6 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing A Surgeon for Eyelid Surgery

If you’ve already considered eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, after exploring non-surgical options, it’s important to approach the decision carefully. 

With so many surgeons available, finding the right fit for your needs requires thoughtful consideration. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing a surgeon for eyelid surgery, helping you make a well-informed decision based on your personal circumstances.

1. Surgeon Qualifications and Experience

Choosing the right eyelid surgeon is a crucial decision to make. Here are the qualifications you should ask a potential surgeon:

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Check if the surgeon is fully certified to perform cosmetic surgeries. You can check their status with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 

They must also have passed comprehensive exams to become a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

This qualification is essential to be recognised as a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Australia.

Society Membership

Membership in the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons strongly indicates the surgeon’s commitment to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Focus on Eyelid Surgery

If possible, select a surgeon who specialises in oculoplastic surgery – which focuses on the eyes and surrounding structures, or one who has significant experience specifically with eyelid procedures. 

Proven Track Record

Read reviews of the surgeon’s clinic, and don’t be afraid to ask them about their experience with eyelid surgeries. How many procedures have they performed? Can they share information on success rates and how they handle complications, if any?

2. The Consultation Process

Here’s what to expect and what to look for during your initial consultation with a potential eyelid surgeon:

• Personalised Assessment: A skilled surgeon won’t rush you into anything. They’ll take time to carefully examine your eyelids, facial structure, and overall health to craft a surgical plan tailored to your needs.
  
  
• Discussion of Goals: Be upfront about what you hope to achieve with eyelid surgery. Do you want to reduce puffiness, address drooping skin, or have a more youthful look? The surgeon must listen carefully and explain how different types of eyelid surgery can (and cannot) help you reach your goals.
  
  
• Realistic Expectations: Go into the consultation with realistic expectations. A good surgeon will provide clear information about the potential results, limitations, and risks and will not provide unrealistic outcomes.
• They will help you understand what can and cannot be achieved with the procedure so that you have a thorough and balanced understanding of the process and the likely results.
  
  
• Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions: Your surgeon should explain the entire process in detail. This includes instructions on preparing for surgery, what to expect during the procedure, and the recovery process with detailed aftercare.
  
  
• Comfort and Clarity: You should leave the consultation informed and with peace of mind. No question is too big or small for a qualified surgeon. They will be patient and happy to address all your concerns.
  
  

3. Before and After Photos

Any surgeon should be willing to provide before and after photos of eyelid surgeries from patients of diverse backgrounds. But you should look at them critically to get the most accurate picture.

Keep in mind that results vary. Photos give you a sense of a surgeon’s style and capabilities, but due to individual differences, it’s not guaranteed you’ll get the same results. Think of these photos as a guide.

Finally, go with surgeons who use verified photos or at least clearly state if they’ve altered the images. Reputable clinics are transparent about this, as misleading photos are a red flag.

4. Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Read patient reviews from reputable platforms like Google, RealSelf, the ASPS website, or even forums like Reddit and Quora, where people might share their experiences.

Remember, a single negative review shouldn’t immediately disqualify a surgeon; look for patterns – multiple reviews raising similar concerns (like poor communication or long wait times) are worth considering carefully. 

Likewise, a consistent pattern of positive feedback about a surgeon’s attentiveness and skills is a reassuring sign. Try to get a balanced view by reading a variety of reviews.

5. Surgeon’s Personality and Rapport

A surgeon’s qualifications are crucial, but how they make you feel during interactions is also essential. 

Ask yourself: Do they put me at ease? Do they discuss my concerns and goals with respect? A skilled surgeon will also be an excellent communicator, clearly explaining the procedure, risks, and recovery without pressuring or rushing you to decide.

The best surgeons are enthusiastic about the surgery’s potential benefits and honest about realistic expectations. You should leave the consultation feeling informed, supported, and confident they genuinely care about achieving the best possible outcome for you.

6. Cost and Additional Considerations

The cost of eyelid surgery varies depending on the surgeon’s experience, the clinic’s location, and the extent of the procedure. 

A reputable surgeon should provide you with a detailed breakdown, including the following:

• Fees
• Anaesthesia
• Operating room costs
• Any additional expenses

Don’t hesitate to ask about financing plans or payment options, as many practices offer ways to make the costs manageable.

In some cases where eyelid surgery is deemed medically necessary (for example, when drooping eyelids significantly impair vision), private health insurance may cover a portion of the cost. Contact your insurer immediately to understand your coverage.

Key Takeaway

Take your time, do your research, and consider the factors that matter most to you when choosing a surgeon for eyelid surgery. 

With careful thought, you can make a decision that feels right for your individual needs.

Remember, this blog is intended to provide general guidance and is not a definitive resource. It’s important to consult with a qualified professional, consider all relevant information, and make a personal decision based on your unique circumstances and needs.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.