Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Dr Richard Maxwell performs upper and lower blepharoplasty from his Melbourne practice at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery in Hawthorn East. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess upper eyelid skin and, where indicated, herniated fat, restoring an open and refreshed appearance and — where functional visual field obstruction is documented — potentially attracting a Medicare rebate. Lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags caused by prolapsed orbital fat, fine lower lid skin creases, and tear trough hollowing. Eyelid procedures are frequently combined with facelift or brow lift surgery in a single operative session.

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) at Maxwell Plastic Surgery in Melbourne, Australia is offered for both aesthetic and functional indications by Dr Richard Maxwell FRACS, drawing on his extensive experience across the full range of facial plastic and reconstructive procedures. The periorbital region is one of the earliest areas of the face to show the visible signs of ageing: the upper eyelid accumulates excess skin that descends over the eyelid margin, creating a hooded and fatigued appearance, while the lower eyelid fat compartments herniate through a progressively weakening orbital septum to create the bags and puffiness commonly associated with tiredness. Upper blepharoplasty involves a precisely planned incision within the natural upper eyelid crease, allowing the surgeon to excise the calculated skin excess and, where indicated, a conservative strip of underlying orbicularis oculi muscle and prolapsed fat from the medial or central compartments. The result is a restoration of the visible eyelid platform, a more alert and refreshed appearance, and — in patients where redundant skin drapes over the eyelid margin and compromises the upper visual field — a functional improvement that may be documented by formal visual field perimetry testing and submitted for Medicare rebate consideration. Lower blepharoplasty is performed through either a transconjunctival (internal) approach — preserving the eyelid skin entirely and repositioning or conservatively reducing prolapsed fat through the inner eyelid surface — or a subciliary (external) approach where lower lid skin excess, festooning, or fine surface wrinkling is also present. In skilled hands the transconjunctival approach avoids visible lower lid scars and minimises the risk of ectropion (outward turning of the lower lid), making it the preferred access for younger patients with good skin tone. Fat repositioning over the orbital rim — rather than simple excision — simultaneously addresses the hollowing of the tear trough that can give a persistently hollow or aged appearance even after fat removal. Melbourne patients considering eyelid surgery are assessed through a detailed consultation that includes photographic documentation and discussion of realistic outcomes, recovery expectations, and the potential for insurance coverage of the upper lid component.