Possible Complications After an Eyelid Lift
Eyelid surgery is now one of the five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is at its most fundamental a procedure used to improve the appearance of the eyelids and the eye area of the face.
Often it is simple gravity that is responsible for causing the delicate and sensitive skin around the eyes to begin to sag or wrinkle. Because the face is most exposed to the elements, it is the face that tends to reflect age-related changes the most and the earliest.
As people live longer and healthier lives than at any other time in history, it just makes sense that the demand for rejuvenating procedures like eyelid lift surgery is also increasing!
What Is an Eyelid Lift?
An eyelid lift, as its name indicates, is a procedure that can lift and smooth the eyelids and return a more youthful appearance to the eyes and the eyelid areas of the face. Depending on your individual needs, an eyelid lift can be done on just the upper eyelids, just on the lower eyelids or on both the upper and lower eyelids in one procedure.
An eyelid lift can be done for purely appearance-based (cosmetic) reasons, but it is also sometimes medically recommended to treat issues related to eye function and vision. Sometimes gravity can cause sagging or folded skin to impede vision or cause discomfort. In this case, an eyelid lift may be eligible for insurance coverage, so it is important to ask your insurer for guidance.
What Possible Complications Can Arise With an Eyelid Lift?
As with any invasive procedure (surgery requiring incisions), there is always a slight risk of bleeding, scarring, uneven results or infection at the incision sites.
There is also a slight risk of allergic reaction to the anesthesia, so it is important to let your surgeon know if you have any medication allergies.
There are certain uncommon complications that are specific to an eyelid lift, and these include vision changes, difficulty with completely closing the eyelids, sun or light sensitivity, dryness of the eyes, outward rolling of the lid after healing and blindness.
If these side effects cause you concern, you can discuss them at length with your Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami surgeon during your individual consultation.
How Can Any Eyelid Lift Complications Be Minimized?
For delicate, precise procedures such as an eyelid lift, the surgeon you choose can greatly influence the success of your procedure!
Unfortunately, there are many surgeons practicing in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery today that possess only minimal qualifications or extra training in this field. Therefore, it is critical to take your time and research any surgeon you are considering allowing to work on the sensitive, tiny areas of your eyelids and eyes!
The best choice is always an experienced, board-certified surgeon that has a solid case history and an enthusiastic client base that is happy with the results of their procedures.
You can also do your part to ensure the best possible outcome from your eyelid lift by staying healthy and fit, refraining from drinking alcohol and smoking during and after your procedure, making sure you are at or near your ideal weight before scheduling your eyelid lift and discussing any concerns or health issues with your surgeon before your procedure.
What Is an Eyelid Lift Consultation Like?
Your individual eyelid lift consultation is your time to meet one-on-one with your selected surgeon. During this consultation, you will share your medical history and your goals for your procedure.
Your surgeon will do an exam of the eyelid and eye area and may take photos also. You are welcome to bring in photographs or drawings to help explain your individual goals for having an eyelid lift.
You can also ask any questions you have and find out how to prepare for your eyelid lift and what to expect after your procedure. Once you have completed your individual consultation and your surgeon has determined you are a good candidate, you can pick a date and schedule your eyelid lift.
What Is Eyelid Lift Recovery Like?
Your recovery from an eyelid lift may vary depending on whether you have had just the upper eyelid, just the lower eyelid or both lids lifted. As well, since it is common to schedule an eyelid lift along with other facial procedures, this can influence your personal recovery time.
However, for an eyelid lift alone, most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return to work and resume their daily activities within seven days. You will be given detailed instructions for post-operative care and prescriptions to manage any temporary discomfort.
It will be vital to protect your eyes from the sun, which will include the use of dark-tinted sunglasses when you go outside. By following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions in detail, you can minimize any recovery discomfort and maximize your procedure results.
How Long Will Eyelid Lift Results Last?
When you have an eyelid lift with a skilled and experienced surgeon and do your best to take great care of your eyes and practice sun protection long-term, you can generally expect to enjoy the rejuvenating results of your eyelid lift for many years!
About the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami
Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami is the practice of Drs. Altman, Ghersi , and Oeltjen. Each surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has thousands of hours performing cosmetic and plastic surgery on patients around the globe. Together, Drs. Altman, Ghersi and Oeltjen serve a nationwide client base, performing facial, breast and body contouring procedures to help each patient achieve their personal image goals. The office and clinic is state of the art and is located at the end of Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, Florida.
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