Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in Australia. How much does upper eyelid surgery cost? How about lower eyelid surgery? What are the costs like when you combine the two into one procedure?
Fast Facts
- An upper or lower blepharoplasty usually costs around $2,500 - $4,500 AUD with the combined (upper and lower) surgery usually costing between $4,500 – $8,000.
- Blepharoplasty is usually performed as day surgery and can take one to two hours to complete.
- Once you visit a surgeon for a consultation and obtain an idea of the costs of your eyelid surgery, you may want a second opinion from another surgeon before making a decision to go ahead.
- Eyelid surgery is often combined with other facial cosmetic surgical procedures. Combining your blepharoplasty procedure with others will increase the cost, but may reduce the overall cost compared with having them separately.
Costs will vary according to the extent of work needed and the specific technique chosen by your surgeon. This article helps you understand the full costs of blepharoplasty in Australia.
Blepharoplasty is usually performed as day surgery and can take one to two hours to complete. It is a cosmetic surgical procedure, which removes excess fat, skin and muscle on the lower and upper eyelids to rejuvenate the area around the eyes. These procedures are sometimes referred to as lower and upper eyelid reductions. The best way to determine the exact cost of eyelid surgery is by visiting a surgeon who performs this procedure.
The Australian Medical Board Guidelines for advertising of regulated health services prevents medical service providers, including surgeons, from providing inexact information. Guidelines also discourage advertisements that provide a price and then list conditions or variables that can change that price. As each person and his or her requirements are different, it’s impossible for a surgeon to offer a specific cost for a cosmetic procedure on a website.
Once you visit a surgeon for a consultation and obtain an idea of the costs of your eyelid surgery, you may want a second opinion from another surgeon before making a decision to go ahead.
Eyelid surgery is often combined with other facial cosmetic surgical procedures. Combining your blepharoplasty procedure with others will increase the cost. Only a surgeon specialising in procedures for the face can give you an idea of what the exact cost will be.
What makes up the total costs of a blepharoplasty?
The total costs involved in eyelid surgery can be broken into a number of components:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Assistant surgeon’s fees
- Anaesthetist’s fees
- Hospital and theatre costs
- Follow-up visits for a given period
As with most other cosmetic surgeries, associated blepharoplasty costs are given as one figure.
Almost all costs involved in eyelid surgery—whether for upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery or both—are dependent on how long the procedure is likely to take.
You can expect treatment costs to fall within the following ranges:
- Cost of upper eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD)
- Cost of lower eyelid blepharoplasty – $2,500 – 4,500 (AUD)
- Cost of combined upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty – Between $4,500 – 8,000 (AUD)
GST must be added to all costs quoted.
Surgeons’ fees
A surgeon’s fee usually includes the cost of the procedure, including pre-operative and post-operative care. You do not need to pay extra for a specified number of follow-up visits or for follow-up visits during a given period. The size of the surgeon’s fee depends on the surgeon you choose. The wide range in fees reflects differences in a surgeon’s expertise in eyelid surgery, qualifications, experience, professional recognition and popularity. Geography counts, fees can vary depending on where the practice is located. Your surgeon should provide you with a detailed breakdown of costs at the initial consultation.
Because there are medical doctors who are not qualified in surgery performing these operations— often at a discounted price—make sure you choose a surgeon with the requisite training in surgery of the eyelids. Botched eyelid surgery can affect your eyes and vision. Besides the typical risks and complications involved in any surgery, eyelid surgery can lead to dry or watery eyes, bleeding behind the eyes, temporary impairment or blurred vision, loss of vision or even complete blindness.
In addition to the traditional surgical technique of removing excess fat, skin and muscle from your eyelids, some surgeons use laser-assisted techniques. The specific techniques your surgeon will employ will also influence the total cost.
Initial consultation fees
There will be an initial consultation fee when you first see a surgeon regarding blepharoplasty.
Consultation fees can range between $50 (AUD) and $500 (AUD), depending on the surgeon. If you see more than one surgeon—and you really should, before deciding on the best surgeon to use—you will have to pay a fee for each consultation.
Anaesthetist’s fee
Blepharoplasty is often performed under light sedation with a local anaesthetic. If your surgeon elects to use a general anaesthetic, you will need an anaesthetist. Fees for the anaesthetists depend on their qualifications. A GP attending you as an anaesthetist during blepharoplasty will likely cost much less than a qualified anaesthetist. Anaesthetists, like most other professional medical specialists, do not have a standard scale of fees. However, according to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, the fee charged by an anaesthetist is determined by the Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) number or the Relative Value Guide (RVG) number.
For cosmetic procedures the hourly charge for an anaesthetist is in the range of $600-650 AUD. Typically blepharoplasty takes one to two hours, depending on how much work is needed.
Why should you want a qualified anaesthetist? The anaesthetist keeps guard over your life and vital functions during the procedure. You want a qualified person who knows the ins and outs of anaesthesia, trouble shooting and potential risks to keep watch over you. As well as safety, your anaesthetist will be a factor in making sure of your comfort both during and after the procedure.
Hospital fees
Hospital fees vary significantly from facility to facility. The key element is operating theatre fees. Most hospitals charge on an hourly basis, covering theatre fees, accommodation and sundries. For an hour, hospital fees start at around $750 (AUD) and can have a wide variation, going thousands of dollars over this figure.
Usually blepharoplasty is performed as a day surgery. The cost usually quoted as hospital fees does not include an overnight stay.
Will medicare pay for blepharoplasty (eyelid or eye bag surgery)?
Medicare reimbursements only cover the costs of medically necessary procedures. Medicare does not cover costs of cosmetic surgery. In most cases blepharoplasty is treated as a purely cosmetic procedure. If, however, extremely droopy upper eyelids impair your vision, there may be medicare reimbursements. Read our complete guide on medicare rebates for common plastic surgery procedures to learn more.
Are costs of blepharoplasty covered by insurance?
Whether your private insurance fund covers costs of blepharoplasty depends on the type of cover you have. Some cover hospital fees and some other costs, depending on your policy. Whatever elements are not covered by private insurance will be out-of-pocket payments for you.
Before having any procedure, clarify with your insurance fund what exactly is covered and not covered.
We hope that this article gives you a better idea of the costs involved in lower and upper eyelid surgery. We welcome your comments on this article.
How do I find a doctor that performs blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)?
You can use our handy doctor search – just click here to find blepharoplasty surgeons near you. Just enter your postcode on the next page.
Or you an use these quick links:
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- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near Sydney
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near Melbourne
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)in or near Brisbane
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near the Gold Coast
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near Canberra
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near Perth
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in or near Adelaide
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in the Tasmania
- Doctors performing blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) in the Northern Territory
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can i get a discount because my doctor said i have diabetes type2?
Is this surgery the same as the treatment for Blethoraspasm ?
Eyelids
Does anyone know if you can make a payment plann to pay for upper and lower blepharoplasty??
Hello Jenny, can you please share the details for your ophthalmologist here in Melbourne. i’m desperately looking for a solution for hereditary bags and hooded lids. thank you
A friend of mine said her plastic can do upper eyelids in rooms which keeps the costs downs. I think you need a general for the lowers, but that might be an option for those on a tight budget.
Hi Jenny,
I have Malar mounds developing under eyes/top of cheeks and I have tried filler and tixel skin tightening to try and rid myself of them without success.
Can you please pass on the name of the opthomologist you used please.
I’d like to see if he can help me too.
Thank you so much.
Sue
about my eye bags
I had a Double Upper & Lower Blepharoplasty.
I have 10mm of eyelid left on the right eye and only 5mm of eyelid on the left.
Therefore I can no longer close my left eye.
It’s dry, scratchy, watery and painful.
Can this be corrected?
I have one droopy eyelid and glad to hear that the I may be able to afford it!
Could I please have the name of the doctor?
I have lost 53kg and are looging to get my eyelids lifted as they are extremely heavy and when I work 12.5hr shift, by 4pm, my eyes are very heavy, running with tears and red. I am also looking to get my turkey neck removed. Can a surgeon fix both at once? What cost?
Hi Julie my problem began not long after i had my lower eyelids cosmetically tattooed about 6 years ago the girl who did them pulled and streched the skin beneath my eyes that much that i had two very black eyes after the procedure i had to go back and repeat the procedure 4 times because i had asked for a thicker eye liner but every time she tattooed me it still looked the same a very thin hairline liner my eyes began bagging i became withdrawn and very depressed and one day 4 years ago i saved up enough to have some filler but it only helped a little i still have the bags i got so depressed i don’t go out anywhere were there are people and old friends who know me i don’t like going out any were any more i have had filler done again about 1 year ago but this did not do anything it was a waste of money i went from a very outgoing people person to a loner i am very depressed as my bags have affected my life heaps before i had my eye liner tattooed i used to get a lot of comments about how i did not look as old as i really am and how good i looked for my age they would guess my age as 20 years younger than my real age and would not believe me when id tell them my real age i really wish i never had my eye liner done because it has ruined my life and made me very sick. Do you think Medicare would cover me and could you please send me the name and number of your Ophthalmologist i am based in Melbourne thk you mygizz@live.com.au
Jenny could you please email me the ophthalmologist, I would really appreciate it. My Dad is actually having trouble seeing as his eyelids are so heavy.
Thankyou
Hi all!
I’m almost thirty three and have heavy droopy lids that my mother and her three sisters have. I struggle with the same issues and it’s a nightmare. It has gotten much worse recently. I can’t afford a $4000 procedure which is why I haven’t been able to do anything about my problem. If someone could help with an opthamologist that would charge around $1500 I would be incredibly grateful!
My email is kate_nutz82@hotmail.com
Hi I’m having isses with only one eyelid – and getting worried that it might be something wrong but my Dr says she can’t see anything and won’t give me a referral to an opthamologist – it shows up very badly in photographs and is killin my self esteem – can anyone help? Can I got to see one wiihout a referal? thanks!
Hi Julie could you please email your ophthamologist in Melbourne, as I need my eyes done. My plastic surgeon said that it was bad enough to be classed as medical not cosmetic but was still going to cost almost $6000 with item number from medicare. Hope you can help. Thank you
Hi Jenny, I am in Melbourne and in a similar position to you and am amazed at the cost of a plastic surgeon. Would you be able to give me the name of your ophthalmologist . Your help very much appreciated, Fiona
PS email address is rahbar19@hotmail.com
Fiona, did you get in contact with the opthalmologist?
I would love to know where I can find a surgeon changing $A 2.5 K for upper eyelid surgery in Melbourne
I queried prices re this and got the same reply from all, $4K, UNTIL i asked my doctor to refer me to an opthalmologist. We told him that the heaviness of the lids was causing pain on my eyeballs and i became quite tired, not on this but they did tend to “stick” in the mornings. Two weeks later I was in, had bilateral blephoraplasty done – $900. Anaesthetist $300. I am in a v low private fund so my costs were more than most private fund people would pay. I’m in Melbourne. Don’t see a plastic surgeon if you can see an opthalmologist first. It was done under local anaesthetic and my daughter could not believe i actually had EYES! My neighbour who went with me for the op said the difference was remarkable – as was the differnece in price between a plsatic surgeon and an EYE surgeon who specialises in that one area of the body!
Hi Jenny, could you emial me or let me know your ophthamologist (hope I spelt that right) I;ve lost 62 kilos in weight and desperately seeking procedure everywhere due to loose hanging skin. You can email me at blhallmanager@gmail.com
Hi Jenny, I am in Melbourne and in a similar position to you and am amazed at the cost of a plastic surgeon. Would you be able to give me the name of your ophthalmologist . many thanks, Craig
PS email address is craig.rushby@gmail.com
Hi Jenny
Please could you email me the details and contact number for the surgeon who did your procedure?
Many thanks
Nicole Cawood
Hi Jenny, I read your post and it has given me some hope that I might be able to afford to improve my sight. I have inherited very heavy lids and struggle with it on so many levels. Is there any chance you could please forward me the details of your opthamologist and what I would need to do? I would be very grateful.
Regards, Kate.
Jenny
Can you please email me the eye doctor’s details?
Thanks a stack
I have had a quote from an Opthamologist for upper eyelid and ptosis surgery (tendon repair) but it will cost most than I thought (around $5000). Could please have the details of the opthamologist you mentioned?
Hi jenny would you please tell me who you seen
Hi Jenny,
Would you Email me or let me know the Ophthalmologist you used?
Hi Jenny, can you please email me the surgeon that you used? I’m interested in having the lower eyes done only to remove the fat but it is for cosmetic reasons so not sure how I would go.
Hello Jenny
May I too please have the number of your Opthamologist as I struggle with very heavy lidded eyes.
Thank you
Hi Jenny, I am desperately seeking an affordable solution to my droopy eyelids. Please email me with your plastic surgeon. Thsnks
Hi Jenny
Can you please give me your ophthalmologist’s details. This is much more affordable than seeing a plastic surgeon. Are you happy with the outcome and what kind of down time should l expect,
Thanking you in advance
Kelly
Hi Jenny, would you be able to let me have the contact details of your opthalmologist please?
Thank you so much.
Best wishes
Hi Jenny, I have similar problems – could you please email me the name of your ophthalmologist? Thank you so much
Hi could pls email me ophthalmologist u use
Hi Jenny could you please send me your ophathamoligst number much Allready was
Hi i have exactly the same with sticky eyelids and droopy eyelids.would u be able to give me the details of who did ur surgery please
Hi Jenny, im in Sydney but I’d fly out to see the person who did your eyes, could you please send my all info and contact number , I’d be so greatful thank you , send to trishbod@hotmail.com
Can I have that phone number the person did your eyes. Thanks
maryanneconte@gmail.com
Hi Jenny,
Could you pls give me the detail of the doctor that preformed your eye surgery.. I really want it done and am a tad scared.
Hello Jenny, can you please share the details for your ophthalmologist here in Melbourne. i’m desperately looking for a solution for hereditary bags and hooded lids. thank you
hI jENNY
Can you please provide me with the name of your opthamologist thanks
Hi Jenny. I can see this post was now years ago but I would like to know the ophthalmologist on Melbourne who did your bleroplasty please.
Wow. I’d like to know what surgeon only charges $2500 PLEASE, ASAP, as I need desperately for same issues Both eyelids causing major drop problems onto my lashes. I have been quoted $4K by a standard cosemetic surgeon who said it was done in his OFFICE (not day surgery). If someone could recommend or tell me of a doc they went to who only charged the above – for BOTH eyes – i’d love to know. Thanks heaps!.
Hi , I am a transsexual and I’m thinking have a eye lift surgery because I want to looks more feminine around my forehead and eyes , you think this surgery can help me to looks like that? Like a little bit of cat eye ? Thank you.
Hi
I have had permanent eyebags (not really major, but noticeable enough) since I was a child, not exactly on the lower eyelid, but more like on the high cheekbone area under the lower eyelid (making that part of my face look a bit swollen). … would such a procedure be carried out under local or general anaesthetic? And what region of cost would I be looking at? thanks
Hi Sera,
Thanks for your question! Eyebags are a common issue related to heredity (not always an effect of the ageing process). Many blepharoplasty procedures can be performed with local anaesthetic; it depends on the extent of surgical work being carried out. The cost ranges from $2,500 to $4,500 (AUD). We advise you to schedule a consultation with a surgeon to find out more about how your specific procedure would be carried out and its exact cost.
Hi, I have very loose skin on my upper eyelid which is causing major dermatitis issues particularly on a hot day. Considering surgery as some days it is unbearable. Will medicare cover if extra skin is causing dermatitis issues??
Hi Shazza,
Thanks for your question. Since your eyelids are causing a health concern, we would advise you to visit a surgeon immediately. You may be eligible for a Medicare rebate given the health concern this issue has caused, but only a surgeon will be able to determine this, as well as provide an exact cost quote for your procedure.
Hi there! Was just wondering, would they do a surgery for a double eyelid? It’s only on one eye, but the outer corner of my eyelid has two creases rather than one. Basically, rather than having one straight, normal crease when my eyes are open, one of my eyes has two creases and makes my eye look very baggy and swollen. Thanks
I have my top eye lid resting on my eyelashes ,I have to lift my eyes up all the time so I can’t see a shadow in my sight ,do you think this would be coverd by medicare . Many thanks . Julie
I hope so Julie I have just found out I have the same thing happening was told to see a plastic surgeon probably going to cost $2500 wow
Hi there! Was just wondering, would they do a surgery for a double eyelid? It’s only on one eye, but the outer corner of my eyelid has two creases rather than one. Basically, rather than having one straight, normal crease when my eyes are open, one of my eyes has two creases and makes my eye look very baggy and swollen. Thanks
Hello Julie,
If the eyelids cause your sight to be impaired the surgeon will more than likely give you a medicare item number to have the procedure. If this is the case your private hospital cover (if you have it) will cover your day surgery costs. Then you will just have the surgeons fees, which are around $2500- $3000. Alternatively upper eyelid surgery can easily be performed in a surgeons procedure room within their practice, cost is generally around $3500 (no medicare rebate).
-Costhetics