Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Potential complications and risks of eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
All operations carry potential complications and risks, and your consultant will ensure you are fully aware of all these before you commit to surgery.
It is essential that you do not smoke the week before or after surgery.
With all operations there can be problems with infection in the wounds but this is extremely uncommon around the eyes. The scars may become red, raised and itchy over a period of 6 to 8 weeks but then should settle over the subsequent months. In some people, the scars may remain red, raised and itchy for up to 18 months.
It is not possible to guarantee symmetry of the lids after removal of skin and fat from both eyes. Very rarely this may leave the eyes feeling very tight after surgery, perhaps with more white of the eye showing or even with the lower lid turning outwards slightly. This usually settles as the scars settle, but if it persists then skin may have to be re-introduced into the eyelids.
There is a theoretical risk of blindness with any operation or accident around the eye. The risk is in the region of 1 in 12,000. When you are in the recovery area after surgery your vision will be checked. If there is a problem you will be returned to the operating theatre and the stitches removed. The reasons for loss of sight are poorly understood and may be due to either a blood clot behind the eye, or reflex spasm within one of the blood vessels supplying the central nerve of the eye. If this does occur, the loss of vision may be permanent.
It is essential that you do not smoke the week before or after surgery.
Some patients find that the eyes are more dry after eyelid surgery and contact lenses may be more difficult to wear for a short time. Due to tightening of the lids, sometimes your glasses prescription can change and you may have to have your eyes checked by your optician after surgery.
All patients are advised not to take drugs containing aspirin, ibuprofen or gingko biloba for at least a week before their operation as these can cause bleeding.
