When patients undergo eyelid plastic surgery, they aim to either look better (cosmetic blepharoplasty) or see better (functional blepharoplasty). In some cases, patients may be unaware of the risk of complications or intentionally ignore that they exist. Although the temptation to do so is understandable, it is always best for patients to ask about the risk of complications associated with their procedure and how these may be treated or, better yet, prevented.
Can you prevent the complications of a blepharoplasty?
Two things are essential regarding prevention. First, choosing a plastic or oculoplastic surgeon with ample training and experience in the procedure is paramount. A knowledgeable surgeon will be conservative in the surgical approach and know how much skin to remove, the correct technique for each patient, and how to manage a complication. Second, the proper diagnosis should be made before proceeding with a blepharoplasty. This point is significant as many patients are not good candidates for the operation. For example, a person may benefit more from a brow lift operation, and a blepharoplasty would prove unsatisfactory.
What can go wrong during a blepharoplasty?
It is good to know that complications can be prevented, but this doesn’t mean complications never occur. It is a fact that all surgical procedures carry an inherent risk of complication. There are three primary risks to consider when discussing blepharoplasty: patient dissatisfaction with the result, severe postoperative dry eye, and skin shortening that prevents full eyelid closure.
We have covered each of these points in our previous blogs. If you or someone you know has had unfortunate complications from a blepharoplasty, our eyelid specialist would be glad to examine and advise you on the best available options.
|