Most Common Complications in Blepharoplasty and How to Avoid Them

Abstract

Blepharoplasty is a very rewarding operation with high-standard results if performed according to strict surgical rules and with the main target––the avoidance of any kind of complications.

However, statistically, complications can occur even in the hands of the most experienced surgeons. It is very important to understand that the detailed knowledge of the eyelid, orbital and periorbital anatomy, together with the gentle manipulations of the tissues during surgery, are two of the factors that can contribute to avoidance of complications.

Other important factors are the correct and analytical preoperative consultation and decision-making for the procedure, the common and realistic surgeons’ and patients’ expectations, the precise postoperative instructions, the correct and safe use of the technology with all the necessary safety measures, and the preoperative and postoperative patients’ compliance.

My experience has showed that major complications are uncommon, provided that the above factors are well understood and implemented. However, when they occur may cause important functional and/or cosmetic damage.

Moreover, minor complications are a matter of underestimation of little and simple points from the surgeon’s part before, during, or after surgery, and the patients’ low compliance to the surgeon’s instructions.

Therefore, understanding the etiology of a complication is the best key to prevention, and the management of them is as important as the surgical technique itself.

In this chapter, the complications that might occur in blepharoplasty patients will be described, divided into intraoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative ones. Interesting points of how to prevent these complications and analytical preoperative, postoperative instructions, and the patients’ compliance will also be presented. The management of complications will be presented in detail in Chap. 7.