Eyelid Surgery Risks

Patients who choose to undergo eyelid cosmetic surgery wish to improve their appearance. They want to appear more alert and youthful. By removing circles, bags, and loose skin around the upper and lower eyelids, eyelid surgery may help patients achieve that goal. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with eyelid surgery. The staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery will not only work closely with prospective eyelid surgery patients to help them have realistic goals, but also to make sure they understand the risks associated with the procedure. Some risks associated with an eyelid surgical procedure include the following.

Excessive Bleeding

Patients should expect a small amount of bleeding around the sutures during the first few days after surgery, as the incisions are not yet fully healed over. However, if bleeding continues for up to the first week after surgery, there may be an increased risk for poor or delayed wound healing, as well as excessive scarring. Preventing excessive bleeding can actually start before surgery. Patients are encouraged to stop any alcohol consumption starting two to three weeks prior to surgery, as alcohol is a blood thinner.

Infection

Infection is another risk with any surgical procedure. Patients will be given a prescription for antibiotics, which should be filled prior to the day of surgery. Washing your hands with antibiotic soap before changing any bandages or dressings will also help reduce the risk of infection. Do not directly touch the incisions until they have fully healed. The incisions should also be kept as clean and dry as possible.

Damage to Eye Muscles

Both the skin and the muscles around the eyes are delicate. In some rare cases, particularly for removing excess skin from the upper eyelids, the eye muscles that control opening and closing the eyes can be damaged. This may also affect the blinking function that is important to not only keep particulate matter out of the eyes, but also to keep them properly lubricated. Such damage may require a second procedure to restore proper function to the eye muscles. By choosing a skilled surgeon such as those at Jefferson Plastic Surgery, this risk is greatly reduced.

Excessive Blurry or Double Vision

Patients should expect a certain amount of blurry or double vision during the first week or two after eyelid surgery. However, some patients may still have difficulty seeing after this initial healing period. This may require not only a follow up visit with the plastic surgeon, but also with an ophthalmologist.

Asymmetrical Eyelids

No two sets of eyelids are alike. In fact, there may be differences between eyelids on the same person. One upper eyelid may be droopier than the other, or one lower lid may have more bags than the other. In rare cases, this may result in asymmetrical eyelids that do not “match up.” This may also require a revision surgery in order to make the eyelids look symmetrical.

Eyelid surgery can make a patient look younger and refreshed. There are risks, however, as with any surgical procedure. Patients who understand those risks and what they can do to minimize them are well on their way to having a successful outcome from their procedure. To learn more, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today.