What are the potential complications of Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Although cosmetic eyelid surgery is a relatively safe procedure, it is important to review the potential risks. The most dangerous complication from surgery is excessive bleeding after the surgery. The nerve that is responsible for eyesight could be potentially squeezed by excess blood and cause permanent loss of vision. By stopping any blood thinning medications two weeks prior to surgery the chances of such a problem are greatly diminished. Other potential risks of surgery include double vision, dry eyes, infection, a retracted or pulled down eyelid, asymmetry, undercorrection, overcorrection, and the need for more surgery. A brow lift has its own unique set of complications. These include tenderness along the hairline and weakness of the facial nerve. Fortunately, with good surgical technique such problems are rare.

One effect of cosmetic eyelid surgery that is quite common is the formation of milia during the healing process. These are small cysts that can form along the incision line in the weeks after surgery. These cysts are hard to see with the naked eye but can be seen with a magnifying mirror. They are treated at first with simple observation since they usually resolve on there own and they are so difficult for anyone to see. If they don’t go away spontaneously after a few months, your physician can remove them in the office very easily.