Patients interested in any type of surgery, including eyelid surgery, are generally interested in learning about the basics of the procedure, the recovery, and especially the risks, before they book an appointment. This blog post presents some of the potential risks of eyelid surgery.
It's important for patients to understand that any surgery comes with risks, but, when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Paul Pin, the risks of eyelid surgery are slight. Eyelid surgery is generally a safe and effective surgery, and one that has been performed hundreds of thousands of times worldwide. Even though complications that result from eyelid surgery are rare, it is necessary to be aware of the risks involved and to understand the complications that could result from this type of surgery. In general, eyelid surgery is safe, especially if the patient follows his or her surgeon's instructions.
Risks of Anesthesia
General anesthesia can affect the nervous, respiratory, and circulatory systems. If there are any additional complications in those areas of the body, anesthesia may be dangerous for a patient. With the help of a trained anesthesiologist, complications from general anesthesia are rare for patients who are in good health and do not smoke.
Risks of Bleeding
Some bleeding in the area of the incision site is normal, as is a little bleeding under the skin (which manifests itself as bruising), but excessive bleeding is a danger and is a risk of eyelid surgery. In general, some bleeding is normal and expected. However, if the bleeding is excessive or continues over several days, the patient should contact his or her surgeon immediately.
Risks of Potential Light Sensitivity
Because eyelid surgery involves the eye area, it is likely that some patients will experience a negative reaction to light during the healing process. The eyes may have some sensitivity to light, which can make going about normal, everyday activities difficult.
Risks of Eye Dryness
Again, because the patient has had a surgery in the eye area, patients may experience dryness of the eyes during the recovery and healing period. Dryness is one of the most common risks of surgery, but it can be reduced with the use of lubricating eye drops.
Risk of Infection
Every surgery comes with the possibility of infection. This risk can be mitigated by following the surgeon's instructions of keeping the incision site clean, and using any prescribed antibiotics.
Pain
Pain is the most common risk of any surgery. Because the eyes are such an active area of the face, the pain may be persistent and maybe difficult to manage, if the patient does not stay on top of the pain killer regimen the surgeon has prescribed.
Unfavorable Scarring
If the patient does not properly care for the incision site or follow the surgeon's instructions, there is some possibility of unfavorable scarring.
For more information about eyelid surgery or to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, contact Dr. Paul Pin's office today. Our staff is on hand to schedule your appointment.