How Safe Is Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty, also called eyelid surgery, has two main benefits: to reduce signs of aging and improve vision. By removing drooping skin from around your eyes, the procedure can make you look younger and might improve your peripheral vision if the skin obstructs it.

At iSight Vision Care in Fountain Valley and Huntington Beach, California, ophthalmologists Vicki Lin, MD, and Maryam Khatami, DO, routinely perform eyelid surgery to reduce puffiness, remove sagging skin, remove eyebags, and rotate the eyelashes away from the eyeball.

Your eyelid surgery is personalized according to your needs and goals. But despite the benefits, you might have concerns about the safety of blepharoplasty. Here’s what you should know.

How eyelid surgery works

Eyelid surgery can involve a few different steps depending on why you’re getting it. Dr. Lin and Dr. Khatami typically start by marking the incision site, which follows the natural crease of your eyelid to minimize scarring.

Then, based on your needs, they may remove excess skin or fat from around the eyelids. They may repair or reattach loose muscle in the area, too. They may target the upper eyelids (upper blepharoplasty), lower eyelids (lower blepharoplasty), or both.

Dr. Lin and Dr. Khatami then close the incisions with sutures in the upper eyelids. If you had a lower blepharoplasty, you might not need sutures if the incisions are on the insides of your lower eyelids.

Possible eyelid surgery risks and recovery

Eyelid surgery is generally safe as long as you get it from a board-certified ophthalmologist. Still, you can expect some mild issues during the recovery. Additionally, with any surgery, there are a few risks.

What to expect from recovery

It’s common to experience some minor swelling and bruising around your eyes as you recover from eyelid surgery. It typically takes 10-14 days to fully recover after surgery.

You’ll have to take a few days off work and limit your activities as your eyelids heal, but Dr. Lin and Dr. Khatami will give you detailed instructions on managing swelling and discomfort.

Rare complications

Complications from blepharoplasty are rare, but you should be aware of them so you know when to call your ophthalmologist. Uncommon, yet possible, complications include infection, dry eyes, trouble closing your eyes, and vision loss.

How to prepare for a safe blepharoplasty

Dr. Lin and Dr. Khatami welcome you for a detailed consultation and evaluation before you get eyelid surgery. They make sure you’re in good health and provide instructions for surgery preparation.

Properly preparing for eyelid surgery minimizes your risk for complications. They may tell you to:

Stop smoking
Get lab tests, if recommended
Adjust certain medications
Stop taking any medications or supplements that increase bleeding

If eyelid surgery is too risky for you for any reason, Dr. Lin and Dr. Khatami will tell you. They encourage you to stop smoking as soon as possible if you’re thinking about getting blepharoplasty in the future.