Risks of Fat Pad Removal on Lower Eyelids?

Dear Brown Spots,
2 questions in one.
1."When they remove the fat pads from the lower lids is there a risk to tear production?" - As was previously stated, any surgery on the eyelids COULD be associated with change to the tear film AND the way it drains across the eye. Lower lid surgery may be associated with a temporary dry eye which is controlled with eye drops.
2. "Risks of fat pad removal on lower eyelids?" Surgical complications are unlikely events that cannot be foreseen. Most are unlikely; some are VERY unlikely.
Removal of the fat pads of the lower lids can be done through a thru the skin (trans cutaneous) incision or through the smooth pink lining (transconjunctival) approach. The skin incision approach may be associated with the lower lid pulling down and white showing. Both approaches may be associated with damage to one of the muscles the move the eyeball resulting in double vision when looking down as well as the removal of too much fat, unveiling the rim of the eye socket giving an older Boris Karloff (look it up) appearance. Finally, there is a VERRRRRY small chance of blindness. (It has been reported - we all know about it - I never met a surgeon who has personally seen it).
Hope I did not scare you too much and that this was helpful.

The lacrimal gland is responsible for tear production and it is located beneath the tissues of the upper eyelid. There can be a very remote possibility of lacrimal gland injury with upper lid blepharoplasty, but not with lower lid blepharoplasty alone. However, tear film quality and quantity is often temporarily affected after blepharoplasty, and patients may notice dryness of the eyes after surgery. The dryness is almost always temporary, and is easily relieved with the use of over the counter artificial tears. For my patients with a preexisting problem with chronic dry eyes, I recommend that upper and lower lid blepharoplasty not be done at the same time. For most individuals, though, upper and/or lower lid blepharoplasty is a safe, effective way to enhance and refresh the appearance of the eyes.