Revision Eyelid Surgery Needs a Specialist

Surgical eyelid rejuvenation has become one of the most popular ways to refresh the face in recent years. The procedure itself may take an hour or less. The results can last for years, which is one of several reasons why blepharoplasty is a preferred treatment for puffy or hooded eyelids. Blepharoplasty has been performed around the world for many years. A number of different kinds of doctors are now offering this service. This can seem like a good thing because it makes eyelid rejuvenation more accessible. However, it can also increase the risk of unsatisfactory results.

All surgical procedures come with some degree of risk. No surgeon goes through their entire career without facing at least one surgical complication. This is why many surgeons continue to receive training and why some obtain years of additional education focused on one particular area. For example, Oculofacial or ophthalmic plastic surgeons are ophthalmologists who have continued their medical education to perform specific surgical procedures on the eyes. This additional training makes a difference in the degree of risk associated with the surgeries they perform. This is why it is especially important for the person seeking revision blepharoplasty to consult with a specialist.

The risk of potential blepharoplasty complications is relatively short. However, patients must be aware of them because they often require additional surgery for correction. Risks include:

• Asymmetry
• Poor scarring
• Dry eyes
• Excessive tearing
• Retraction of the lower eyelid
• Persistent eye irritation
• Inability to completely close the eyes
• Insufficient blink
• Sunken appearance around the eyes

What Causes Blepharoplasty Complications?

Blepharoplasty works by trimming excess skin from the upper or lower eyelids. Therefore, one of the primary risks we face as surgeons is removing too much tissue. Commonly, when this occurs, patients return to the surgeon who performed their initial procedure. Going back to the surgeon who performed the initial procedure may resolve the problem. On the other hand, it could make it worse. If you are dealing with complications from blepharoplasty, we suggest contacting a plastic surgeon who has extensive, focused training and experience performing eyelid surgeries. The training that an ophthalmic surgeon receives informs their decisions about how to best approach the muscle, fat, and skin around the eyes.

If you have had a blepharoplasty procedure that did not turn out the way you had hoped, there is a chance for correction in the right hands. To schedule a consultation in our St. Louis ophthalmic and cosmetic surgery practice, call 314-567-3567.