Blepharoplasty surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects defects and disfigurements of the eyelids. It also helps to aesthetically improve the eye region of the face. Before you decide on this cosmetic surgery, you should understand what it entails. Here are some risks and complications of the procedure.
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Lower eyelid blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed in an ambulatory surgery center. Most patients are given IV sedation and anesthesia for the procedure. The surgery is relatively quick and most patients go home the same day. Afterwards, patients will be given general aftercare guidelines by plastic surgeon, but should consult with their surgeon with questions.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is covered by Medicare in some cases. The procedure removes excess skin, muscle and fat from the upper eyelid and may improve the field of vision. In addition, this procedure may increase a patient’s confidence by improving their overall appearance.
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery is typically performed to correct deformities of the eyelid, including redundant skin, tear trough deformity, and laxity. In rare cases, the surgery may be performed to correct other issues, including inferior orbital hollowing or a negative vector. We searched two databases, PubMed and Cochrane Library, for relevant medical subject headings. From this search, we obtained 202 abstracts. Of these, 154 articles addressed the topic. After removing those with low level evidence, we reviewed 58 full-text articles. Forty-two of them met our inclusion criteria.
As we age, we accumulate fat in the lower eyelids. This fat causes the skin to sag and wrinkle. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty surgery removes this extra fat, smoothing out the skin and creating a more youthful appearance.
Risks
Blepharoplasty surgery is associated with a number of risks, which surgeons must make patients aware of before surgery. Some of these risks are minor, while others can be serious. The severity of a specific complication may vary greatly from patient to patient. The physician-patient relationship is most important, and proper communication should be a priority during the surgical process. In addition, surgical interventions can be necessary to address any postoperative concerns that patients have.
While eyelid surgery is safe and generally well tolerated, a potential complication of the procedure is the asymmetry of the upper eyelid. While most patients experience a subtle difference, severe asymmetry may be more noticeable and require further treatment. In addition, because the surgeon may remove a significant amount of upper eyelid skin, eyelid closure may be compromised. Typically, this problem will settle in a few weeks, but some patients may have prolonged problems with eyelid closure.
After blepharoplasty surgery, patients should stay home for at least a week. They should also refrain from taking certain medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or herbal supplements. They should also stop smoking before the procedure, as it can affect their recovery. After a few days, patients should be able to resume their usual activities. Patients may also need to wear special eye drops and take pain medication.
Blepharoplasty surgery is performed to improve the appearance of drooping or heavy eyelids. The procedure removes excess skin and sometimes muscle and fatty tissue that cause these issues. The surgery can also improve vision. The surgery cost is also affordable.
Complications
The procedure of blepharoplasty produces a desired aesthetic result, but it can lead to complications, including infection, swelling, scarring, and numbness. These problems are minimized with preoperative evaluation and appropriate management. Common complications include asymmetry, changes in eyelid position and shape, and compromise of vision.
Before undergoing blepharoplasty surgery, the surgeon should look for eyelid and periorbital disease. He will also perform a full-eye examination. This includes testing tear production, vision, and orbital asymmetry. In addition, visual field testing will determine whether or not the surgery will impede peripheral vision. A patient who has undergone laser eye surgery is also at a higher risk of complications.
Conclusion
While most patients are satisfied with the results of blepharoplasty surgery, there are some risks associated with the surgery. Common side effects include swelling and bruising, and there is a small chance of permanent vision changes. However, these side effects should be manageable and will subside within two weeks of the procedure.
