Oral Surgery
EYELID SURGERY RISKS
Huntersville (Charlotte Metro), NC
Eyelid Surgery Risks at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery
Eyelid Surgery Risks at Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery
Eyelid surgery, medically known as blepharoplasty, is a widely performed procedure that corrects droopy, sagging eyelids by removing excess skin, muscle, and fat deposits. As we age, the delicate skin around our eyes loses elasticity, the muscles that support the eyelids weaken, and fat deposits can shift or accumulate above and below the eye. These changes cause sagging eyebrows, heavy upper lids, and under-eye bags that not only add years to your appearance but can also compromise your vision.
When excess upper eyelid skin begins to drape over the lash line, it can significantly reduce your peripheral (side) vision — particularly in the upper and outer portions of your visual field. Blepharoplasty can restore this lost field of vision while simultaneously rejuvenating the appearance of the eyes, helping patients look more alert and refreshed.
While blepharoplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure with high patient satisfaction rates, every surgery carries some degree of risk. At Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery, Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II — a double board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons — believes informed patients make the best decisions. Below, we provide a thorough overview of who may benefit from the procedure, the risks involved, and what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
Patients typically consider eyelid surgery when drooping or sagging skin around the eyes interferes with daily activities, causes visual obstruction, or creates a persistently tired appearance. Upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can be performed independently or together, depending on your unique anatomy and goals.
Blepharoplasty may be appropriate if you experience any of the following:
Blepharoplasty is frequently combined with complementary procedures such as a brow lift, facelift, or skin resurfacing to achieve more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. During your consultation, Dr. Haigney will evaluate your eyelid anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to develop a personalized surgical plan.
Insurance coverage for blepharoplasty depends on whether the procedure addresses a functional problem — specifically, impaired vision caused by excess eyelid skin. If visual field testing confirms that drooping eyelids are reducing your sight, your insurance carrier may cover the upper eyelid portion of the surgery. Procedures performed exclusively for cosmetic enhancement, including most lower lid blepharoplasty cases, are typically not covered and are considered an out-of-pocket expense.
The potential risks of Huntersville eyelid surgery include the following:
Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon is the single most important factor in reducing your risk of complications. Dr. Haigney's fellowship training in facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, combined with over 20 years of surgical experience and deep understanding of periorbital anatomy, provides patients with a high level of precision and safety.
Patients can further reduce risk by:
Blepharoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you will return home the same day. Prior to surgery, Dr. Haigney will conduct a thorough examination of your eyelids, assess your tear production, and may perform visual field testing if insurance coverage is being pursued.
On the day of surgery, a local anesthetic is injected into the eyelids to numb the treatment area. Intravenous sedation is administered to help you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the procedure. Patients are not under general anesthesia for most blepharoplasty cases, which reduces overall surgical risk.
When both upper and lower eyelids are being treated, the surgeon begins with the upper lids. An incision is made within the natural crease of the upper eyelid — this placement ensures the eventual scar is virtually invisible once healed. Through this incision, Dr. Haigney carefully removes or repositions excess skin, muscle, and fat to create a natural, refreshed contour.
For the lower lids, the incision is typically placed just below the lash line or inside the lower eyelid (a transconjunctival approach). Fat may be removed, repositioned to fill hollow areas, or sculpted to eliminate bags. Excess skin is trimmed conservatively, and the incision is closed with fine sutures designed to minimize scarring.
The entire procedure typically takes between one and two hours depending on whether upper lids, lower lids, or both are being addressed.
Following surgery, you will be monitored briefly in our recovery area before being released to go home with a responsible adult. It is normal to experience several temporary side effects during the first one to two weeks of healing:
Most patients return to normal activities within 7-10 days and can resume exercise after 2-3 weeks. Final results become apparent as residual swelling resolves over 3-6 months.
While most recovery is uneventful, patients should contact Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery immediately if they experience sudden severe pain, significant vision changes, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or fever. Early intervention in rare complications leads to the best outcomes.
More on Eyelid Surgery: Eyelid Surgery Recovery
Words cannot express enough, how wonderful, caring and professional Dr. Haigney and his staff are! After being rushed to the Huntersville hospital with an orbital fracture, broken nose and other facial damage, Dr. Haigney rushed me into surgery (on his day off I must add) and corrected all my problems. I only wish all doctors cared as much about their patients and their recovery as Dr. Haigney and his staff did. Thank you so much for everything! Your attention and compassion has helped me make my recovery as comfortable as possible. 5 star service!
Contact our office to schedule your consultation
