Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can rejuvenate your appearance and improve your vision by removing excess skin and fat from your eyelids. While this procedure offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and how to prevent them.
An experienced plastic surgeon performing blepharoplasty, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will share her expert tips on minimising the risk of dry eye, ectropion, and other common issues that can occur after the procedure.
Dry eye is one of the most common complications following blepharoplasty. This condition occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, and a gritty sensation in your eyes. After eyelid surgery, you may experience temporary dry eye symptoms due to the disruption of tear production and distribution.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
If left untreated, dry eye can impact your daily life and lead to more serious complications, such as corneal abrasions or ulcers. Your plastic surgeon will assess your risk factors for dry eye during your consultation and take precautions to minimise this risk during and after your surgery. Your surgeon may also recommend artificial tears, ointments, or other treatments to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
Ectropion is a condition where the lower eyelid pulls away from the eye, exposing the inner surface of the eyelid and causing irritation, dryness, and discomfort. While rare, ectropion can occur after blepharoplasty if too much skin is removed from the lower eyelid or if the eyelid muscles are weakened during surgery.
Common signs and symptoms of ectropion include:
Ectropion can not only affect your appearance but also lead to more serious eye health issues if not addressed promptly. Your surgeon will use precise surgical techniques to minimise the risk of ectropion and carefully monitor your recovery to ensure proper eyelid position and function. If ectropion does occur, additional procedures might be required to correct the issue and restore your eyelid to its natural position.
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A haematoma is a collection of blood that can develop under the skin after any surgical procedure, including blepharoplasty. This complication occurs when blood vessels are damaged during surgery, and the blood pools in the surrounding tissues, causing swelling, discolouration, and discomfort.
Signs and symptoms of a haematoma include:
While small haematomas can resolve on their own with time and proper care, larger ones may require additional treatment, such as drainage or surgical removal. To minimise the risk of haematoma, I use meticulous surgical techniques and provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions, which may include avoiding certain medications, applying cold compresses, and keeping your head elevated.
Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure, and blepharoplasty is no exception. While rare, infections can occur if bacteria enter the surgical site, leading to redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Prompt recognition and treatment of infection are crucial to prevent more serious complications and ensure a smooth recovery.
Signs of infection to watch for include:
Here are some expert tips to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes and minimise the risk of complications such as dry eye, ectropion, haematoma, and infection:
One of the most crucial steps in preventing complications is choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, like Anca. Her extensive training and expertise in blepharoplasty ensure that patients receive the highest standard of care and attention to detail. During the initial consultation, she thoroughly assesses each patient’s individual needs, medical history, and risk factors to create a personalised treatment plan that minimises the likelihood of complications.
Your surgeon’s precision and attention to detail in the operating room are key factors in minimising the risk of complications during blepharoplasty. Anca employs advanced surgical techniques that prioritise the preservation of natural eyelid function and anatomy. By carefully manipulating the delicate tissues around the eyes, she can remove excess skin and fat while maintaining the integrity of the eyelid muscles and tear ducts.
One of the techniques used to reduce the risk of dry eye is the preservation of the orbicularis oculi muscle. This muscle plays a crucial role in tear production and distribution, and by keeping it intact, we can ensure that patients maintain adequate tear function after surgery. Anca also takes great care to avoid over resection of skin and fat, which can lead to complications such as ectropion or a hollow appearance.
To minimise the risk of haematoma, Anca uses meticulous haemostasis techniques during surgery. She carefully controls bleeding by sealing blood vessels and applying gentle pressure to the surgical site. Additionally, she may use advanced technologies such as electrocautery or laser devices to further enhance precision and reduce bleeding.
Proper post-operative care is essential for preventing complications and promoting a smooth recovery. Anca provides her patients with detailed instructions on how to care for their eyes following blepharoplasty, emphasising the importance of adherence to these guidelines.
One of the key aspects of post-operative care is proper wound management. Anca instructs her patients on how to gently clean their incisions with a mild soap and water solution, keeping the area dry and protected. She may also recommend the use of antibiotic ointments or eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
To minimise swelling and bruising, the recommendation is to apply cold compresses to the eye area for the first 48-72 hours after surgery. It is also recommended to keep the head elevated while sleeping and avoiding strenuous activities or bending down, which can increase pressure in the eye area.
Pain management is another aspect of post-operative care. Anca prescribes appropriate pain medications and provides guidance on their use, ensuring that patients remain comfortable throughout their recovery. She also advises patients to avoid medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, unless otherwise directed.
Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to closely monitor each patient’s recovery and address any concerns promptly. Anca encourages her patients to contact her office if they experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, vision changes, or signs of infection. By maintaining open lines of communication and providing prompt attention to any issues, she can intervene early and prevent minor complications from becoming more serious.
While most patients experience a smooth recovery following blepharoplasty, you should be aware of the signs and symptoms that may indicate a complication requiring immediate medical attention. If you notice any of the following issues, contact your plastic surgeon’s office promptly:
Yes, certain lifestyle modifications can help minimise the risk of complications and promote a smooth recovery. These include:
Revision blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous eyelid surgery. This secondary surgery may be necessary if a patient experiences complications, unsatisfactory results, or changes in their eyelids over time following their initial blepharoplasty.
Some common reasons for revision blepharoplasty include: