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Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) Risks & Safety | Tampa | St. PeteEyelid plastic surgery is an intricate procedure as it involves the delicate eye area. However, in the hands of an experienced and well-qualified eyelid surgeon, this risk is significantly minimized.

Blepharoplasty is a relatively less invasive procedure in comparison to other facial surgeries. In general, the patient undergoes this surgery under only local anesthesia and mild sedation.

The patient should be committed to following the surgeon’s pre and post-op instructions for a safe and predictable recovery. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient of the potential risks enabling them to make a salient choice.

Suncoast Skin Solutions, led by dedicated board certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Ewanowski, provides eyelid surgery to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Central Florida, Florida, and surrounding locations in the amazing Sunshine State.

 

Serious Complications

Ectropian, hematoma, and retinal detachment are some serious complications that could occur during or after blepharoplasty. However, these complications are rare with a low rate of occurrence.

Ectropian refers to the tendency of the lower eyelid to droop and become inverted. Such patients will need to undergo revision surgery to treat this condition.

A hematoma is the accumulation of excess blood and fluid beneath the skin in the incision areas. In case the blepharoplasty is undertaken with other facial surgical procedures such as brow lift or facelift, the risk of hematoma development increases.

The surgeon will place a small drainage tube underneath the skin for a few days to enable the surplus fluid to drain out reducing the chances of hematoma development.

In exceptional cases, the patient may experience the retina being detached from the outer layers of the eyes causing retinal detachment. This occurs due to tears or holes in the retina. The patient will have to undergo further surgery to correct retinal detachment.

 

Minor Post-Op Complications

Some patients may experience one or more of the following minor complications after eyelid lift surgery:

  • Infection
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Poor reaction to anesthesia
  • Problems in keeping the eyes closed during sleep
  • Excessive tearing
  • Burning sensation in the eyes
  • Whiteheads formation after suture removal
  • Visible scarring

Most of these post-operative symptoms will typically resolve in a few days. But in case the patient experiences significant discomfort, they may seek further treatment. Only in rare cases will the complications be permanent.

 

Side Effects

Pain, Discomfort, and Irritation

The patient may experience slight irritation and soreness in the incision areas during the immediate post-operative phase. As the effect of the anesthesia wears off, the patient may experience pain or tightness in the lids. The surgeon may prescribe pain drugs in the initial week after the procedure.

Inflammation

In the first week after the procedure, the patient can expect a certain level of swelling. The patient can use ice therapy or cold compresses in the first two or three days to minimize inflammation. In addition, the patient should keep their head in an elevated position for the first few days

Scarring

The scarring is minimal in most blepharoplasty cases. The scars will remain discreet if the surgeon places the incision inside the lower lids.

 

The state of the art skin care clinic of Dr. Christopher Ewanowski receives patients for eyelid surgery from Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Central Florida, Florida, and other towns and communities in this part of the country. 

SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz (2 locations), Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Largo at Bardmoor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Palm Harbor, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.