Suitability for Eyelid Surgery | Absolute Cosmetic

Understanding Suitability for Blepharoplasty

Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a highly individualised procedure. Determining whether you are a good candidate requires an in-person consultation and a thorough assessment by Dr Murray. Below is general information about factors that are typically considered when assessing suitability.

Ideal Candidates for Eyelid Surgery

You may be considered for eyelid surgery if you have excess skin on the upper or lower eyelids, or changes in the eyelid area such as skin laxity or the presence of fat deposits.

Being in good overall health is important when considering any surgical procedure. During your consultation, Dr Murray will assess your eyelid anatomy, review your goals, and recommend the most suitable surgical approach. It is also important to understand the intended outcome and the limitations of surgery. Results vary between individuals and depend on factors such as skin condition and healing characteristics.

Key Considerations for Suitability

An in-person consultation with Dr Murray is required before surgery.
Your goals and anatomy determine the technique
Good overall health is important. At Absolute Cosmetic, patients are required to completely cease smoking and nicotine use for a minimum of 4 weeks before surgery and 4 weeks after surgery.
Results differ between individuals, and Dr Murray will discuss what is realistically achievable for your specific circumstances.

Functional Reasons

Blepharoplasty is not always performed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, it can be considered for functional purposes when excess upper eyelid skin (a condition known as dermatochalasis) interferes with vision.

When a significant amount of skin folds over the eyelid margin, it can block the upper and outer parts of your visual field, which may make activities such as reading, driving, or other daily tasks more difficult.

During your consultation, Dr Murray will assess whether your vision is affected by excess skin and, if relevant, discuss the potential for functional improvement.

Key Considerations for Suitability

Assess your eyelid anatomy and skin condition
Review your medical history and eye health
Discuss your goals and realistic outcomes
In functional cases, check for any visual field restriction

This process ensures the procedure is appropriate and tailored to your individual needs.

Who May Not Be Suitable?

Not everyone is a candidate for eyelid surgery, and safety is always the first priority. You may not be suitable for this procedure if you have certain health or eye conditions, or if other factors increase the risk of complications. These considerations will be carefully assessed during your consultation to ensure your wellbeing.

Key Reasons Someone May Not Be Suitable

Presence of eye conditions such as severe dry eye or untreated glaucoma
Uncontrolled medical conditions, including diabetes or high blood pressure
Inability to stop smoking or nicotine use before and after surgery
Unrealistic expectations or seeking results that surgery cannot safely provide can make a person unsuitable for this procedure. At Absolute Cosmetic, patient wellbeing is our priority. Before your consultation, you will be asked to complete a Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) screening form to help ensure psychological readiness for surgery.A referral from your General Practitioner (GP) is also required. This step allows your GP to review your overall health and confirm that you are medically suitable to proceed with surgery

Dr Murray will review these factors during your consultation and provide guidance on alternative options where appropriate.

At Absolute Cosmetic, we believe eyelid surgery is a procedure of choice, not necessity. It is an elective option for those seeking to address specific concerns, and it is important that patients make an informed decision based on realistic expectations and professional advice. If you have any questions, please contact our clinic. Our team can arrange a complimentary nurse consultation over the phone to provide general information before your in-person assessment.

For your convenience, the following resources are provided to help you prepare for your consultation:

GP Referral Guide
BDD Screening Form

KEY INFORMATION

Key Information About Suitability
- Medical Assessment Required: A full health check and eye assessment will be conducted before surgery.
- Smoking Policy: Patients must stop smoking and nicotine use for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery to reduce risks. For guidance on quitting methods, visit our blog on quitting smoking for practical tips and resources.
- Expectation Setting: The consultation includes a discussion about achievable outcomes based on your anatomy and health.
- Alternative Options: If surgery is not suitable, your doctor may discuss non-surgical alternative treatments available at Absolute Cosmetic.
GP referral
This requirement is part of the AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery, which aim to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making. This ensures there are no underlying health conditions that need to be addressed before surgery.
BDD Form
A BDD form refers to a Body Dysmorphic Disorder screening questionnaire. It is a short assessment tool used to help identify whether a patient might have symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a psychological condition where someone is excessively preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

An important part of being a suitable candidate is the ability to follow all pre-operative and recovery instructions. This helps to prepare for your surgery and supports optimal healing. Before surgery, you will need to:

Stop smoking and nicotine treatments for at least 4 weeks before and after surgery. We have a guide here.
Disclose any medications and supplements you are taking
Arrange time off work and have a support person available for the first 24–48 hours.
Review the pre-operative instructions we provide and follow them closely

Our team will send you a detailed preparation guide before your procedure so you know exactly what to expect.

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Dr. Glenn Murray (MED0001196978) Medical Director | MBBS | FRACGP | MIT AI (Health) Cert. (AHPRA Registration MED0001196978) Registered Medical Practitioner,... Specialist General Practitioner (specialist registration in general practice). General disclaimer: Patient outcomes can vary due to factors such as genetics, diet, age, exercise, lifestyle, weight, and overall health. It’s essential to understand that all invasive surgeries come with inherent risks and require a recovery period and specific care regimen. Detailed information regarding surgical risks and complications is available here, but it is advisable to conduct thorough research and obtain a second opinion to ensure you are able to make an informed decision. Please note that the information provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. For real patient images, please visit our Before and After page. Please be advised that surgical outcomes vary, from patient to patient, and comprehensive research is crucial before making any decisions. This website contains imagery which is only suitable for audiences 18+.