What are Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks?

Eyelid lift is a relatively minor cosmetic surgery in the hands of an expert surgeon, which can be performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient, on their part, should follow the preparation and recovery phase guidelines given by the surgeon in a committed manner for safe and predictable results.

Eyes are a delicate area of the body, and undergoing any surgery in this area should be a well-informed choice. The surgeon should inform the patient about the possible risks and complications associated with eyelid surgery at the time of the pre-operative consultation process.

Muse Plastic Surgery, led by double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wright Jones, provides blepharoplasty to patients in Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and surrounding communities.

Potential Complications

A few patients may potentially experience a complication during or after blepharoplasty. These complications may include ectropian, hematoma, and retinal detachment. However, the occurrence of these complications is rare.

But the patient should be completely clear about these potential risks. Ectropian is the drooping effect that leads to the inversion in the lower lids. In this case, the patient will require revision surgery. Plastic surgeon to the stars Dr. Wright Jones is able to achieve safe and desirable results for his patients for blepharoplasty.

A hematoma is the collection of excess fluid in the incision area underneath the skin. In case the blepharoplasty is performed with another procedure such as brow lift, facelift, and another facial surgery, the risk of hematoma development may be higher.

The surgeon may place small drain pipe underneath the skin in the incision sites to remove excess fluid and decrease hematoma risks. In exceptional circumstances, the patient may experience a retinal detachment where the retina detaches from the outer layers of the eye.

Retinal tears or holes can cause this condition, and the patient will require additional surgery to correct this condition.

Minor Complications

Certain patients may experience one or more of the following complications:

• Poor reaction to anesthesia
• Infection
• Appearance of whiteheads after suture removal
• Excessive tearing
• Unwanted scarring
• Problems in closing the eyes while sleeping
• Dry eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Burning sensation in the eyes

In most patients, these complications resolve by themselves. But patients have to undergo treatment if the problem persists or causes discomfort.

Common Side Effects

Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation

The patient may experience slight irritation or soreness in the incision sites during the early post-op period. They may feel tightness or pain in the eyelids as the effects of the anesthesia subside. The surgeon may prescribe pain meds for the initial week after the eyelid surgery.

Inflammation

The patient can expect a certain amount of inflammation in the week following the blepharoplasty. They can use cold compresses or ice therapy in the initial two to three days to manage the swelling. Moreover, the patient should keep their head in a raised position for the initial few days.

Scarring

In most blepharoplasty cases, the patient experiences minimal scarring. In case the surgeon places an incision inside the lower eyelid, the scars will not be visible from outside.

Famous plastic surgeon Dr. Wright Jones receives patients from Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA, and other cities and towns in this area of the nation for blepharoplasty.See all plastic surgery procedures that Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon Dr. Wright Jones performs of the face, nose, body, and breast in and around Atlanta, Buckhead, Stockbridge, Marietta, GA and surrounding areas.