Blepharoplasty is a safe and simple surgery when performed by an experienced eye surgeon. It is usually done as an outpatient. The patient must carefully follow the surgeon’s instructions to prepare for the surgery and recover afterwards.
Since the eyes are very delicate, any surgery in this area should be thought through carefully. The surgeon should talk with the patient about the possible risks and problems that could happen with blepharoplasty before the surgery.
Let’s explore the potential blepharoplasty risks, safety precautions, & benefits it offers. This comprehensive guide will surely help you determine if eyelid surgery is safe for you.
Is blepharoplasty safe?
Blepharoplasty is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, it carries the same risks and complications as any other surgical procedure. It’s crucial to discuss these with your surgeon during the consultation process to ensure you fully understand them. The ultimate guide to blepharoplasty also provides detailed steps to enhance the safety of your surgery, from the initial consultation through recovery.
Ensuring the safety of your blepharoplasty procedure involves several key steps:
- Choosing a Qualified Oculoplastic Surgeon: Ensure your surgeon is board-certified and experienced in blepharoplasty.
- Pre-Surgery Consultations: Thorough consultations with your surgeon will help you understand the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhering to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions is vital for a smooth blepharoplasty recovery.
- Monitor for Complications: Be vigilant for signs of complications such as excessive swelling, infection, or severe pain, and report them to your surgeon immediately.
Blepharoplasty risks
While blepharoplasty is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and complications. A qualified oculoplastic surgeon will take a closer look at what eyelid surgery involves and the potential risks & complications associated with blepharoplasty surgery. Let’s look at them:
- Dry Eye: Some patients may experience dry eyes post-surgery, which can be uncomfortable but is typically temporary.
- Difficulty Closing the Eyes: In rare cases, patients may have difficulty closing their eyes fully, which can lead to dry eyes or other complications.
- Eyelid Numbness: Temporary numbness in the eyelids or eyelashes is common and usually resolves on its own.
- Infection: Infection is a concern that comes with any surgery. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to minimise this risk.
- Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after the surgery, although it is usually minor.
- Blurred Vision: Some patients may experience blurred vision temporarily post-surgery.
- Bruising and Swelling: These are common side effects that typically subside within a couple of weeks. In certain situations, swelling may persist for up to 6 weeks or longer.
- Possible Loss of Vision: Although extremely rare, there is a low risk of vision loss.
- Scar: Scarring is usually minimal and hidden in the natural creases of the eyelids, but some individuals may experience more noticeable scars.
- Anaesthesia Risks: As with any surgical procedure requiring anaesthesia, there are risks related to the anaesthesia itself.
- Double Vision: Although it’s very uncommon, having lower blepharoplasty surgery could affect the muscles that control how your eyes line up, which might result in seeing double. While this can usually be fixed, it can be quite bothersome and unsettling.
- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light can occur but typically resolves over time.
- Pain or Discomfort: Some pain and discomfort are expected after the surgery, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Top 5 Benefits of Blepharoplasty
Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is a popular cosmetic procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the eyelids and address functional issues. Here are the top 5 benefits of undergoing blepharoplasty:
1. Improved Vision
Excess skin on the upper eyelids can droop over the eyelashes and obstruct vision. Blepharoplasty removes this excess skin, enhancing your field of vision and making everyday activities like reading and driving safer and more comfortable.
2. Youthful Appearance
One of the primary reasons people opt for blepharoplasty is to achieve a more youthful look. The procedure reduces wrinkles, bags, and sagging skin around the eyes, resulting in a fresher and more vibrant appearance.
3. Minimal Scarring
Blepharoplasty incisions are typically made in the natural creases of the eyelids or inside the lower eyelid, resulting in minimal visible scarring. The scars that do form are usually well-concealed and fade over time.
4. Long-lasting Results
The results of blepharoplasty are long-lasting, with many patients enjoying the benefits for years. While the ageing process will continue, the improvements achieved through surgery can provide a more youthful appearance for an extended period.
5. Enhanced Facial Aesthetics
By improving the appearance of the eyelids, blepharoplasty can enhance your overall facial aesthetics. The eyes are a focal point of the face, and rejuvenating this area can create a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.
For more details on blepharoplasty and its pros and cons, visit our The Pros and Cons of Hooded Eyes Surgery
Blepharoplasty Surgery at Perfect Eyes Limited
We know how upsetting it is when surgery doesn’t go well. Perfect Eyes Limited has a team of experts ready to help you.
If you’re considering getting eyelid surgery, the first step is to arrange an in-person consultation with Dr. Shah-Desai at Perfect Eyes Limited. Our approachable and well-informed patient coordinators are there to support you and make sure you feel confident about your decision to undergo blepharoplasty surgery.
During the consultation, the surgeon will assess your suitability and recommend the most suitable type of eyelid surgery based on a thorough clinical evaluation. We understand that each patient’s eyelid anatomy is unique; therefore, the surgery is always tailored to your needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Blepharoplasty can significantly enhance your appearance & boost your confidence, but it’s important to understand the risks and take necessary precautions. By choosing a qualified oculoplastic surgeon, following post-operative instructions, and being aware of potential blepharoplasty side effects, you can achieve the best possible results from your eyelid surgery.
FAQs
1. Can blepharoplasty go wrong?
If the operation involves removing some fat from your lower eyelid, it can harm the eye muscle within the fat and cause double vision, which may be permanent. You might need a second operation in this case.
2. Can blepharoplasty damage the eyes?
After surgery, patients may have lower tear production and blink less, causing temporary dry eyes. This can worsen chronic dry eyes.
3. Who is not a good candidate for blepharoplasty?
People with chronic dry eyes, high blood pressure, circulation issues, thyroid problems, diabetes, or heart disease are not ideal candidates. Those with glaucoma should consult their doctor before considering surgery to ensure it is safe for them.
4. Is non-surgical blepharoplasty safe?
Non-surgical blepharoplasty is accurate and safe. It can treat many conditions that are sometimes hard to treat with other methods. It can be applied either on its own or in combination with other procedures.
5. How long do blepharoplasty results last?
Blepharoplasty results are generally long-lasting. The duration of the results may vary slightly among patients, but both lower and upper eyelid surgery results can last up to 10 years.
6. How painful is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is one of the least painful procedures. You might feel some discomfort on the day of surgery, but you should start feeling better quickly.
7. Is it possible to reverse blepharoplasty surgery?
Yes, it’s possible to undo or reverse blepharoplasty when a highly skilled eye surgery specialist performs a revision blepharoplasty. However, correcting mistakes from the initial surgery can be difficult, and not all eyelid surgeons have the expertise to perform this intricate and complex procedure.