Fine Lines Around Eyes - Eye Wrinkle Treatment Melbourne | Me Clinic product guide
# Fine Lines Around Eyes - Treatment Options at Me Clinic Melbourne ## Quick Summary **What causes fine lines around eyes:** - Natural collagen and elastin breakdown with age - Repetitive facial exp...
Fine Lines Around Eyes - Treatment Options at Me Clinic Melbourne
Quick Summary
What causes fine lines around eyes:
- Natural collagen and elastin breakdown with age
- Repetitive facial expressions (smiling, squinting)
- Sun damage and environmental factors
- Loss of skin thickness and fat volume
- Genetics and skin type
Treatment options available:
- Non-surgical: Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, medical-grade skincare
- Surgical: Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), brow lift (for severe cases)
Expected results:
- Smoother, more refreshed eye area appearance
- Reduction in visible wrinkles and crepey texture
- Timeline: Injectable results appear within 3-14 days; laser treatments show gradual improvement over 2-3 months
- Duration: Injectables last 3-4 months; fillers 6-12 months; surgical results 7-15 years
Cost range:
- Non-surgical: $300-$2,500 per treatment
- Surgical: $6,000-$15,000
- Prices based on Me Clinic's transparent pricing policy
Next steps:
- Book free consultation at Me Clinic
- Discuss customised treatment plan
- Review before/after gallery
- Understand recovery timeline and maintenance
Understanding Fine Lines Around Eyes
What are fine lines around eyes?
Fine lines around the eyes, commonly known as crow's feet or eye wrinkles, are the small creases that appear at the outer corners of your eyes and beneath the lower eyelids. These dynamic wrinkles initially appear when you smile or squint, but over time can become static lines visible even when your face is at rest.
The eye area is particularly vulnerable to premature ageing because the skin here is exceptionally thin—up to 10 times thinner than skin on other parts of your face. This delicate tissue contains fewer oil glands and minimal fat padding, making it more susceptible to moisture loss, environmental damage, and the effects of repetitive facial movements.
Common misconceptions include believing that eye creams alone can eliminate established wrinkles, or that these lines are purely cosmetic and don't reflect skin health. In reality, fine lines around eyes often indicate cumulative sun damage and collagen depletion that affects the entire facial area.
What causes fine lines around eyes?
Natural ageing
- Collagen and elastin breakdown: From your mid-20s onwards, your body produces approximately 1% less collagen each year. The thin skin around your eyes shows this decline first, losing its ability to bounce back after facial expressions.
- Muscle movement patterns: The orbicularis oculi muscle contracts thousands of times daily when you smile, squint, or blink. Over decades, these repetitive movements etch permanent lines into the overlying skin.
- Fat redistribution and volume loss: The fat pads that cushion your eyes naturally deflate and shift downward with age, creating hollowing that accentuates wrinkles and makes the eye area appear tired.
Genetic factors
- Hereditary predisposition: Your genetics determine baseline collagen quality, skin thickness, and the age at which wrinkles typically appear. If your parents developed early eye wrinkles, you're more likely to as well.
- Skin type considerations: Fair skin with less melanin protection is more prone to photoaging. Conversely, skin of colour may show fine lines later but can develop textural irregularities.
Lifestyle factors
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet radiation is the primary external cause of premature ageing around eyes. UV light degrades collagen, creates free radicals, and damages the skin's structural matrix. Even incidental sun exposure during daily activities accumulates over time.
- Smoking: Tobacco use accelerates skin ageing through multiple mechanisms—constricting blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients, generating oxidative stress, and the physical act of squinting through smoke.
- Weight fluctuations: Significant weight changes stretch the delicate eye area skin. Rapid weight loss particularly can leave behind loose, crepey skin with more pronounced wrinkles.
- Sleep position: Consistently sleeping on your side or stomach can create compression wrinkles that eventually become permanent. The delicate eye area skin is especially vulnerable to this mechanical stress.
- Screen time and squinting: Prolonged digital device use, uncorrected vision problems, and bright sunlight all cause repetitive squinting that deepens crow's feet over time.
Who experiences fine lines around eyes?
Fine lines around the eyes can appear as early as your mid-20s to early 30s, initially as dynamic wrinkles that show only during facial expressions. By your 40s, most people notice static lines that remain visible at rest. Women often observe these changes earlier than men due to thinner skin and hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, though men frequently develop deeper set wrinkles later in life.
Both sexes are equally susceptible to eye wrinkles, though expression patterns differ—women may develop more pronounced crow's feet from smiling, while men often show deeper furrows from squinting. People who spend significant time outdoors, live in sunny climates, or have a family history of early ageing typically notice these changes sooner.
The lines become particularly noticeable when you notice:
- Wrinkles remaining visible when your face is relaxed
- Makeup settling into creases
- A tired appearance even after adequate sleep
- Deepening of lines despite consistent skincare
- Feeling that your eyes look older than the rest of your face
Why it matters
Beyond aesthetics, fine lines around eyes can impact how others perceive your age and energy level. Research shows that eye area ageing is one of the primary factors people use when estimating someone's age, often adding 5-10 years to perceived age when wrinkles are prominent.
Psychologically, many people report feeling their outer appearance doesn't match their inner vitality when eye wrinkles become pronounced. This discrepancy can affect confidence in both professional and social settings. The eye area is central to facial expression and communication—when wrinkles create a permanently tired or aged appearance, it may not reflect how you actually feel.
From a skin health perspective, established wrinkles indicate cumulative sun damage that increases your risk for precancerous changes. Addressing eye wrinkles often involves treatments and skincare that simultaneously improve overall skin health and provide photoprotection.
Seeking treatment is appropriate when:
- Eye wrinkles bother you aesthetically
- You want to prevent further deepening of existing lines
- Skincare products alone aren't delivering results
- You're ready to invest in professional treatments
- You want to address concerns before they become more difficult to treat
Treatment Options Comparison
Non-Surgical Treatments
1. Injectable Treatments
Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botulinum Toxin)
How it works: Anti-wrinkle injections contain botulinum toxin type A, which temporarily relaxes the orbicularis oculi muscle responsible for creating crow's feet. By preventing these muscles from contracting fully, the overlying skin smooths out and existing wrinkles soften while new ones are prevented from forming.
- Best for: Dynamic wrinkles (crow's feet that appear with smiling or squinting), preventing static lines from deepening, treating moderate to pronounced eye wrinkles
- Procedure time: 10-15 minutes
- Downtime: None to minimal—you can return to normal activities immediately, though you should avoid rubbing the area and lying down for 4 hours post-treatment
- Results appear: 3-7 days, with full effects visible at 14 days
- Results last: 3-4 months on average (some people maintain results longer)
- Cost range: $300-$600 per treatment area
- Maintenance: Typically 3-4 times per year
- Pros: Quick procedure, no downtime, natural-looking results when administered conservatively, reversible, can prevent wrinkles from worsening
- Cons: Temporary results requiring ongoing treatments, rare side effects include temporary bruising or slight eyelid drooping (less than 1% when performed by experienced practitioners)
Dermal Fillers
How it works: Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are strategically injected beneath fine lines and into areas of volume loss (such as tear troughs) to plump the skin from within. The filler physically fills the wrinkle depression while stimulating natural collagen production around the injection site.
- Best for: Static lines under eyes, tear trough hollowing that accentuates wrinkles, crepey under-eye skin, adding volume to smooth out wrinkled appearance
- Procedure time: 20-30 minutes
- Downtime: Minor swelling and possible bruising for 1-3 days; makeup can conceal residual discolouration
- Results appear: Immediate visible improvement, with final settling over 2 weeks
- Results last: 6-12 months for tear troughs, sometimes up to 18 months (the eye area has minimal muscle movement, allowing longer duration)
- Cost range: $650-$1,200 per syringe (typically 0.5-1ml used for under-eye area)
- Pros: Immediate results, can address both wrinkles and volume loss simultaneously, natural hyaluronic acid is biocompatible, reversible with hyaluronidase enzyme if needed
- Cons: Temporary results, requires expert injection technique (under-eye area is technically challenging), small risk of Tyndall effect (bluish tint) if placed too superficially, rare risk of vascular occlusion
2. Energy-Based Treatments
Laser Resurfacing
Types applicable for eye area: Fractional CO2 laser, Erbium:YAG laser, non-ablative fractional lasers
How it works: Laser devices deliver controlled thermal injury to the skin, creating microscopic treatment zones while leaving surrounding tissue intact. This triggers your body's healing response, stimulating collagen remodeling and resurfacing the outer skin layers. The result is thicker, smoother skin with reduced wrinkle depth.
- Best for: Fine to moderate static wrinkles, crepey skin texture, sun damage and age spots around eyes, skin tightening
- Treatment sessions: Typically 1-3 sessions depending on laser type and aggressiveness
- Downtime: 3-7 days for fractional lasers (redness, mild swelling, flaking); up to 14 days for more aggressive CO2 resurfacing
- Results appear: Gradual improvement over 3-6 months as new collagen forms
- Results last: 3-5 years with proper sun protection and skincare maintenance
- Cost range: $800-$3,000 per treatment (varies by laser type and treatment area)
- Pros: Addresses multiple concerns simultaneously (wrinkles, texture, pigmentation), long-lasting results, can treat areas unsuitable for injectables
- Cons: Requires downtime, multiple sessions often needed, temporary redness and sensitivity, strict sun avoidance during healing, risk of hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones
Radiofrequency and Ultrasound Treatments
Examples: Thermage FLX (radiofrequency), Ultherapy (micro-focused ultrasound)
How it works: These devices deliver deep thermal energy beneath the skin surface without damaging the outer layer. Radiofrequency heats the dermis to stimulate immediate collagen contraction and long-term collagen remodeling. Ultrasound targets even deeper layers, reaching the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system) to create a subtle lifting effect.
- Best for: Mild to moderate skin laxity around eyes, preventative treatment for people in their 30s-40s, combination with other treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation
- Treatment sessions: Usually 1-2 treatments (Thermage typically requires only one session; Ultherapy may benefit from touch-ups)
- Downtime: None to minimal—possible mild swelling for 1-2 days
- Results appear: Gradual improvement over 2-3 months as collagen remodels; continued improvement up to 6 months
- Results last: 1-2 years on average
- Cost range: $1,500-$4,500 depending on device and treatment area
- Pros: No downtime, stimulates natural collagen production, subtle lifting effect, safe for all skin types
- Cons: Results are subtle rather than dramatic, single treatment is expensive, some discomfort during procedure, results vary significantly between individuals
3. Skin Resurfacing Treatments
Chemical Peels
Depth options for eye area: Light peels (glycolic acid, lactic acid), Medium peels (TCA 20-35%)
How it works: Chemical solutions are applied to remove the damaged outer layers of skin, triggering regeneration of smoother, less wrinkled skin beneath. Light peels work on the epidermis only, while medium peels penetrate to the papillary dermis where fine lines originate.
- Best for: Fine lines, uneven skin tone, rough texture, sun damage, gradual improvement with minimal downtime
- Sessions needed: Series of 4-6 light peels, or 1-2 medium peels
- Downtime: Light peels: 1-3 days of mild flaking; Medium peels: 5-7 days of obvious peeling and redness
- Results last: 3-6 months for light peels; 1-2 years for medium peels
- Cost range: $150-$400 per light peel; $600-$1,200 per medium peel
- Pros: Affordable option, improves overall skin quality, can be combined with other treatments, minimal downtime for light peels
- Cons: Multiple sessions needed for optimal results, temporary redness and sensitivity, sun sensitivity during healing, less dramatic results than laser or surgery
Microneedling with PRP
How it works: A device with fine needles creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, triggering collagen production as part of the healing response. When combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood, growth factors further enhance collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation.
- Best for: Fine lines, skin texture improvement, collagen stimulation, natural rejuvenation approach
- Sessions needed: 3-6 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart
- Downtime: 1-3 days of redness and mild swelling (similar to sunburn)
- Results appear: Gradual improvement over 3-6 months
- Results last: 12-18 months
- Cost range: $400-$800 per session; $600-$1,200 per session with PRP
- Pros: Natural approach using your body's healing mechanisms, minimal downtime, safe for all skin types, improves overall skin health
- Cons: Requires series of treatments, results are subtle and gradual, not suitable for severe wrinkles, temporary redness
4. Medical-Grade Skincare
While not a standalone solution for established wrinkles, prescription retinoids and targeted eye serums play a crucial supporting role:
- Prescription retinoids: Increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production; requires 6-12 months of consistent use to show improvement in fine lines
- Vitamin C serums: Antioxidant protection and collagen support
- Peptide complexes: Signal cells to produce more collagen and elastin
- Growth factors: Enhance skin repair and regeneration
- Cost range: $80-$300 per product
- Best used: As maintenance between treatments or for very early fine lines
Surgical Treatments
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
What it is: Surgical removal of excess skin and sometimes fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. For crow's feet specifically, lower blepharoplasty with or without laser resurfacing addresses the skin quality that contributes to wrinkle appearance.
- Best for: Severe, deeply etched wrinkles that don't respond to non-surgical options; significant excess skin and fat bags; comprehensive, long-lasting correction; patients wanting a one-time solution
- Procedure time: 1-3 hours depending on whether upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated
- Anaesthesia: Local with sedation or general anaesthesia
- Hospital stay: Day surgery (go home same day)
- Recovery time: Return to work in 7-10 days; strenuous exercise after 3-4 weeks; final results visible at 3-6 months when all swelling resolves
- Results appear: Initial improvement immediate, though swelling obscures final outcome; progressive improvement over 6-12 months
- Results last: 7-15 years (ageing continues but you'll always look younger than if you hadn't had surgery)
- Cost range: $6,000-$12,000 for lower blepharoplasty; up to $15,000 for comprehensive upper and lower
- Pros: Dramatic, long-lasting results; addresses excess skin that non-surgical options can't; one procedure vs. years of maintenance treatments; can be combined with other facial procedures
- Cons: Invasive surgery with inherent risks; significant downtime and recovery; visible bruising and swelling for 2-3 weeks; potential complications include dry eyes, asymmetry, scarring (though incisions are well-hidden); higher cost; permanent changes
Brow Lift
What it is: Surgical elevation of the eyebrow position, which indirectly reduces crow's feet by lifting and smoothing the outer eye area. Most relevant when low brow position contributes to eye area ageing.
- Best for: Sagging brows that contribute to eye wrinkles, upper eyelid hooding, forehead and glabellar lines in combination with eye concerns
- Procedure time: 1-2 hours
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia or local with sedation
- Recovery time: 10-14 days before returning to work; 3-4 weeks before strenuous activity
- Results last: 10-15 years
- Cost range: $8,000-$15,000
- Pros: Comprehensive upper face rejuvenation, addresses root cause of some eye area ageing
- Cons: More invasive than isolated eye treatments, longer recovery, best suited when multiple upper face concerns exist
Choosing the Right Treatment - Decision Guide
Consider non-surgical treatments if:
✓ You have mild to moderate fine lines that are bothersome but not severe
✓ You prefer minimal to no downtime and can accommodate regular maintenance appointments
✓ You want to try treatments gradually and see how you respond before committing to anything permanent
✓ You're not ready for surgery or want to delay surgical intervention
✓ Budget is a primary concern and you prefer to spread costs over time
✓ You want reversible options with low risk
✓ You're in your 30s-40s and focused on prevention as much as correction
Consider surgical treatment if:
✓ You have severe, deeply etched wrinkles with significant excess skin
✓ You want long-lasting or near-permanent results and don't want ongoing maintenance
✓ Non-surgical options haven't achieved your goals or you've been maintaining results with injectables for years
✓ You can accommodate 2-3 weeks of recovery time
✓ You're willing to invest in a comprehensive, one-time solution
✓ You have realistic expectations about surgical outcomes and understand inherent risks
✓ You're typically over 50 or have genetic factors causing premature severe ageing
Combination approach:
Many patients at Me Clinic achieve optimal results by combining treatments strategically. Your surgeon or cosmetic physician will design a treatment plan based on your specific anatomy, but common effective combinations include:
- Anti-wrinkle injections + dermal fillers: Injections relax crow's feet while fillers address under-eye hollowing and static lines—this combination treats both muscle movement and volume loss
- Laser resurfacing + injectables: Laser improves skin quality and texture while injectables address dynamic wrinkles—schedule laser first, then injectables 4-6 weeks after healing
- Blepharoplasty + laser resurfacing: Surgery removes excess skin while laser enhances remaining skin quality for optimal texture and tone
- Strategic maintenance: Start with more intensive treatment (laser or surgery) then maintain results with periodic injectables and medical-grade skincare
Your Me Clinic practitioner will recommend the best approach during your consultation based on your skin quality, wrinkle severity, lifestyle, and goals.
What to Expect at Me Clinic
1. Initial Consultation (Free)
Your journey begins with a comprehensive, no-obligation consultation where you'll meet with either a cosmetic physician or plastic surgeon depending on the treatment pathway most appropriate for your concerns.
During this appointment:
- Comprehensive facial assessment: Your practitioner examines your skin quality, wrinkle depth, muscle movement patterns, bone structure, and volume distribution
- Discussion of your concerns and goals: We want to understand not just what bothers you, but why, and what outcomes would satisfy you
- Medical history review: Current medications, allergies, previous cosmetic treatments, medical conditions that may affect treatment options
- Treatment options explained: Your practitioner will explain which treatments are suitable for your specific situation and why, including risks and expected outcomes
- Realistic expectations set: We'll show you what is achievable and discuss limitations honestly—no overselling or unrealistic promises
- Transparent pricing provided: You'll receive specific costs for recommended treatments with no hidden fees
- Before/after gallery review: Viewing results from patients with similar concerns helps you visualise potential outcomes
2. Treatment Planning
Once you decide to proceed, we'll create your customised treatment plan:
- Staged approach designed: If multiple treatments are recommended, we'll determine the optimal sequence and timing
- Timeline and sessions explained: You'll know exactly how many appointments are needed, when to schedule them, and when to expect results
- Pre-treatment instructions: Specific guidance on medications to avoid, skincare adjustments, and preparation steps
- Cost breakdown provided: Complete financial picture including any follow-up appointments or touch-ups
- Questions answered: No question is too small—we want you fully informed and comfortable
3. The Me Clinic Difference
Responsible Cosmetic Medicine™
Our philosophy centres on patient wellbeing over profit:
- Evidence-based treatments only: We offer treatments with proven safety and efficacy data, not trendy procedures with limited track records
- Ethical patient selection: We'll tell you when you're not a good candidate or when treatment isn't worth the investment
- Natural-looking results prioritised: We aim to refresh and rejuvenate your appearance, not change who you are
- Conservative approach first: Start with the least invasive option that will achieve your goals, reserving more aggressive treatments for when they're truly needed
- Comprehensive aftercare: Your relationship with us doesn't end when the procedure is complete
Experienced Practitioners
Me Clinic's team brings exceptional credentials and extensive experience:
- FRACS-qualified plastic surgeons: Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons—the highest surgical qualification in Australia
- Specialist cosmetic physicians: Doctors who have completed advanced training specifically in cosmetic medicine
- Registered nurses: Experienced in cosmetic injectables and laser treatments, working under physician supervision
- Track record: 25,000+ surgical procedures performed and 60,000+ non-surgical treatments delivered since our establishment
- Continuing education: Regular training on latest techniques and technologies to offer you current best practices
Transparent Pricing
We believe you deserve to know costs upfront:
- Published price lists: Our website features pricing for common treatments
- No hidden fees: The price quoted includes all aspects of the treatment
- Payment plans available: Interest-free payment options for surgical procedures and treatment packages
- Medicare rebates explained: Where applicable (rare for cosmetic treatments), we'll clarify any potential rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does fine lines around eyes treatment cost in Melbourne?
Treatment costs vary significantly based on the approach you choose:
Non-surgical options:
- Anti-wrinkle injections: $300-$600 per treatment (every 3-4 months)
- Dermal fillers: $650-$1,200 per treatment (every 6-12 months)
- Laser resurfacing: $800-$3,000 per session (1-3 sessions needed)
- Chemical peels: $150-$1,200 per session (depending on depth and number needed)
- Microneedling: $400-$1,200 per session (3-6 sessions recommended)
Surgical options:
- Lower blepharoplasty: $6,000-$12,000 (results last 7-15 years)
- Combined upper and lower blepharoplasty: up to $15,000
At Me Clinic, we provide transparent pricing during your free consultation with absolutely no hidden fees. We'll also discuss payment plan options for surgical procedures.
How long do results last?
Result duration depends on the treatment chosen:
- Anti-wrinkle injections: 3-4 months on average; some patients maintain results for 5-6 months with regular treatments
- Dermal fillers: 6-12 months for tear troughs, occasionally up to 18 months
- Laser resurfacing: 3-5 years with good sun protection and skincare
- Energy-based treatments: 1-2 years
- Blepharoplasty: 7-15 years (you continue ageing but always look younger than without surgery)
Results also depend on individual factors including your age, skin quality, sun exposure, smoking status, and genetics. Your practitioner will give you personalised expectations during consultation.
Is there any downtime?
Downtime varies considerably by treatment:
Minimal to no downtime:
- Anti-wrinkle injections: Return to normal activities immediately; avoid rubbing area for 4 hours
- Dermal fillers: Possible minor swelling/bruising for 1-3 days (easily concealed with makeup)
- Radiofrequency/ultrasound treatments: Possibly mild redness for a few hours
Moderate downtime:
- Laser resurfacing: 3-7 days of redness, swelling, and flaking (plan for social downtime)
- Chemical peels: 1-3 days for light peels; 5-7 days for medium peels
- Microneedling: 1-3 days of redness similar to sunburn
Significant downtime:
- Blepharoplasty: 7-10 days before returning to work; visible bruising and swelling for 2-3 weeks; avoid strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks
Your practitioner will provide specific downtime expectations tailored to the treatment plan we design for you, so you can schedule appropriately around work and social commitments.
Will it look natural?
Natural-looking results are central to Me Clinic's Responsible Cosmetic Medicine™ philosophy. We deliberately avoid overdone or obvious treatments that make people look "done."
For injectables around the eyes:
- We use conservative doses, especially for first-time patients
- We preserve natural facial expressions—you should still be able to smile naturally
- We avoid the frozen or surprised look
- Touch-ups are always available if you want slightly more correction after seeing initial results
For surgical procedures:
- Incisions are carefully placed in natural creases where they heal inconspicuously
- We remove just enough excess skin/fat to refresh your appearance without creating an operated look
- The goal is for people to notice you look refreshed and rested, not that you've "had work done"
During your consultation, reviewing our before/after gallery will help you see the natural aesthetic we achieve for our patients.
Am I too young or too old for treatment?
There's no universal age limit for treating eye wrinkles. We've successfully treated patients from their late 20s (early preventative treatment) through their 80s (maintenance and improvement).
Younger patients (20s-30s):
- Often excellent candidates for preventative anti-wrinkle injections
- Can slow progression of dynamic wrinkles before they become static lines
- May use laser or chemical peels for sun damage repair
- Generally not candidates for surgery unless unusual circumstances exist
Middle-aged patients (40s-50s):
- Most common age group for comprehensive treatment
- Often benefit from combination approaches
- May start with non-surgical and consider surgery later, or proceed directly to surgery for significant concerns
Older patients (60s+):
- Can absolutely achieve excellent results
- May be better candidates for surgery to address accumulated skin laxity
- Need thorough medical assessment to ensure surgical fitness
- Non-surgical options still very effective for maintenance
During your consultation, we assess your individual skin condition, overall health, and realistic expectations rather than focusing on chronological age. What matters is whether treatment will benefit you specifically.
Does Medicare cover any treatments?
The vast majority of cosmetic treatments for eye wrinkles are not covered by Medicare or private health insurance because they are considered elective aesthetic procedures.
Very rare exceptions where partial coverage might apply:
- Eyelid surgery performed for functional vision impairment (not just cosmetic concerns)—requires documented vision field testing showing significant obstruction
- Even when a functional component exists, Medicare rebates cover only a portion of the cost, and not all patients with drooping eyelids qualify
We'll clarify your specific situation during consultation if there's any possibility of rebates. However, you should plan on treatments being entirely out-of-pocket expenses. We do offer payment plans for surgical procedures to make treatment more accessible.
What are the risks?
All medical treatments carry some level of risk. Common risks by treatment type:
Anti-wrinkle injections:
- Temporary bruising (20-30% of patients)
- Mild swelling or redness at injection sites (resolves within hours)
- Temporary headache (rare)
- Slight eyelid drooping if product migrates (less than 1% with experienced injectors; resolves as product wears off)
- Asymmetry requiring touch-up (occasional)
Dermal fillers:
- Bruising and swelling (very common, resolves in 1-3 days)
- Lumpiness if not massaged properly (easily corrected)
- Tyndall effect—bluish tint if placed too superficially (reversible)
- Rare but serious: vascular occlusion if filler accidentally enters a blood vessel (Me Clinic practitioners are trained in prevention and immediate management)
Laser treatments:
- Redness and swelling (expected, temporary)
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, especially in darker skin types (uncommon with proper settings)
- Rare burns if settings too aggressive (virtually eliminated with experienced operators)
- Infection (rare, preventable with proper aftercare)
Surgery (blepharoplasty):
- Bruising and swelling (universal, temporary)
- Temporary dry eyes or irritation (common, resolves within weeks)
- Asymmetry or need for revision (5-10% of cases)
- Scarring (incisions designed to hide in natural creases, but healing varies)
- Vision changes (extremely rare)
- Anaesthesia risks (comprehensively discussed pre-surgery)
Your practitioner will discuss specific risks relevant to your recommended treatment during consultation. We take every precaution to minimise complications and are equipped to manage them should they occur.
Can I see before/after photos?
Absolutely. During your consultation, we'll show you an extensive before/after gallery featuring patients treated at Me Clinic with concerns similar to yours.
These images help you:
- Visualise what's realistically achievable for your situation
- Understand the range of results different treatments produce
- See how results look at various time points post-treatment
- Appreciate subtle vs. dramatic improvements
We're proud of the natural-looking results our team delivers and encourage you to review as many examples as helpful for your decision-making. All photos are from actual Me Clinic patients who have consented to their images being used for educational purposes.
You're also welcome to bring reference photos showing your concerns or desired outcomes, though we'll ensure expectations remain realistic based on your unique anatomy.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Preparation varies by treatment type. Your practitioner will provide detailed pre-treatment instructions, but general guidelines include:
For all treatments:
- Disclose all medications and supplements (some may increase bruising)
- Inform us of any recent illnesses or infections
- Avoid alcohol 24-48 hours before (increases bruising risk)
- Arrive with clean skin, no makeup on treatment day
For injectable treatments:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications if medically safe (aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil, vitamin E) for 3-5 days before
- Consider scheduling around important events—allow 2 weeks for any bruising to fully resolve
- Arrive well-hydrated
For laser/energy treatments:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks prior
- Discontinue retinoids 3-7 days before (as directed)
- No other facial treatments for 2 weeks prior
- May require antiviral medication if you have history of cold sores
For surgical procedures:
- Complete pre-operative medical clearance and testing
- Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after (smoking severely impairs healing)
- Arrange transport home and assistance for first 24-48 hours
- Fill prescribed medications before surgery day
- Detailed pre-op and post-op instruction sheets will be provided
Following preparation guidelines carefully optimises your safety and results.
When will I see results?
Timeline to visible improvement varies significantly by treatment:
Anti-wrinkle injections:
- Initial softening: 3-5 days
- Full effect: 10-14 days
- Peak result: 14 days to 4 weeks
Dermal fillers:
- Immediate improvement visible on treatment table
- Minor swelling may obscure perfect result for 48 hours
- Final settling: 2 weeks
Laser treatments:
- Immediate texture changes from swelling
- Collagen remodeling begins at 4-6 weeks
- Gradual continued improvement: 3-6 months
- Final result: 6 months post-treatment
Energy-based treatments:
- No immediate visible change
- Gradual improvement: 2-3 months
- Continued collagen production: up to 6 months
- Final result: 6 months post-treatment
Chemical peels:
- Fresh skin visible after peeling completes (5-10 days)
- Progressive improvement with each treatment in a series
- Final result: 1-2 months after completing series
Surgery:
- Initial improvement visible once bandages removed, though swelling obscures final result
- Presentable in public: 2-3 weeks
- Most swelling resolved: 6 weeks
- Final result: 6-12 months when all residual swelling dissipates and scars fully mature
Your practitioner will give you specific timeline expectations for your treatment plan so you know when to evaluate results.
Can treatments be combined with Botox I already get?
Absolutely. In fact, many Me Clinic patients maintain a regular anti-wrinkle injection schedule and add complementary treatments:
- Fillers + anti-wrinkle injections: Highly effective combination—we typically inject anti-wrinkle product first, then assess 2 weeks later whether filler is also beneficial
- Laser + injectables: Schedule laser resurfacing first, allow complete healing (4-6 weeks), then resume or add injectable treatments
- Skincare + injectables: Medical-grade skincare enhances and prolongs injectable results; continue your regimen throughout
Tell your practitioner about all cosmetic treatments you currently receive, including those performed elsewhere. We'll design your treatment plan to coordinate with existing maintenance, ensuring treatments complement rather than interfere with each other.
If you currently see another provider, you're welcome to transfer your care to Me Clinic or continue split care—whatever you're most comfortable with. We simply need complete information to ensure your safety and optimal outcomes.
Real Patient Results
At Me Clinic, we've successfully treated thousands of Melbourne patients bothered by fine lines and wrinkles around their eyes. While individual results vary based on skin quality, age, and chosen treatment, our before/after gallery demonstrates the range of outcomes achievable with our evidence-based treatment protocols.
Whether you choose non-surgical options like anti-wrinkle injections and laser resurfacing, or proceed with surgical correction via blepharoplasty, Me Clinic's experienced team will design a treatment approach tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
During your consultation, your practitioner will show you cases most similar to yours—same age range, similar skin type, comparable wrinkle severity—and discuss realistic expectations specific to your situation. This personalised approach ensures you understand what treatment can and cannot achieve for you.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to explore your treatment options for fine lines around your eyes?
Three ways to book:
- Call: (03) 8823 5859 (Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM)
- Online: Visit meclinic.com.au and use our online booking system
- Email: info@meclinic.com.au
What to bring to your consultation:
- List of current medications and supplements
- Medical history, including previous cosmetic treatments
- Questions for your practitioner
- Reference photos showing your concerns or desired outcomes (optional but helpful)
Your consultation includes:
✓ Comprehensive facial assessment by experienced cosmetic physician or plastic surgeon
✓ Personalised treatment recommendations based on your unique anatomy
✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees or obligations
✓ Before/after gallery review with cases similar to yours
✓ Opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns
✓ No pressure to proceed—consultation is genuinely no-obligation
Me Clinic Location:
Me Clinic
4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145
- Convenient on-site parking available
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transport: Close to Caulfield and Malvern train stations; multiple bus routes service Burke Road
We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve refreshed, natural-looking eyes that reflect your inner vitality.