The most common side effects include bruising and swelling. The surface of the eyeball or conjunctiva may also swell; this is called chemosis.
Bleeding
Bleeding may occur after the procedure, and it is common to have a few drops from the wound after the procedure. Sometimes, the bleeding can be more and result in a collection underneath the skin called a hematoma. This may allow further surgery to remove the blood collection.
Blindness
Extremely rarely, a severe bleed may result in blood around or behind the eye that can cause blindness.
Infection
Infection can result in redness and swelling of the eyelids. This may also result in discharge or even wound breakdown.
Under or over-correction
If too much skin is removed, this may result in difficulty closing the eye, called ectropion. If too little skin is removed, then you may have residual skin excess.
Asymmetry
Most patients will have some degree of asymmetry, which is completely normal. This may also occur after surgery, or you may become more aware of asymmetries after the procedure.
Scarring
You will have scarring from the blepharoplasty procedure, which will be permanent. The scar is normally in the natural crease of the upper eyelid or just under the eyelashes on the lower eyelid. Occasionally, scars can become raised and thickened, also referred to as hypertrophic or keloid.
Eye related complications
Some patients will experience dry eyes or aggravation of dry eyes following the procedure. This may require some lubricant eye drops to help. Vision may also be blurred for a few days following a blepharoplasty.
