Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Risks And Safety

An eyelid lift is relatively simple plastic surgery when performed by an experienced surgeon. It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. On their part, the patient should follow the preparatory and recovery stage instructions given by the surgeon in a dedicated manner for a result that the patient is impressed with and what they were expecting.  

The eyes are a fragile body area, and receiving any surgery in this region should be an enlightened decision. The surgeon should explain to the patient about the potential risks and complications related to eyelid surgery during the pre-op consultation process.

plastic surgeon Dr. David Kim provides blepharoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Potential Complications 

Some patients may potentially experience a complication during or after eyelid surgery. These complications may include hematoma, ectropion, and retinal detachment. But these complications occur only in rare cases. 

However, the patient should have clarity on these possible risks. Ectropion refers to the drooping effect that causes inversion in the lower eyelids. Such patients may require revision surgery. 

A hematoma is the accumulation of excess fluid in the incision sites beneath the skin. If the eyelid surgery is undertaken with another procedure such as facelift, or brow lift, the chances of hematoma development may be higher. 

The surgeon may place tiny drain tubes beneath the skin in the incision areas to eliminate excess fluid and reduce the risk of hematoma development. In rare cases, the patient may suffer from retinal detachment, which involves the detachment of the retina from the outer eye layers. 

Retinal holes or tears can lead to this condition, and the patient will need additional surgery to treat this condition. 

Minor Complications

Some patients may experience one or more of the below mentioned complications following eyelid lift cosmetic surgery:

• Infection 
• Poor response to anesthesia 
• Burning sensation in the eyes 
• Appearance of whiteheads after the removal of sutures 
• Excessive tearing
• Unwanted scarring 
• Issues in closing the eyes when sleeping 
• Dry eyes 
• Blurred or double vision 

These complications resolve by themselves in most patients. However, patients may require treatment if the issue persists or leads to discomfort.

Common Side Effects

Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation 

The patient may feel slight soreness or irritation in the incision areas during the initial post-surgical period. They may feel tautness or pain in the lids as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. For the initial week after the blepharoplasty, the surgeon may prescribe pain medications.

Inflammation

The patient can expect some amount of swelling in the week after the eyelid surgery. They can use ice therapy or cold compresses in the initial two to three days to address the inflammation. On top of this, the patient should keep their head in an elevated position for the first few days after the procedure. 

Scarring

The patient will experience minimal scarring in most cases of eyelid surgery. The scars will not be visible externally if the surgeon places the incision within the lower lid. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for blepharoplasty.

For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. David Kim and Dr. Eugene Kim.  Click here to contact us today.

Serving Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and surrounding areas.