Eyelid surgery is a cosmetic procedure that has gained significant popularity for its ability to rejuvenate the area around the eyes, making you look more rested and youthful. While the outcomes can be impressive, enhancing both appearance and vision, it’s important for potential candidates to understand not just the benefits but also the potential complications associated with this surgery. Being well-informed about these risks, how to prevent them, and the available treatments is essential for anyone considering this procedure. In this blog, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will give you more details about how to avoid blepharoplasty complications.
Eyelid surgery is a delicate process designed to remove excess skin, eliminate bags under the eyes, and correct droopiness of the eyelids. The goal is to create a more alert and youthful appearance. This procedure can also improve peripheral vision for those whose eyelids obstruct their sight. Despite its aesthetic and functional benefits, like any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty comes with its set of potential complications.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the complexity and your preference. Anca makes incisions along the natural lines of your eyelids, through which excess fat, skin, and muscle are removed or repositioned. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures, aiming to minimise visible scarring.
Patients opt for eyelid surgery for various reasons, ranging from cosmetic to functional. Some seek to correct the signs of ageing around their eyes, while others aim to improve their vision obstructed by drooping eyelids. Additionally, eyelid surgery can address asymmetry and provide a more refreshed and alert appearance.
It’s important to have a clear and realistic understanding of what eyelid surgery can achieve. While it can significantly improve the appearance of the eyes and, by extension, the overall facial aesthetic, it’s not a panacea for all ageing signs or unrelated cosmetic concerns. A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon such as Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna can help set realistic expectations, ensuring that the outcome aligns with your goals.
Despite the high success rate of eyelid surgery, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Awareness and understanding of these issues are crucial for anyone considering this procedure. Here are some complications that could occur after undergoing the procedure:
Bruising and swelling are the most common post-operative complications, usually peaking within the first week after surgery. While these symptoms are a normal part of the healing process, their severity can vary. Applying cold compresses and keeping the head elevated can help minimise swelling. Most swelling and bruising subside within two weeks, revealing the surgery’s results.
Though rare, infection is a potential risk after eyelid surgery. Signs of infection include increased pain, redness, and discharge from the incision sites. Preventive measures include following Anca’s post-operative care instructions meticulously, which may involve the use of antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics.
Some patients may experience dry eyes following eyelid surgery, which can result from temporary changes in eyelid function and sensation. Lubricating eye drops and ointments can alleviate these symptoms, which usually resolve as the healing process progresses.
Scarring is an inherent aspect of any surgical procedure. However, in the case of eyelid surgery, incisions are strategically placed in the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower eyelid to minimise visible scarring. Following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments are crucial for optimal scar healing.
Post-operative asymmetry may occur due to differences in the healing process or pre-existing asymmetry that wasn’t fully corrected. While minor asymmetries often resolve as swelling decreases, significant concerns can be addressed with revision surgery.
The journey to a successful eyelid surgery begins long before the actual procedure. Taking proactive steps can significantly minimise the risk of complications.
Here are some considerations for a smooth recovery and to minimise the risk of complications:
Despite taking all preventive measures, complications can still occur. Knowing how to recognise these complications and the available treatment options is essential:
Here are some signs that you might need medical attention:
Yes, in some cases, patients may notice a change in the shape of their eyes after blepharoplasty. This can occur due to the removal of too much skin or improper healing, leading to an altered eyelid contour. However, experienced surgeons take careful measures to preserve the natural eye shape, and any significant changes are rare. If changes in eye shape do occur, they can often be corrected with revision surgery.
It’s common for patients to experience blurry vision for a few days to a week following eyelid surgery, primarily due to swelling, the use of ointments, and temporary changes in the eye’s surface. Vision usually begins to clear up as the swelling decreases and the eye heals, usually within a week or two. However, if blurred vision persists beyond this period, it’s important to consult with Anca or an ophthalmologist.
Yes, it’s normal to experience some degree of numbness or reduced sensation around the incision sites after eyelid surgery. This occurs because the surgical process can temporarily affect the sensory nerves in the skin. In most cases, this numbness is temporary and sensation gradually returns over weeks to months as the nerves recover.
In rare cases, patients may experience difficulty fully closing their eyes after blepharoplasty, a condition known as lagophthalmos. This usually occurs when too much skin has been removed from the upper eyelids. Most instances of lagophthalmos are temporary and improve as the healing process progresses. However, persistent cases may require medical attention or corrective procedures to ensure proper eye closure and protection.
It’s not uncommon for patients to notice small lumps or bumps on their eyelids as they heal from blepharoplasty. These can be caused by several factors, including sutures, localised swelling, or scar tissue formation. In many cases, these lumps are temporary and resolve on their own as the healing process continues. Gentle massage (if approved by Anca) can help expedite their resolution. However, if a lump persists or is accompanied by pain or other symptoms, it’s important to consult Anca for evaluation and possible treatment.