What are the complications of blepharoplasty?
Serious complications are rare but may occur even in the hands of well experienced and trained oculplastic surgeons. Every effort is made to reduce the risk of complication, and oculoplastic surgeons are trained to manage these. • Eyelid and cheek swelling and bruising — may be noticeable for 3 weeks • Blurred vision — for a few hours or overnight, due to surface ocular drying during the procedure, from effect of the local anaesthesia and ointment instilled. If this persists more than 48 hours, inform your surgeon. • Watery eyes — reflex tearing is common for 24 — 48 hours due to mild ocular discomfort and surface dryness. • Dry gritty eyes — for two to three weeks due to reduced blinking. You will be prescribed artificial tears during the day (e.g. Hypromellose, Systane or Viscotears) and an ointment at night (e.g. Lacrilube or Simple Eye Ointment) to prevent this. Topical antibiotics such as Chloramphenicol are used for 1 week if surgery has been done from inside the eyelid. • Scratc
