Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a procedure that aims to make your eyes look younger by removing extra skin, fat, or muscle from around them.
It’s a popular surgery, but like all surgeries, things can sometimes go wrong. As more people consider blepharoplasty, there’s a growing awareness of the potential risks.
This article will give you a detailed look at what can happen when blepharoplasty goes wrong. We’ll cover the common causes of complications, and how to avoid or fix the issues. And, of course, we’ll show you some blepharoplasty gone wrong pictures so you know what to look out for.
What Can Go Wrong with Blepharoplasty?
Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries the risk of complications. Here are a few things that can go wrong.
Common Upper Blepharoplasty Complications
- Difficulty closing the eyes. Removing too much skin from the upper eyelid is a significant risk that can lead to dry eye and even corneal damage.
- Brow displacement. Surgery can sometimes change the position of the brow and affect the overall appearance of the face.
- Asymmetry or irregular eyelids. Uneven healing or surgical errors can result in asymmetrical eyelids.
Other Potential Issues
- Prolonged swelling and bruising. Swelling and bruising are normal after blepharoplasty, but in some cases, they can be excessive or last longer than expected (typically resolving in 2-4 weeks).
- Over-scarring. Poor surgical technique or healing can lead to noticeable scars.
- Vision issues. Temporary blurred vision is common, but more serious vision complications are possible, though rare.
Reasons behind unsuccessful blepharoplasty results
When blepharoplasty goes wrong, the reasons usually fall into one of two categories: surgeon-related or patient-related.
Surgeon-related factors
- Inexperienced or unqualified surgeon. A surgeon’s level of experience and expertise is critical to the outcome of blepharoplasty. A lack of precision can lead to any number of complications.
- Inadequate pre-operative assessment. It’s important to consider factors like skin elasticity, brow position, and overall eye health. The surgeon should spend plenty of time measuring the placement of the eyelid crease.
Patient-related factors
- Unrealistic expectations. It’s important to fully understand what blepharoplasty can and can’t do.
- Inadequate aftercare. Following all post-operative instructions is essential for proper healing.
- Underlying medical conditions. Certain health conditions can affect healing and overall outcomes.
- Inelastic skin. If your skin isn’t very elastic, you may not get the results you want.
How to avoid blepharoplasty complications
Like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries risks. You can mitigate these risks with careful planning.
- Choose a qualified, board-certified surgeon. Check their credentials and read patient reviews.
- Schedule a comprehensive consultation. Discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history in detail. Don’t hold back.
- Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions. These instructions are designed to promote optimal healing.
- Consider non-surgical alternatives. For mild rejuvenation, explore options like fillers. These may be suitable for some patients and carry fewer risks.
- Advocate for yourself. Understand the procedure. Research the surgeon’s background. Ask questions. Eyelid surgery is unique, and you need to be an informed participant.
What if I regret my blepharoplasty?
If you’re dealing with complications after blepharoplasty, revision surgery might be an option.
Volume loss can sometimes be corrected with fat grafting or hyaluronic acid fillers. A dermis fat graft may also be an option in some cases.
Finding a qualified revision specialist is crucial. Correcting previous surgical errors requires specialized expertise.
It’s important to have realistic expectations for revision surgery. Improvement, not necessarily perfection, is generally the goal. A skilled surgeon can help manage your expectations and discuss what’s realistically achievable in your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people regret getting blepharoplasty?
While blepharoplasty generally has high satisfaction rates, some individuals do experience regret. This can stem from unrealistic expectations about the outcome, complications that affect appearance or function, or a poor surgeon-patient relationship. Thorough consultation and realistic goal-setting are crucial to minimizing regret.
How many people have gone blind from blepharoplasty?
Blindness as a result of blepharoplasty is thankfully extremely rare. While visual disturbances can occur, permanent vision loss is a devastating but infrequent complication. Choosing a highly experienced and qualified surgeon significantly reduces this risk.
What is the most common complication of blepharoplasty?
The most common complications following blepharoplasty include temporary swelling and bruising, dry eyes, asymmetry in the eyelids, and difficulty closing the eyes completely (lagophthalmos). These issues are often mild and resolve on their own, but persistent problems may require additional treatment.
How often does blepharoplasty go wrong?
Blepharoplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgery, it carries potential risks. While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, studies suggest that significant complications are uncommon, occurring in a small percentage of cases. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in blepharoplasty is key to minimizing the likelihood of adverse outcomes. Doing your research and carefully vetting potential surgeons is paramount.
Final Thoughts
Before deciding on blepharoplasty, it’s essential to do your homework, manage your expectations, and understand that the procedure has risks as well as benefits.
Selecting a board-certified, experienced surgeon is critical to achieving the outcome you hope for and avoiding undesirable results.
With careful preparation, a realistic understanding of the process, and the right surgeon, you can minimize the risk of complications and maximize your chances of being happy with your blepharoplasty results.