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Safety and Risks of Eyelid Surgery

The decision to have eyelid surgery is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of eyelid surgery include:
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Temporarily blurred or impaired vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Difficulty closing your eyes
  • Lid lag, a pulling down of the lower eyelid may occur and is often temporary
  • Ectropion, rolling of the eyelid outwards
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Blood clots
  • Numbness and other changes in skin sensation
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Eyelid disorders that involve abnormal position of the upper eyelids (eyelid ptosis), loose eyelid skin, or abnormal laxness of the lower eyelid (ectropion) can coexist with sagging forehead and eyebrow structures; brow lift surgery will not correct these disorders; additional surgery may be required
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Skin discoloration and swelling
  • Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Loss of eyesight

Be sure to ask questions: It's very important to ask Dr. Klotch questions about your eyelid procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with him.

A special note about the use of fibrin sealants (tissue glue)

Fibrin sealants (made from heat-treated human blood components to inactivate virus transmission) are used to hold tissue layers together at surgery and to diminish post-operative bruising following surgery.

This product has been carefully produced from screened donor blood plasma for hepatitis, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These products have been used safely for many years as sealants in cardiovascular and general surgery. This product is thought to be of help in diminishing surgical bleeding and by adhering layers of tissue together.

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary.

Be careful

Following Dr. Klotch’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Read the following articles for more information on Eyelid Surgery:

Preparing for Eyelid Surgery
Procedural Steps of Eyelid Surgery
Recovery from Eyelid Surgery