Dry eyes, blurry vision, and eyelid infections come in the list of complications associated with blepharoplasty. Read the following article to know more about the risks about this eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty, also referred to as eyelid surgery is performed to get rid of droopy eyelids or sagging skin (bags) under the eyes. Drooping eyelids can obstruct the vision and so it becomes necessary to remove unwanted skin on the eyelid. With age, the strength of the connective tissues that support the eyelids decreases. Hence, eyelids in the elderly tend to have a droopy like appearance. This surgery is often used to correct this unsightly appearance. However, before undergoing this surgery, it is essential to know about the cost and the complications associated with this corrective eyelid surgery.
Blepharoplasty Risks
Minor Complications
Minor complications are temporary and as such there is no irreversible damage to the eyelid function. Loss of sensation to the eyelid skin does occur after surgery but lasts only for a few days. Other issues that may occur after surgery are discussed below:
Vision Problems
There have been reports of patients complaining about blurred or double vision. These vision disturbances do not last long and it is a just matter of few days before one is able to see clearly.
Swelling
The surplus removal of skin tissues from the eyelids or repositioning the surrounding muscle tissues can cause swelling that is distinctly visible at the corner of the eyelids.
Dry Eyes
Patients may suffer from dry eyes after surgery, which is again a temporary issue. Itchy, burning feeling in the eyes is commonly associated with dry eyes. The doctor may recommend the use of artificial tears (eye drops) to overcome dry eye syndrome.
Infection
During or after eye bag surgery, the patient may develop an eyelid infection. However, this is not a serious issue and resolves without any medical intervention.
Poor Eyelid Function
The patient after surgery may find it difficult to close the eyes. This impaired eyelid movement can prevent the patient from getting a good night’s sleep. So, the problem of eyelids not closing properly can be slightly annoying as it can cause difficulty sleeping. As blepharoplasty deals with correcting the eyelids, it may take some time before eyelid function returns to normal.
Eyelid Hematoma
Eyelid hematoma describes a condition in which blood gets collected in the upper or lower eyelid. However, this abnormal build up of blood, doesn’t interfere with eyesight but certainly requires medical attention. This causes swelling in the lower or upper eyelid depending upon where the blood has accumulated.
Skin Problems
Areas on eyelids where cuts are made during surgery may develop scars. Stitching the incision areas is an integral part of this surgery. However, when the stitches are removed, the area may show small whitish lumps.
Serious Complications
Retinal Detachment
Retinal detachment is a condition in which the retina, an important part of the eye, gets detached (separated) from its supporting tissue. As a result, the blood supply to the retina gets cut off. Thus, oxygen as well as essential nutrients no longer reach the retina. This is a serious issue and so, treatment at the earliest is the key to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Ectropion
Ectropion refers to abnormal repositioning of lower eyelids. After surgery, the lower eyelids appear folded in the outward direction. As a result, the inner surface of the lower eyelid is distinctly visible to the viewer.
Recovery from Blepharoplasty
Recovery from this surgery will depend on a number of factors such as the size of incision, post operative care and complications associated with the surgery. The onset of serious complications can also increase the healing time. Unhealthy habits like smoking can also prolong the recovery period. Also, if the person is suffering from existing health problems, the recovery time is likely to slow down. On an average, patients showing minor complications may take 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully.
In any case, be it minor or serious blepharoplasty complications, one should report these eye problems to the doctor. After hearing the patient’s complaints and examining the eye, the doctor may get an idea about how far the surgery has been successful. The doctor may suggest some treatment options or may again perform a minor surgery to correct the problem.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
