Eyelid Surgery Side Effects

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure that can reduce sagging, wrinkles or puffiness around eyelids. It can be performed on the lower, upper, or both eyelids, and is done by removing excess fat and skin around the eyes. Eyelid surgery can leave you with a more awake, wide-eyed look, but the procedure is often accompanied by common side effects. The procedure is also associated with the risk of complications. Before undergoing blepharoplasty, it is important to understand the side effects you could potentially face.

Eyelid Surgery Side Effects

Certain side effects are common after surgery. Most side effects fade within a couple of weeks of surgery.

• Discomfort: Following your plastic surgery, you may notice some discomfort of the skin surrounding the eyes. The incision site may feel itchy or dry.
• Blurred vision: You may experience blurred vision for a few days after surgery.
• Swelling: The area around the incision will swell up after surgery. Most noticeable swelling goes down in two weeks, but all swelling could take three months to completely subside.
• Bruising: The skin around the eyes tends to bruise after surgery as a result of trauma to the tissues. This fades within two weeks of surgery.
• Scarring: Scars are the result of any incision that is made in the skin. Visible scarring will fade over time, but patients should expect some permanent light scarring. The placement of the incisions makes any resulting scarring more discreet.

Eyelid Surgery Risks

Though rare, there are complications that can result from surgery. These include:

• Changes in sensation: As with any other surgery, there is a risk of nerve damage. You may feel some numbness or tingling around the eye. Typically, these changes will go away once your incisions start to heal but there is always the chance that the change in sensation may be permanent.
• Drooping: A rare side effect of eyelid surgery is a condition known as ectropion, or downward drooping of the lower lid. For patients with this condition, it looks as though the skin is being pulled downward. This is an unfortunate side effect that is permanent and will most likely need surgical repair.
• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding at the incision site is a potential side effect of eyelid surgery. In addition, a condition called retrobulbar hematoma can also occur when there is a build up of blood behind the eye.
• Other risks: Other side effects include dry eye, double vision, and inability to close the eye.

Reducing Eyelid Surgery Side Effects

While you can’t prevent side effects, you can take measures to reduce their severity and longevity. The best thing you can do to protect the health of your eyes and increase your chances of safety is to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon before undergoing any surgery to discuss your medical history and how it could possibly affect your results. He or she will also help you understand the procedure and possible risks, and what you can do to minimize your chances of suffering any side effects from the eyelid surgery.

Learn More about Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can give you a fresh, younger look. While this surgery is safe and a good option for many people, it is not without side effects or the risk of complications. If you want to learn more about whether or not eyelid surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with the doctors at Mesna Plastic Surgery.