Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid Surgery Potential Risks and Complications in New York
What could go wrong?
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. When a blepharoplasty is performed by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities, and the outcome is never completely predictable.
Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be drained by the surgeon), minor infections, scar lumpiness or distortion (usually temporary), injury to the nerves of the eyelid and eye, and even blindness (extremely rare- about 1:100,000). Dry eyes or even excessive tearing can occasionally occur (usually temporary). Ectropion (pulling down of the lower lids) can occur as a result of excessive scar tissue formation. Massaging, as instructed, early on diminishes the chance of this happening. If it does occur however then more intense massaging to the lid will help alleviate this problem although in these circumstances it may take a couple of months to correct. Occasionally, if conservative treatment is unsuccessful then surgical correction is required.
Tiny whiteheads may appear under the skin at the site of the sutures, after your stitches are taken out. These can be removed easily with a very fine needle in the outpatients department.
You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Klapper's advice both before and after surgery.