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Reconstructive eye surgery (or oculoplastics) refers to any surgical procedure around the eye socket, eyelid, tear ducts and the face. It includes reconstruction of the eye and surrounding structures, and is used to treat a range of problems, including droopy eyelids, tumours (e.g. melanomas), and blocked tear ducts.

The cost of reconstructive surgery will depend on the condition being treated. A Medicare rebate may apply if the surgery is for functional reasons. Cosmetic eyelid lifts do not attract a Medicare rebate. Your surgeon will discuss the costs with you prior to surgery. If you have private health insurance, please contact your insurer to find out what level of cover you have and whether they will cover any costs.

What are the different types of reconstructive eye surgery?

Common types of reconstructive eye surgery include:

  • Eyelid lesion and tumour surgery
  • Drooping eyelid (ptosis) surgery
  • Blocked tear duct surgery
  • Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) surgery.

Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper and lower lid, depending on your individual needs.

Who performs reconstructive eye surgery?

Ophthalmologists who have completed further training in oculoplastics perform reconstructive surgery of the structures around the eye – e.g. the eye socket (orbital surgery), around the eyeball (periocular surgery), the tear drainage system (lacrimal surgery) and the eyelid (blepharoplasty). They can also be called ophthalmologists who perform oculoplastic surgery.

How long does reconstructive eye surgery take?

Reconstructive eye surgery can take varying amounts of time depending on the type of surgery you receive. Many reconstructive eye surgeries, such as blepharoplasty, are performed as day procedures, and you can expect to be discharged from hospital on the same day as your surgery.

If you’re ready to consider your reconstructive eye surgery options, book an appointment with one of our specialists.

What is blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty, or ‘eyelid lift’ surgery, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal or repositioning of excess skin, fat and muscle around the eyelids. It can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.

Why would I have blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is commonly performed for medical and cosmetic reasons. Aesthetically, blepharoplasty can help reduce the signs of ageing, such as droopy eyelids or bags under the eyes, and create a more youthful, refreshed appearance. Medically, it can be offered to improve your vision if sagging eyelids are obstructing your field of vision.

If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty, you can read our eyeMatters factsheet here.

What is the best age to have blepharoplasty?

The best age for blepharoplasty depends on individual factors, including current medical conditions, the presence of eyelid drooping or bags, visual field obstructions, and the desired outcome.

Ultimately, the ideal time for blepharoplasty will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. An ophthalmologist who performs oculoplastic surgery will check your eyes and advise if blepharoplasty is an option for you.

What is the treatment for watery eyes?

Excessive watering (also called epiphora) of the eyes can lead to eye irritation and recurrent eye infections. This condition can be surgically treated by opening the tear drainage system in the inner corner of the eye (also called the punctum). Treatments include:

  • Punctum dilation – a procedure where the punctum is widened using a probe to improve tear drainage
  • 3-snip punctoplasty – a procedure where three small incisions are made to the punctum to create a larger opening for tear drainage from the eye

What is ptosis surgery?

Ptosis surgery is a procedure designed to correct drooping of the upper eyelid. Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, may be present at birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life (involutional ptosis) – and it can potentially obstruct your field of vision, sometimes even completely. Ptosis surgery can improve the cosmetic appearance of the eye and return lost vision.

What is eyelid lesion surgery?

Eyelid lesion surgery is a surgical procedure that removes growths or abnormalities (these are often referred to as lesions) on the eyelids. These lesions can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). After the lesion is removed, the surgeon will use skin flaps and grafts to preserve the appearance and function of the eyelid.

Is reconstructive eye surgery painful?

Reconstructive eye surgery is generally not very painful, due to the use of anaesthesia during the procedure. Your surgeon will inject a local numbing medication around the eye (typically around the eyelid and surrounding areas), so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. However, you might be aware of a sensation of pressure or movement during the procedure – this is normal.

Sometimes, patients are also given light sedation in addition to the local anaesthesia to help them feel more relaxed or drowsy. This can help to ease any anxiety or nervousness during the surgery.

For more complex or lengthy procedures, general anaesthesia may be used. This is less common in reconstructive eye surgery but could be an option if multiple procedures are being performed, or if you and your surgeon decide it’s necessary for your comfort and safety.

After reconstructive eye surgery, your surgeon will provide you with post-surgical care instructions and will prescribe pain relief medications to support your recovery.

Will I be awake during reconstructive eye surgery?

For most cases of reconstructive eye surgery, you will be awake during your surgery – however, the area around your eye will be numbed using local anaesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain. The use of local anaesthesia allows your surgeon to work on the delicate structures around your eye while you remain conscious and able to follow instructions if needed.

What happens after reconstructive eye surgery?

Immediately after reconstructive eye surgery, your surgeon will place a dressing over the eye (or eyes) to protect it and minimise post-operative swelling and bruising. You may feel some mild discomfort, pressure or tightness around the eye after your surgery – this is normal and will settle as the eye heals. Your surgeon will also prescribe pain relief and eye drops/ointment, which should be used as instructed. Additionally, as reconstructive eye surgery is often performed as a day procedure, you will likely be able to leave the hospital on the same day as your surgery.

Will my eyelids swell after reconstructive eye surgery?

It is common for the eyelids to bruise and swell post-operatively. Swelling typically lasts around two weeks, although this can vary depending on the type of surgery. You may also notice that swelling increases after dressing removal; this is expected, and it will gradually resolve. To minimise post-operative swelling, you can:

  • Sleep at a 45-degree angle
  • Apply ice packs for a few minutes at a time, 4 times a day, for the first 4 days after your surgery.

If swelling persists beyond 4 days, you can continue to use ice packs until the swelling resolves. If you prefer, you can purchase specific cooling eye pads from your chemist. A packet of frozen peas (or equivalent) wrapped in a tea towel is also a good alternative.

What are the risks of reconstructive eye surgery?

Reconstructive eye surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries some risks. While these surgeries are typically safe and effective, potential risks include:

  • Infection – there is potential for infection with any operation; however, meticulous cleaning of the surgical area, intravenous antibiotics during the surgery, sterile surgical technique and following your post-operative care instructions can all minimise this risk
  • Scarring – any surgical scars usually heal very well and fade to a thin line with time; rarely, a prominent scarring response may require further management
  • Additional surgery – on occasion, further surgery may be required to achieve the ideal results
  • Bleeding – minor nose bleeding is common after dacryocystorhinostomy; occasionally more significant nose bleeding may occur, which could require a nose pack or further treatment.

Before having reconstructive eye surgery, your surgeon will discuss the risks with you and how they can be minimised.

How much does reconstructive eye surgery cost?

The cost of reconstructive surgery will depend on the surgery you receive. A Medicare rebate may apply if the surgery is for functional reasons. Cosmetic eyelid lifts do not attract a Medicare rebate. Your surgeon will discuss the costs with you before surgery. If you have private health insurance, please contact your insurer to find out what level of cover you have and whether they will cover any costs.

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Eyelid lesions and tumours

This surgery involves removing the lesion or tumour, followed by reconstruction of the eyelids using skin flaps and grafts to restore function and improve the cosmetic appearance as well. A local anaesthetic is generally adequate for this type of procedure.

A common lesion patients may seek surgical removal of is a chalazion. This is a benign lump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of the oil glands within the eyelid.

Surgery can also be offered for large skin cancers, however this may require a team approach with a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who specialises in skin cancer.

Drooping eyelids (ptosis)

Ptosis, or drooping of the eyelid, can be present at birth (congenital ptosis) or develop later in life (involutional ptosis). It may reduce your ability to see, sometimes even completely.

Surgery can help improve the appearance of the eye and restore vision. This usually involves shortening and strengthening the muscle responsible for opening the eyelid.

Adults can have the surgery performed under local anaesthetic. Surgery can be performed on children from the age of three or four years under general anaesthesia (please note that we do not currently offer this service for children).

Blocked tear ducts

Normally, tears drain away from the eye through the tear duct (also called nasolacrimal duct). If the duct is too narrow or becomes blocked (e.g. through swelling or inflammation), the tears buildup and eventually flow down onto the face.

Excessive tearing (also called epiphora) or watering can be corrected with  surgery to bypass the obstruction. Procedures to open the tear drainage system include:

  • Punctum dilation – a less invasive procedure that involves using a probe to gently widen the punctum (the tear duct opening in the inner corner of the eye)
  • 3-snip punctoplasty – a surgical procedure that creates a larger opening in the punctum by making three small incisions

Blocked tear duct procedures are performed under a local or general anaesthetic and they not offered at all of our clinics. If you would like more information, you can reach out to your nearest clinic directly.

Eyelid lift (blepharoplasty)

Blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, can be performed for medical and cosmetic reasons to treat hooded eyelids, baggy eyelids and drooping eyelids (ptosis). The procedure involves removing excess skin to lift the eyelids.

Blepharoplasty surgery can include the removal of skin, muscle and fat, as well as fat repositioning. The tissue that is removed or repositioned varies for each patient. Surgical incisions are concealed within the natural eyelid skin creases.

Patients can expect a detailed pre-surgical appointment with their surgeon to discuss their desired results from the surgery, and will undergo a comprehensive examination of their face and eyes. Blepharoplasty surgery is usually performed as a day surgery and most procedures are performed under a local anaesthetic (with or without sedation).

After blepharoplasty surgery, the eyes are padded to reduce any bruising or swelling, and antibiotic cream is usually prescribed to minimise the risk of infection. The surgeon will organise a follow-up appointment to monitor healing.

A Medicare rebate may apply if the surgery is for functional reasons. Cosmetic eyelid lifts do not attract a Medicare rebate.

Blepharoplasty
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The information on this page is general in nature. All medical and surgical procedures have potential benefits and risks. Consult your ophthalmologist for specific medical advice.

Date last reviewed: 2025-04-29 | Date for next review: 2027-04-29

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