Dermatochalasis

What is dermatochalasis?

Dermatochalasis is a common age-related condition where the skin of the eyelids becomes loose and saggy. This can affect both the upper and lowe eyelids.

Also commonly known as hooded eyelids. This can make the eyes look tired or heavy and, in more severe cases, the excess skin can block part of the vision, especially in the upper outer corners. It may also cause eye strain, headaches, or difficulty keeping the eyes open for long periods. Dermatochalasis is not dangerous, but it can affect comfort, appearance, and vision, and is often treatable with eyelid surgery.

Why does it matter?

Fixing symptomatic dermatochalasis is important for reasons that go well beyond appearance. When excess upper-eyelid skin droops over the eye, it can limit peripheral (side) vision, particularly in the upper and outer visual fields, making everyday activities more difficult.

Reduced peripheral vision can affect safety, increasing the risk of trips, falls, and difficulty noticing hazards or approaching vehicles. It may also interfere with driving, as adequate visual fields are required to meet legal driving standards and to safely detect pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic signals. Treating symptomatic dermatochalasis can therefore improve vision, safety, and quality of life, not just cosmetic appearance.

What is the treatment?

Treatment for dermatochalasis (excess loose eyelid skin) depends on how much it affects vision or comfort.
If mild, observation is enough; if it causes heavy lids, blocked vision, or eye strain, surgical correction is the definitive treatment.

Blepharoplasty is a minor operation where extra loose skin (and sometimes fat) is carefully removed from the eyelids.

Lower lid blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove or reposition excess skin and fat from the lower eyelids. This can be performed concurrently with an upper lid blepharoplasty.
It makes the eyelids lighter and less droopy, often improving vision and appearance.
The surgery is usually quick, done under local anaesthetic, and recovery is generally straightforward.

Before and After Blepharoplasty

What are the risks of blepharoplasty?

Risks of blepharoplasty are generally low, but as with any surgery they can occur. These include bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, dry or irritated eyes, and temporary difficulty closing the eyelids fully.

Less common risks include scarring, eyelid asymmetry, over- or under-correction, changes in eyelid position, or very rarely vision-threatening complications from bleeding behind the eye. Please discuss this in detail with your surgeon.

How long does it take to heal?

After surgery, it is normal to have swelling and bruising around the eyelids for 1–2 weeks, with gradual improvement over several weeks. Keep the head elevated, apply cold compresses as advised, and avoid strenuous activity to reduce swelling and bruising. The full healing can take up to 6 weeks.

Use the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory ointment (eg. Chloramphenicol or Maxitrol) exactly as prescribed by your surgeon, applying it gently to the incision sites to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Avoid rubbing your eyes, wear sunglasses outdoors, and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

I have a health insurance cover. Do I qualify for surgery?

Whether you qualify for surgery depends on your individual health insurance policy, including who your insurance provider is and what level of cover you have. Some policies require specific medical criteria to be met and may involve an excess or access fee.

We recommend contacting your insurance company directly to confirm your eligibility and any out-of-pocket costs before proceeding with surgery.

Southern Cross Insurance Eligibility Criteria

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