eyes naturally. Others come because the shape of the upper or lower eyelid has changed with age, and they would like to alter that shape. Both reasons are reasonable, and neither is, in isolation, a reason to proceed.
A thorough medical assessment comes first. Some patients have undiagnosed conditions that need investigation by their general practitioner before any cosmetic procedure is considered. Cosmetic training helps a doctor look at the whole picture rather than focus only on the surgical question. All cosmetic procedures carry inherent risks and complications, and outcomes vary depending on individual circumstances, medical history and genetics.
More on the potential risks of cosmetic surgery is available on our risks page.
— Dr Kishen Nara, RevAesthetic Tasmania.
03The assessment
How is the right amount
of skin determined?
A frequent question during consultations is how Dr Nara determines how much excess upper-eyelid skin should be addressed, or what the appropriate height of the upper eyelid is for a given patient. The answer is not a formula. It comes from years of patient care across very different presentations, ages, genetic backgrounds and medical histories. Each patient heals differently, and outcomes shown for one patient cannot be applied to another.
The next question that often comes up is whether now is the right time. Some patients are ready sooner; some are ready later; some, after careful consideration, decide not to proceed. All three responses are valid. Bringing a trusted family member or close friend to the consultation can help — they hear what is said, ask the questions you do not, and offer perspective afterwards.
04The cooling-off period
A pause —
by design.
The Medical Board of Australia has introduced a cooling-off period for cosmetic surgery patients, so that the decision is made over time rather than in a single visit. The pause is a feature of safe practice, not a delay.
Pre-operative factors
- A thorough medical assessment, with referral if any condition needs investigation.
- Discussion of how excess eyelid skin or weight is affecting daily life.
- Realistic conversation about what altering shape and form can and cannot do.
- An understanding that all surgery carries inherent risks and complications.
Five questions to ask yourself
- Am I being pushed or rushed by anyone into this decision?
- Is this the right time of life for me to consider surgery?
- What support — practical and emotional — do I have around me?
- How will I learn more before deciding, beyond a single consultation?
- Have I written down five questions to bring with me to the appointment?
05After surgery
Recovery —
and the questions it brings.
After surgery, recovery follows. How long does it take? When can I get back to work? Is it painful? When can I drive again, walk the dog, return to the gym? These are some of the most common questions, and they are part of the consultation conversation rather than something to ask only after the procedure.
Recovery is individual. Some patients are comfortable returning to a desk job within a week; others need closer to two. Bruising and swelling around the eyes are normal in the early days and resolve over the following weeks. Vision can feel temporarily different — most commonly mild blurring during the first days — and any concerning visual change should be discussed with us promptly.
For an overview of blepharoplasty at RevAesthetic, including what the procedure involves, you can read our eyelid lift page.
06Anatomy
The eyelid —
more than skin.
Blepharoplasty involves the soft tissues of the eyelid, which sit above structures that lift the eyelid and surround the tarsal sling — the band of tissue that helps support the eye in its socket. The illustration below is a simplified diagram we use during consultations.
07About the practitioner
Dr Kishen
Nara.
Dr Kishen Nara is a registered medical practitioner. He sees patients across Melbourne, Tasmania and Adelaide. The team at RevAesthetic includes practice manager Cate, Patient Liaison Jenny, and registered nurses, all involved in supporting your enquiry.
All assessments are conducted in line with Medical Board of Australia guidelines. A second medical opinion is encouraged at any stage.
- MBBSBachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery — Monash University
- FACCSM(Surg)Surgical Fellow, Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine
- AHPRARegistered medical practitioner — General Registration MED0001201549
- ACCSMCosmetic surgical training delivered through the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine
08Enquire
Begin a
conversation.
Consultations are conducted personally by Dr Nara across Melbourne, Tasmania and Adelaide. We respond within one business day. There is a written reflection period before any decision, and a second medical opinion is encouraged at any stage.
09Continue reading
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Disclaimer: All cosmetic procedures have inherent potential risks and complications. We encourage you to seek a second opinion from a qualified medical professional before any procedure. Material on this page is educational in nature and is not generalisable — outcomes vary significantly between patients depending on genetic composition, medical history and individual circumstances.