Eyelid Surgery Risks

Blepharoplasty is a type of surgery which repairs droopy eyelids. It may involve the removal of excess skin, muscle and fat. Our eyelids stretch and the muscles supporting them weaken as we age. This may result in excess fat gathering above and below your eyelids which can cause sagging eyebrows, droopy upper lids and bags under your eyes.

In addition to making you look older, sagging skin around the eyes can reduce peripheral vision. This is especially prominent in the upper and outer parts of your field of vision. Blepharoplasty can help reduce or completely eliminate these vision issues in addition to making your eyes appear younger and more alert.

To help determine if you are a candidate for blepharoplasty, it’s important to evaluate the expectations and possible risks.

Patients may consider blepharoplasty when their droopy or sagging eyelids prevent their eyes from opening completely or pull down your lower eyelids. When the extra tissue from your upper eyelids is removed, it can help improve your vision. Upper and lower lid blepharoplasty can also give your eyes a younger and more alert appearance.

Blepharoplasty may be a good option for patients who have any of the following:

• Droopy upper eyelids
• Extra skin of the upper eyelids which obstructs peripheral vision
• Extra skin on the lower eyelids
• Bags under the eyes

Blepharoplasty can be completed at the same time as other procedures such as a brow lift, face-lift or skin resurfacing.

Insurance coverage for the procedure depends on if the surgery will repair a condition that causes impaired vision. If the surgery is done exclusively to improve your appearance, the cost is likely not covered by insurance. Lower lid blepharoplasty most commonly completed for cosmetic reasons.

The potential risks of huntersville eyelid surgery include the following:

• Infection and/or bleeding
• Dry and irritated eyes
• Difficulty with closing your eyes
• Obvious scarring
• Eye muscle injury
• Skin discoloration
• The need for additional surgery
• Temporary blurred vision and in rare cases, complete loss of eyesight
• General risks associated with any surgery which includes reactions to anesthesia and blood clots

Be sure to review the risks with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have. It is also important to discuss your medical history prior to surgery. It is important to understand what all is involved in blepharoplasty so you can evaluate the benefits and risks. This allows you to ultimately decide if the procedure is a good option.

Before the procedure

Blepharoplasty is usually completed in an outpatient setting. The surgeon will inject a numbing medication into your eyelids and administer intravenous medication which will help you to relax.

During the procedure

If your surgery includes work on your upper and lower eyelids, the surgeon will generally work on the upper lids first. The doctor will cut along the eyelid fold, remove the excess skin, muscle and/or fat, and lastly close the incision.

On the lower lid, the surgeon will makes the incision just below the lash line or inside the lower lid. They will then remove or redistribute fat, muscle and sagging skin, as needed and close the incision.

After the procedure

Following the surgery, you will be in a recovery room. You will be closely monitored for any complications. Patients can typically leave later the same day to fully recover at home.

Some of the side effects from surgery can include:

• Blurred vision due to the lubricating ointment that is used
• Watery eyes
• Added sensitivity to light
• Double vision
• Puffy and/or numb eyelids
• Bruising and swelling
• Pain and discomfort

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