1. No matter how much sleep I have had my friends say that I look tired. What can I do?
2. My upper eyelids are so droopy I have trouble seeing. Does Medicare cover my surgery?
3. I have Asian eyes. Will I look natural with eyelid surgery?

Q: No matter how much sleep I have had my friends say that I look tired. What can I do?

A: Your eyes are the windows of your soul. It can portray how you feel and you always make eye contact when you communicate. As the years go by gravity and loss of elasticity of the tissues allow sag in the upper and lower eyelids. Often there is also bagginess because the fat tends to protrude in these areas, giving you eye bags. The skill of the surgeon is not just to take excess skin away but also to "sculpture" the fat so that the right amount is removed so that they look bright, alive and sparkling. Again Dr Chan has a repertoire of techniques to individualise the operation.

Q: My upper eyelids are so droopy I have trouble seeing. Does Medicare cover my surgery?

A: Most cosmetic surgery is not covered by Medicare, but if the excessive skin on your upper eyelids is so droopy that they touch your eyelashes when you are looking straight ahead, an item number can be used and you will get a small rebate from Medicare. If an item number can be used, your health fund will usually pick up most of your hospital cost, including theatre and bed cost, depending on how well you are insured with your health fund.

Q: I have Asian eyes. Will I look natural with eyelid surgery?

A: An Asian eyelid has no fold above the eyelashes but this can be created. Some times this is called a double eyelid operation. The double eyelid certainly softens a patient's appearance and often makes them look more attractive. It is important not to make the double eyelid too high, as it will not look natural. An understanding of Asian eyelid anatomy and racial differences from a Caucasian eyelid is important. Dr Chan, being Chinese, understands the differences and he will discuss with you the optimum level to make the double eyelid fold you prefer.