Minimising Eyelid Surgery Complications

It’s a common misconception that complications from eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can be entirely avoided. The truth is, no surgical procedure is without risks. While careful planning, skilled surgical techniques, and proper aftercare can minimise the chances of complications, they cannot eliminate them entirely. Every person’s anatomy and healing process are unique, meaning that some level of unpredictability is always involved.

Being well-informed is one of the most important steps in preparing for any procedure. By understanding the potential risks and knowing how to manage them, you can approach your surgery with some level of confidence.

Dry or Watery Eyes

If too much skin is removed, there’s a higher chance that patients will have difficulty closing their eyes fully, especially during sleep. Not being able to close your eyes fully can dry out the eye surface and cause scarring. Fortunately, these common symptoms are usually temporary and can be medicated with eye drops or other prescriptions. 

Temporary Blurred Vision

During plastic surgery blepharoplasty, your eyes may dry out due to surgical lighting. Your surgeon may prescribe an ointment to help moisten your eyes following the surgery. This may cause temporary blurred vision for the first few days, but should resolve afterwards.

Scarring

Any surgery leaves a scar, and while eyelid surgery scars are usually thin and hidden in the creases, you may have more noticeable scars than others. Results vary in all patients, but it is likely to fade over time. 

Swelling and Bruising

These are a normal part of the eyelid surgery recovery process that may take around one to two weeks to fade, depending on the amount of work done around the eyes. Most people feel ready to go out in public and back to work in about 10 to 14 days.

Talk To Your Surgeon If You’re Experiencing Complications

If your surgeon has already briefed you on the possible complications of eyelid surgery but you’re still feeling worried or unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out. It’s completely natural to have concerns during recovery, especially if something feels off or unexpected. Your surgeon is there to provide clarity, monitor your healing process, and offer solutions for any issues that may come about.

Please note however this guide is not meant to be a definitive manual on eyelid surgery complications, but rather a general overview to help you understand what to expect. 

Every case is unique, and your surgeon’s advice, based on your specific situation, should always take priority. Use this information as a helpful resource, but trust your surgeon’s expertise when it comes to addressing your individual needs and concerns.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.