Upper Lid Blepharoplasty in Perth
Your Guide to Surgery, Recovery and Indicative Costs
Upper lid blepharoplasty is surgery to remove excess skin from the upper eyelids. When both eyes are treated in the same operation, it is called bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty. If this is something you are considering you require a consultation and clinical assessment.
This page provides general information about the procedure through Dr Duncan Taylor's practice, the anaesthetic options, what to expect during recovery, and the indicative costs involved. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Whether it is performed for medical or cosmetic reasons, surgery is a serious decision. It is invasive, carries risks, and its results cannot be guaranteed. Individual results vary, because the outcome depends on your own characteristics and may differ from other people's. Surgery is not the only option for concerns about the eyelids and is not suitable for everyone, which will be discussed with you at your consultation.
Local or general anaesthetic?
Bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty can be performed under local anaesthetic. However, Dr Taylor prefers general anaesthetic because local anaesthetic swells the eyelid tissue, and this can limit the result that can be achieved.
In most cases, the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and takes around 1-1.5 hours. It is normally a day procedure, so you will not need to stay overnight.
What to expect from recovery
If you work in an office or non-strenuous job, allow around 3 days off work. Recovery differs from person to person. If your job is physically demanding, we will discuss your requirements with you individually.
Activity: avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks, then ease back into your usual routine.
Driving and support: you cannot drive for 24 hours after a general anaesthetic, and someone needs to stay with you the night of your surgery.
Cold compress: for the first 48 hours, apply a gel pack wrapped in thin cloth for 10-15 minutes every hour while awake, without heavy pressure.
Wound care: keep the wound clean (free from dirt and dust) for 2-3 weeks. The dressing and sutures stay in place until your nurse appointment.
Scar care: once the wounds have healed, at around 3 weeks, scar massage and silicone gel are recommended for 3-6 months.
Possible risks and consequences
As with any procedure, there is a risk of bleeding, infection at the surgical site, and allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication. Risks specific to this procedure include:
Wound healing complications
Difficulty closing the eyelids, which may require further surgery to correct
Asymmetry
Dry or irritated eyes and blurred vision (usually temporary)
Scarring is a consequence of the procedure, along with temporary discomfort, bruising, and swelling. How much you experience, and how long recovery takes, differs between people. Dr Taylor will discuss these risks with you in detail before you decide to proceed. For the full list of risks and more information on this procedure, visit ASPS
Follow-up schedule
Timing | Appointment |
5-7 days | Nurse clinic wound check and dressing change |
6 weeks | Optional review with Dr Taylor |
What to expect from your consultations
Dr Taylor offers a two-consultation process for upper lid blepharoplasty in Perth. The purpose of these appointments is to ensure you have clear, balanced information and enough time to consider your options before making any decision.
Consultation One: Planning Your Journey
Fee: $250 (a Medicare rebate of $86.15 may be available with a valid GP referral)
Review of medical history and discussion of your concerns
Explanation of surgical options that may be appropriate
Indicative cost information and Medicare rebate eligibility
Surgery scheduling, should you wish to proceed
Consultation Two: Preparing for Surgery
Fee: Included if proceeding with surgery
Confirmation of procedure details and remaining questions addressed
Completion of the informed consent form
Pre and post-operative care instructions provided
Hospital admission information
How much does bilateral upper lid blepharoplasty cost in Perth?
The total cost depends on your individual circumstances, including whether the surgery is performed for medical reasons and whether you hold private health insurance. The figures below are indicative only. We will provide a personalised written quote after your consultation.
Cost | Indicative amount |
Consultation One | $250 (a Medicare rebate of $86 may be available with a valid GP referral) |
Consultation Two | Included if proceeding with surgery |
Surgeon's fee | $4,000 |
Anaesthetist's fee | Approx. $1,200-$1,600 |
Hospital fee (medical reasons, comprehensive insurance) | May be fully covered by your insurer |
Hospital fee (cosmetic or uninsured) | Approx. $2,200-$3,200, depending on the selected hospital |
Indicative total (cosmetic or uninsured, including consultation) | Approx. $7,700-$9,100 |
Post-operative care | Reviews within the first 6 weeks are included in the surgeon's fee |
Cosmetic cases do not qualify for an MBS item number, so Medicare or insurance do not cover the hospital fee.
Rebate eligibility
If excess upper lid skin impairs your vision or causes other health concerns, such as intertrigo (irritation in the skin fold), you may qualify for a rebate on the surgeon and anaesthetist fees through Medicare and your private health fund.
An optometrist must confirm impaired vision with a visual field test. We assess eligibility on an individual basis.
Taking the next step
If you would like to learn more or arrange a consultation with Dr Duncan Taylor, please contact our rooms on 08 9439 7406 or email admin@drduncantaylor.com.au. We are committed to providing clear information and personalised care throughout your journey.
About Dr Duncan Taylor
Dr Duncan Taylor (MED0001883464), registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in Surgery - plastic surgery). Click here to read more about Dr Taylor.