5 Possible Risks or Side Effects Associated With Eyelid Surgery
If you have sagging or loose skin surrounding your eyes, you may be interested in blepharoplasty. Also known as eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes and repositions the skin around your eyes. This can provide a variety of benefits, including:
A more youthful appearance
A reduction in sagging or “bags” under the eyes
A larger, more open appearance to the eyes
An increased or unobstructed field of vision
While eyelid surgery can produce certain benefits, as with any surgical procedure, it doesn’t come without certain risks. Five possible risks or side effects associated with blepharoplasty include:
1. Infection
Any procedure that makes an incision into the skin comes with the risk of infection. Eyelid surgery is no exception to this. When you have a blepharoplasty performed, small incisions will be made along the upper or lower eyelid. In some cases, incisions are made along both the upper and lower lid.
After your procedure, it is essential that you keep these incisions clean and free of debris or bacteria. Proper incision aftercare can prevent an infection from developing.
2. Scarring
Whenever an incision is made in the skin, there is the potential for scarring afterward. When you have eyelid surgery, the incisions are very small and will be made in discreet areas along the eyelid.
However, there is still a possibility you could develop a small scar. To minimize the risk of scarring, you may need to apply aftercare products that nourish the skin and encourage faster healing.
3. Injury to Eye Muscles
Another risk associated with blepharoplasty is damage or injury to your eye muscles. While this is incredibly rare, it is always possible when working in the small area surrounding the eyes.
When making an incision in the eyelids, it is possible to hit the tiny muscles that surround your eye. This can impact your ability to open or close your eyes after your procedure.
4. Blurry Vision
Sometimes eyelid surgery can impact your field of vision after the procedure. Patients may experience blurry vision or visual disturbances for several days to weeks after surgery.
This may be due to swelling and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. These vision concerns usually subside within days or weeks after your recovery begins.
5. Skin Discoloration
A rare but still possible side effect of blepharoplasty is skin discoloration. You will likely experience bruising around the surgical site for several days to weeks, but some patients see a permanent change in the color of their eyelid skin. This may be addressed with certain topical products or other aesthetic treatments in the future.
When to Seek Eyelid Surgery
Blepharoplasty comes with certain risks and side effects, including blurry vision, scarring, and infections. However, eyelid surgery can be beneficial for many people.
If you struggle with loose or sagging skin around your eyes, you may be a good candidate for a blepharoplasty procedure. Eyelid surgery can remove this skin, helping improve your vision and create a more youthful appearance overall.
