Risks and Complications Associated with Blepharoplasty

[mybodyparts]

Please read these risks completely, the risks can be many with Blepharoplasty if an inexperienced surgeon is chosen. Some risks and/or complications can be avoided if the needs and condition of the patient are properly diagnosed beforehand. Of course there is the inherent risk regarding anesthesia and complications because of it - such as allergic reactions. Although please read the Anesthesia Section for more information.

The minor complications that are associated with Blepharoplasty include double or blurry vision for a few days, temporary swelling at the corners of the eyelids, and milia (or tiny whiteheads) that can be removed by your surgeon by pricking them with a micro-needle. It is possible to develop asymmetry during healing or excessive scarring if you are prone to such a thing.

It is possible that you may experience difficulty in closing your eyes when sleeping. In rare instances this condition may be permanent. Also there is the rare possibility of ectropion. Ectropion is a condition where your lower lids pull down or gape post-operatively. If you should develop ectropion, further surgery will more than likely be needed to correct it. Which could lead to more risks and more cost to you, the patient. Determine revision possibilities and costs before you commit to your surgery. Get this in writing, if possible.

PLEASE READ: If you have thyroid problems (hypothyroidism or Graves' disease) or insufficient tearing (dry eyes), circulatory disorders or high blood pressure, having Blepharoplasty may be more risky for you than an otherwise "healthy" individual who does not have such disorders. Grave’s disease is frequently associated with severe swelling of the periorbital tissues. This swelling may be misdiagnosed as excess under eye fat pads. If you are myxedematous* (in a severe state of hypothyroidism) you may have severe edema, or fluid retention, especially in the eye area; which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. The fluid filled tissue areas are often misdiagnosed as excessive fat in the eye area and when removed can lead to disastrous results. As your edema subsides and your fluid levels balance, after removal the eye area will look very sunken in. Ascertain that your surgeon establishes whether or not your eye bags are caused by fat or chronic edema prior to your Blepharoplasty. Edema will not be corrected by plastic surgery--ever.

Other disorders that may increase your risks are myasthenia gravis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a detached retina or glaucoma (and other high pressures of the eye), poor circulation and poor elasticity. Please disclose all disorders or concerns with your plastic surgeon, you're health and well-being might depend on it.

Sometimes the eye area will not heal correctly and you just may have to have an additional surgery to correct it. The surgeon normally does not charge any additional fees if another surgery is necessary. Although check with your own surgeon.

There is also the risk of a doctor cutting & removing too large of an oval of skin for your eye size, resulting in smaller, rounder eyes or eyes which do not close properly. This will completely change the appearance of your eyes rather than rejuvenating them. If this happens, there may be a need for eye spacers to open up the eyes more which would result in another surgery.

There is also the risk that your doctor may completely remove your fat pads under your eyes. More and more, doctors are discontinuing this as they are finding an increasing amount of patients suffering eye abnormalities with this practice. Patients are complaining of sunken eyes, eye hollowness and a tired, aged look. Many times after complete removal, attempts are made to replace fat with fat grafting. If this has happened to you or you are suffering from hollow or sunken looking eyes in general, you may want to look more into fat grafting, Sculptra® or other injectable fillers and catalysts.

[dani1]

With all those risks, I don't see the point in doing eyelid surgery. Eyelids seem like such a minor aspect of one's appearence, so why risk all that just to make them a little better.