Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

RISKS SPECIFIC TO BLEPHAROPLASTY SURGERY

Blindness

This is rare: it occurs in fewer than 1 in 10,000 people who undergo blepheroplasty. This small risk only applies if you are having fat removed.

Blurred Vision

This is also a very rare problem. It can be caused by irritation, swelling or damage to any of the muscles that surround the eyeball and coordinate its movement. Even if these symptoms occur, they are usually temporary.

Dry Eye Syndrome

A variety of circumstances could cause dry eye syndrome, but it is most often related to lack of lower eyelid support following eyelid surgery, leading to a lower than optimal lower eyelid. This can often be avoided by a special suture that supports the lower eyelid through the healing process (canthopexy).

Inability to Close the Eyes

At times, the removal of too much upper eyelid skin can cause dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, skin grafting may be necessary to correct this problem. Dr Konrat prefers to take less skin than measured, to help avoid this eventuality.

Corneal Abrasion

his can occur during any operation, whether it is on the eyes, or any part of the body, because the eyes may sometimes open during surgery, rendering them susceptible to being scratched by a member of the operating team. Treatment involves taping the eye shut while it heals.

Hollow (Sunken) Eyes

To help you visualise this condition, find a picture of Mary Tyler Moore. She appears to have had too much fat removed from her eyelids, leaving her with a sunken, hollow appearance. This can usually be prevented by the conservative approach advocated by Dr Konrat.

GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY

• This surgery is carried out under local anesthetic, the lowest level of risk.
  • Rarely a person may have an allergic reaction to the local anesthetic, or experience a rapid heartbeat due to the adrenaline that is used to reduce bleeding.
  
  
  • There may be some minor discomfort intermittently throughout the procedure with a local anesthetic.
  
  
• Mental Health disorders and Elective Surgery
  • It is important that all patients seeking to undergo elective surgery have realistic expectations that focus on improvement rather than perfection.
  
  
  • Complications or less than satisfactory results are sometimes unavoidable, may require additional surgery and can be stressful.
  
  
  • Please discuss openly with Dr Konrat in your consultation prior to surgery, any history of emotional depression or mental health disorders. If you are unsure whether a matter is relevant, please mention it anyway. Although many individuals may benefit psychologically from the results of elective cosmetic surgery, the effects on mental health can never be predicted and could possibly have a negative influence on emotional stability.