Blepharoplasty is one of the most common facial procedures performed today. It can be a quick-fix to problems like hooded or puffy eyelids. These are issues that affect many adults and, because they cannot be hidden, can cause a lot of distress. Eyelid rejuvenation, called blepharoplasty, permanently alters the eyelids so the eyes appear younger and more energetic. At least this is the intent. With blepharoplasty offering such significant improvements, many surgeons perform this procedure. With so many surgeons performing this procedure, we see a relatively common request for revision eyelid surgery. Here, we discuss why it is vitally important to take extra care in selecting a surgeon to perform blepharoplasty, especially revision blepharoplasty.
Regardless of the surgery that is performed, every procedure has some inherent risk. Every surgeon has experienced a surgical complication at some point in their career. The risk of this happening decreases with training and experience. Therefore, when seeking blepharoplasty, a patient must do their due diligence and request specific information from each surgeon they interview. It is also why an oculofacial plastic surgeon is an excellent option for eyelid rejuvenation. An oculofacial plastic surgeon receives 3 to 5 years of training exclusively on the eyes and periocular region. A general plastic surgeon spends less than a few months focused on eye procedures. This is not to say that a general board-certified plastic surgeon cannot achieve outstanding blepharoplasty results. The point is to outline the differences in training that exist.
Blepharoplasty complications to be aware of include:
- Poor scarring
- Dry eyes
- Inability to completely close the eyes
- Insufficient blink
- Sunken appearance around the eyes
- Retraction of the lower eyelid
- Asymmetry
- Persistent eye irritation
- Excessive tearing
What Causes Blepharoplasty Complications?
The most common reason for blepharoplasty complications is taking too much eyelid tissue. Revision, then, is needed to add tissue to replace what has been trimmed. Understandably, what many patients do is go back to the surgeon who performed their initial procedure. Revision in this way may only worsen the outcome that has occurred. With extensive education and familiarity with the fat, muscle, and skin around the eyes, an oculofacial plastic surgeon is the best person to manage any complication that results from blepharoplasty.
If your blepharoplasty did not accomplish what you had hoped, there is the option of revision. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Murrell in our Amarillo office at (806) 351-1177.