Blepharoplasty Melbourne

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure that addresses skin and soft tissue changes around the eyes. It is commonly sought by individuals who feel their eyes look tired, heavy, or aged due to drooping eyelids or puffiness. These changes can occur due to genetics, lifestyle factors, or the natural ageing process.

For those in Melbourne considering blepharoplasty, Dr Gary Kode, a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon, offers a refined approach built on decades of surgical experience. Dr Kode performs every procedure himself and prioritises outcomes that enhance, rather than change, a person’s natural appearance. His philosophy is to restore balance and subtlety, aiming to refresh the face while preserving identity.

Am I a Good Candidate for Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is suitable for a wide range of individuals, but it is not appropriate for everyone. An in-depth consultation is essential to determine candidacy.

You may be a good candidate for blepharoplasty if you:

• Have drooping or excess upper eyelid skin that creates a hooded appearance, causes discomfort, or impacts your field of vision—particularly toward the sides (peripheral vision).
• Experience puffiness or bulging under the eyes, often described as under-eye “bags”, which can be difficult to conceal with makeup and may make you appear constantly fatigued.
• Feel your eyes make you look older or less alert than you feel internally. Many people report that their appearance no longer reflects their energy, mood, or vitality.
• Are physically and mentally healthy, without significant medical conditions that may impair healing, such as uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders, or autoimmune conditions.
• Do not smoke, or are willing to stop well in advance of surgery, as smoking can significantly increase the risk of surgical complications and slow the healing process.
• Have clear goals and realistic expectations, understanding that blepharoplasty can help refresh your appearance but will not dramatically alter your facial structure or stop the ageing process altogether.

Dr Gary Kode welcomes patients in Melbourne who are seeking honest guidance, individualised advice, and professional care.

Types of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty may involve the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, depending on your unique concerns and anatomy.

Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This procedure focuses on:

• Removing redundant upper eyelid skin, which can cause a heavy or tired appearance. In more severe cases, it may fold over the lashes and interfere with vision.
• Reshaping or preserving fat tissue, depending on the individual’s anatomy. Rather than removing all fat, Dr Kode may preserve or reposition it to maintain youthful volume while addressing bulging or asymmetry.
• Restoring definition to the eyelid crease, which may become obscured by loose skin or shifting fat pads.

Upper blepharoplasty may also be performed in conjunction with a brow lift if brow descent is contributing to eyelid heaviness. Dr Kode prefers to do the brow first and perform the upper blepharoplasty a minimum of 6 months later, if needed.

Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty

This approach addresses:

• Under-eye puffiness caused by fat herniation (fat pushing forward) that creates visible bags beneath the eyes.
• Shadowing or tear troughs, which can give the face a hollowed or sunken appearance. Dr Kode may use fat repositioning techniques or fat injections, to blend the eyelid-cheek junction and soften the transition between these areas.
• Skin laxity and fine wrinkling, which may be addressed with conservative skin removal and/or tightening.

Lower eyelid surgery is particularly delicate. Dr Gary Kode’s goal is to avoid an “overdone” appearance by preserving the natural anatomy and supporting the lower eyelid’s structure.

Surgery for Blepharoplasty

All blepharoplasty procedures are performed by Dr Gary Kode at accredited private hospitals in Melbourne, including Glenferrie and Masada Private Hospitals.

Surgical Details:

• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is most commonly used to ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the procedure. It also allows Dr Kode full control and precision during surgery.
• Surgical approach: Dr Kode performs every procedure himself—without delegating to an assistant. This means patients receive one-on-one surgical care from planning through to closure.
• Duration: Surgery usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on whether one or both eyelids are treated and the complexity of the case.
• Hospital stay: Most blepharoplasty patients are discharged on the same day, once the anaesthesia has worn off and they are feeling comfortable.

During surgery:

• Incisions are carefully planned and placed within natural skin creases (upper eyelids) or just beneath the lashes or inside the eyelid (lower eyelids) to ensure they are as discreet as possible.
• Tissue reshaping involves precise removal, preservation, or repositioning of fat, skin, and soft tissue, tailored to each patient’s anatomy.
• Fine sutures are used to close the incisions and promote smooth healing with minimal scarring.

Photos / Gallery of Blepharoplasty

Viewing before-and-after photos can be helpful in understanding what blepharoplasty can achieve. In Dr Gary Kode’s photo gallery, you’ll find examples of real patients who have undergone eyelid surgery.

These photos:

• Reflect the natural, subtle outcomes Dr Kode aims to achieve
• Illustrate improvements in eyelid contour, puffiness, and facial expression
• Are shared only with written patient consent in accordance with ethical and privacy standards

Patients are encouraged to review the gallery as part of their consultation, which helps guide their understanding and expectations.

Recovery After Blepharoplasty

Recovery is a key part of the surgical journey. Dr Kode provides ongoing follow-up to ensure you are healing well and feeling supported throughout the process.

Typical Recovery Timeline:

• Days 1–3: Swelling and bruising develop around the eyes. You may experience mild discomfort, a tight sensation, and temporary blurred vision due to ointments.
• Days 4–7: Swelling begins to settle. Stitches are usually removed during this time. Many patients feel more comfortable in public with sunglasses.
• Week 2: Most patients return to work or light activities. Bruising has typically resolved, and any residual swelling continues to decrease.
• Week 4 and beyond: The eyes appear more refreshed and natural. Final results continue to improve over several months.
  

Post-Surgical Guidelines:

• Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce swelling and pressure around the eyes.
• Use cold compresses in the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or vigorous exercise for two to three weeks post-surgery.
• Follow sun protection advice, as UV exposure can darken healing scars.
• Adhere to medication and eye care instructions, which may include eye drops or ointments.
• Stay in touch with Dr Kode’s team if you have questions or experience unexpected symptoms. Support is available during clinic hours and after-hours as needed.
  

Results of Blepharoplasty

Most patients report that they look less tired, more awake, and subtly refreshed after blepharoplasty. The procedure is designed to enhance—not alter—your features.

What to Expect:

• Final results typically take 3 to 6 months, although visible improvement is noticeable much sooner.
• Natural integration into your facial features is key. Dr Kode avoids dramatic changes, instead helping patients feel more like themselves—well rested and confident.
• Longevity: Results are long-lasting, often up to 10 years or more, depending on lifestyle, skin quality, and the natural ageing process. While no surgery stops ageing, blepharoplasty resets the clock by addressing structural changes that have already occurred.
  

Scars with Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty scars are typically thin, well-concealed, and fade over time.

• Upper eyelid incisions are placed within the natural crease and usually become virtually invisible once healed.
• Lower eyelid incisions, if placed externally, are hidden just below the lashes. In cases where no skin removal is needed, Dr Kode may use a transconjunctival approach (inside the lower eyelid) for a scarless external result.
  

Dr Kode uses fine suturing techniques and provides aftercare instructions to optimise healing and reduce scar visibility. Silicone-based dressings or taping may be recommended for a period after surgery.

Cost of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty pricing depends on several individual factors and is discussed during consultation.

Factors that influence cost include:

• Whether you are having upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both
• The complexity of your case (e.g. revision surgery or combined facial procedures)
• Hospital fees, anaesthesia fees, and Dr Kode’s surgical fee
• Whether there is a functional/medical component that may qualify for partial Medicare rebate

Patients will receive a detailed, written quote after their initial appointment. While Dr Gary Kode does not list fees online (in compliance with AHPRA regulations), his team can assist with general information.

Risks of Blepharoplasty

Like all surgery, blepharoplasty carries some degree of risk. Dr Kode believes in open, honest communication and will take time to explain these to you.

Common (usually temporary) effects may include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Mild eye discomfort or tearing
• Sensitivity to light
• Temporary dry or irritated eyes
• Mild asymmetry during healing

Less common risks include:

• Infection or delayed wound healing
• Ectropion (pulling down of the lower lid)
• Visible scarring or pigmentation changes
• Persistent swelling or fluid retention
• Unsatisfactory aesthetic result requiring revision (rare)

Dr Kode’s meticulous surgical technique and commitment to patient follow-up are part of his proactive approach to risk reduction. If complications arise, his priority is always to address them promptly and supportively.

FAQs About Blepharoplasty

About the Surgeon – Dr Gary Kode

Dr Gary Kode is a highly experienced Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne, with a practice dedicated to facial, breast, and body surgery. He brings over three decades of experience to every procedure and is known for his calm manner, attention to detail, and realistic patient communication.

What sets Dr Kode apart:

• Performs all surgeries himself, ensuring continuity of care and surgical precision
• Does not use a surgical assistant, providing a truly personalised approach
• Operates only in accredited private hospitals, with anaesthetists he personally selects
• Communicates clearly and ethically, focusing on education, not persuasion
• Strives for natural, long-term outcomes, tailored to the unique anatomy of each patient

For patients seeking professional, respectful care for blepharoplasty in Melbourne, Dr Kode offers honest advice and refined surgical skill.

Considering Blepharoplasty in Melbourne?

If you are exploring eyelid surgery, a consultation with Dr Gary Kode – Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon is the first step.

You’ll receive a comprehensive assessment, have the opportunity to ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of the surgical process—from planning to recovery.

Visit the website or contact the clinic to request a consultation.

Further Reading