What Would Happen If a Blepharoplasty Goes Wrong: Risks and Solutions

Blepharoplasty can improve the appearance of the eyelids and give a more rested appearance, but the result is not always as expected. If a blepharoplasty goes wrong, the person may have aesthetic problems such as asymmetries or excess skin, and in some cases functional difficulties such as dry eyes or problems closing the eyes. Not only do these effects affect the image, they can also impact everyday comfort.

In more serious situations, poorly performed surgery can leave visible scars, sagging eyelids, or a constant feeling of eye irritation. These problems usually require corrective procedures and specialized medical monitoring to recover both function and aesthetics of the area.

The good news is that there are screening techniques and treatments that help correct unsatisfactory results. In addition, choosing an experienced surgeon and performing an appropriate prior evaluation significantly reduces the risk of complications.

Key Points

• Una failed blepharoplasty can cause aesthetic and functional problems
• Corrective treatments and surgeries are available to improve results
• Good preparation and choice of specialist helps prevent complications

Immediate complications of a poorly done blepharoplasty

Una blepharoplasty poorly done can cause visible problems from the first days. These include inadequate removal of skin or fat, the appearance of severe bruising, and a lack of symmetry between the eyelids. Each complication affects recovery and aesthetic outcome differently.

Excess skin or fat removed

When eyelid surgery removes more tissue than is needed, the eye may appear sunken or overstretched. Not only does this change the natural expression of the face, it can also make it difficult to fully close the eyelid.

Excess skin removed can cause reverse droopy eyelids, where the eyelid doesn't cover the eye well. This increases eye dryness and irritation.

In some cases, excessive fat resection leaves an empty eye socket. The patient may look aged rather than rejuvenated.

Treatment may include fat grafting or reconstruction techniques to restore volume and function to the eyelid.

Severe bruising and bruising

Bruises often appear after eyelid surgery, but a poorly performed blepharoplasty can be more extensive and painful. The accumulation of blood under the skin can cause significant swelling and even temporary blurred vision.

A severe bruise increases the risk of infection and slows healing. In severe cases, internal pressure can compromise eye irrigation. The surgical nursing protocol for blepharoplasty highlights the need to monitor immediate bleeding to avoid major complications.

Management includes cold compresses, anti-inflammatory medications and, if the hematoma is large, surgical drainage. Prompt care is key to preventing damage to eye function.

Asymmetry in the eyelids

Asymmetry occurs when one eyelid heals differently from the other or when the surgeon removes uneven amounts of skin or fat. This can leave one eye wider or more sunken than the other.

The aesthetic result is usually evident when comparing both eyelids. In addition, the difference can affect peripheral vision if one of the eyelids is too low.

In many cases, asymmetry is noticeable from the first days of recovery. If it doesn't improve over time, you may need a second surgery. The literature on cosmetic eyelid surgery points out that this problem is one of the most common and frustrating complications for the patient.

Treatment depends on the cause: if it is due to inflammation, it can improve on its own; if it is due to excess resection, surgical correction is usually necessary.

Functional and aesthetic problems after failed eyelid surgery

A poorly done blepharoplasty can cause complications that affect both eye function and aesthetic appearance. These problems usually involve the upper eyelid or lower eyelid and can impact a patient's vision, comfort and confidence.

Difficulty closing your eyes

When the surgeon removes too much skin from the upper eyelid, the patient may have trouble closing the eyes completely. This condition is known as Lagophthalmos.

Lagophthalmos exposes the eye surface to air, causing dryness, irritation and, in severe cases, corneal damage. The patient may need constant artificial tears or even secondary procedures to correct the defect.

In more severe situations, chronic exposure can lead to corneal ulcers. This not only affects vision, but also quality of life, as the person feels continuous discomfort.

Prevention requires an accurate calculation of the amount of skin to be removed. Inadequate evaluation before surgery is one of the main causes of this complication.

Lower eyelid retraction

In lower eyelid blepharoplasty, a common complication is retraction. This occurs when the eyelid is too low and doesn't cover the eyeball properly.

The result is a “rounded eye” appearance or ectropion in more serious cases. In addition to the aesthetic alteration, the patient may experience excessive tearing, irritation and foreign body sensation in the eye.

Retraction is associated with excessive skin resection or a lack of support in the tissues of the lower eyelid. In many cases, correction requires skin grafts or suspension techniques to return the eyelid's natural position.

Visible scars

Although blepharoplasty usually leaves discreet scars, an inadequate technique can cause obvious marks. These scars can be hypertrophic, keloid, or simply misplaced.

The skin on the eyelids is thin and any irregularities are easily noticed. A visible scar alters facial symmetry and may attract more attention than the original problem.

In some cases, the scar restricts the natural movement of the eyelid, adding a functional complication in addition to aesthetics.

Treatment depends on the type of scar. It may include massages, lasers, corticosteroid injections, or corrective surgery. Prevention is key: good surgical technique, well-planned incisions and adequate post-operative care.

Solutions and treatments to correct a failed blepharoplasty

When eyelid surgery doesn't achieve the expected results, there are different approaches to improving function and appearance. The type of correction depends on the specific complication, the degree of damage and the time that has elapsed since the first intervention.

Secondary blepharoplasty

Secondary blepharoplasty is revision surgery aimed at correcting aesthetic or functional problems after a poorly performed blepharoplasty. It can treat visible scarring, persistent excess skin, eyelid sagging, or asymmetries.

The procedure usually requires greater precision than the initial surgery. The tissue that has already been operated has changes in elasticity and healing, making planning more complex. In some cases, fat or cartilage grafts are used to restore volume.

The recommended time before reintervention is usually 6 to 12 months. This allows the area to heal completely and the final result of the first surgery can be evaluated. A secondary blepharoplasty must be performed by a surgeon with experience in corrections, due to the technical difficulty involved.

Non-surgical treatments

Not all blepharoplasty complications require new surgery. In certain cases, less invasive techniques can be applied.

• Fractional laser: improves skin texture and reduces fine scars.
• Dermal Fillers: correct slight sagging and asymmetries in the lower eyelid.
• Injectable corticosteroids: help reduce granulomas or persistent inflammations, as described in some complications of lower eyelid blepharoplasty.
• Eye massages and physiotherapy: promote eyelid mobility in cases of postoperative stiffness.

These treatments may be temporary or complementary to future surgery. They also represent an option for patients who do not want to undergo another operation or have medical risks that discourage intervention.

Prevention and recommendations before a blepharoplasty with Dr. Richer

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that requires preparation and precision. Dr. Jesús Richer, recognized for his safe and natural approach to facial surgery, guides each patient through a clear and structured process that reduces risks and ensures harmonious results.

Personalized preoperative evaluation

Before surgery, the Dr. Richer performs a medical evaluation comprehensive, which may include blood tests, vision studies and a detailed review of the patient's medical history. Factors such as hypertension, diabetes or coagulation disorders are carefully considered to plan a safe procedure.

Dr. Richer also reviews current habits and treatments, such as smoking or the use of anticoagulant medications, and provides clear indications to discontinue or adjust them if necessary. All this in order to optimize healing and recovery.

Realistic expectations and clear communication

One of the most important values in Dr. Richer's practice is open communication. It explains in detail what can be achieved with blepharoplasty: reduction of excess skin and pockets of fat on the eyelids, with a fresh and rejuvenated result, but always natural.

Dr. Richer emphasizes that this surgery does not stop the aging process or radically transform facial expression. What it does guarantee is an authentic result, where the patient recognizes himself, but with a more relaxed and harmonious look.

With an honest and close dialogue, the Dr. Richer helps set clear goals and attainable, avoiding unrealistic expectations and ensuring a satisfactory experience from the first consultation to the final recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common complications of a blepharoplasty?

The most common complications include bruising, prolonged swelling, visible scarring and asymmetry in the eyelids. In some cases, there are difficulties closing the eyes completely or dry eyes. According to studies in operated patients, ptosis and eyelid retraction may also appear over time.

Is it possible to correct a blepharoplasty that has had unsatisfactory results?

Yes, in many cases revision surgery is possible. The surgeon can adjust excess skin, redistribute fat, or correct scarring. However, viability depends on the state of the tissues and the time elapsed since the first intervention.

What should I do if I'm not happy with the results of my blepharoplasty?

It is recommended to wait as long as necessary for the swelling to subside before making a decision. Afterwards, it is best to consult with the surgeon who performed the operation or to ask for a second opinion. It is also important to document changes with photographs to evaluate evolution.

How long should I wait to see the final results of a blepharoplasty?

The final result is usually seen 3 to 6 months after surgery. During this period, the inflammation decreases and the scars soften. In some patients, full recovery may take up to a year.

Why do some patients have sunken eyes after a blepharoplasty and how can this be remedied?

The appearance of sunken eyes usually occurs when too much orbital fat is removed. To correct it, autologous fat grafts or hyaluronic acid fillers can be used. These treatments help restore volume and improve the symmetry of the eye contour.

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