Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And Safety

By Gary Motykie, MD

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks And Safety Although eyelid lift plastic surgery is a delicate procedure as it involves the eyes, the risk of complications is significantly reduced when a fully trained and experienced surgeon performs the surgery. The procedure is comparatively less invasive than other facial procedures. It typically involves the use of only local anesthesia and mild sedation.

The patient should diligently follow pre- and post-operative care guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will explain the potential risks and help the patient make an informed decision. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides eyelid surgery to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other neighborhoods and towns in this area of SoCal.

Serious Complications

Certain serious complications could possibly occur during or after the eyelid surgical procedure such as ectropian, hematoma, and retinal detachment. But the rate of occurrence of such complications is very low.

Ectropian involves a drooping tendency that leads the lower lid to become inverted. In such instances, the patient will require revision surgery to address this condition.

Accumulation of surplus blood and fluid underneath the skin in the incision sites is called hematoma. This risk may heighten if the eyelid lift plastic surgery is performed along with other facial surgical procedures such as a facelift or brow lift. The surgeon will insert small drainage tubes beneath the skin for some days to drain out surplus fluid and decrease the chances of the patient developing hematoma.

In rare instances, the retina may get detached from the outer eye layers, leading to a retinal detachment. Holes or tears in the retina may cause this to occur. Retinal detachment will warrant additional surgery to correct this condition.

Minor Post-Operative Complications

Specific patients may experience one or more of the below-mentioned minor complications post eyelid surgery:

Blurred or double vision
Infection
Issues in keeping the eyes closed during sleep
Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Whiteheads formation post suture removal
Burning sensation in the eyes
Noticeable scarring
Excessive tearing

A majority of such post-surgical symptoms will usually resolve in some days. However, in case the patient experiences major discomfort, they may seek further treatment. The complications will be irreversible only in rare circumstances.

Side-Effects

Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation

During the initial post-op period, slight irritation and soreness may occur in incision sites. The patient may experience tightness or pain in the eyelids initially as the effect of anesthesia subsides. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications for the first week after the procedure.

Inflammation

The patient can expect some level of inflammation in the first week after the surgery. Cold compresses or ice therapy can be used in the initial 2 or 3 days to reduce swelling. Additionally, the patient should keep their head in an upright position for the initial few days.

Scarring

In a majority of eyelid surgery cases, scarring is minimal. If the surgeon places the incisions within the lower eyelid, the scars will not be visible from outside. Prudent cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles and neighboring areas for blepharoplasty.

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