Blepharoplasty patients complain so much here. Any warnings for a patient before committing to this surgery?

Question

I've read so many horror stories recently and women regretting the operation and wishing they'd kept their bags. I can relate because so eyes express real communication, no one wants different shaped eyes and the RISKS seems to outweigh the benefits. Eyes that wont close, eyes whose lid is apart from the eyeball, too much eye whites showing, change in the shape (therefore the expression) of the eyes. Perhaps is one of the cases where women need to love their eyes as nature has given and aged them.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

On a site like this you are only going to find patients with problems looking for advice.  If they are healing well there is nothing to write about! Lower lid surgery is very tricky, and bad results can occur - especially with surgeons who don't do these cases often, or don't know the anatomy well.  They may also try to remove and wrinkles by puling the skin tight, which only creates complications. Any irregularity is easily seen, and not always easily fixed.For upper lids, in an attempt to tighten skin some surgeons take out too much skin preventing good closure.  You should get referrals from friends who have had a good result.  See a few different surgeons until you feel comfortable.  And make sure you go with someone who does a lot of eyelid surgery.   An oculoplastic surgeon is usually a good start since that is their specialty.  Other specialties also do eyelids, such as facial plastic and general plastic surgeons. Remember that just because someone is a board certified plastic surgeon does not make them a skilled surgeon.  Look at before and afters to see if you like their aesthetics.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  I agree--lower eyelid blepharoplasty must be carefully considered and you must find a good surgeon.   It is very
important that you thoroughly research your surgeon before committing to
surgery. It is a good idea to research your surgeon's educational background,
online reviews, before & after pictures, and speak with anyone who you may
know who has had surgery with that surgeon. During your consultation, make sure
that you don't feel rushed and make sure that you have adequate time with your
surgeon and not just their patient coordinator or nurses. If the majority of
your consultation is spent with someone other than the surgeon, this is usually
not a good sign. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are
comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified
board-certified expert surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

Lower blepharoplasty is a very safe surgery with predictable results in experienced hands. Many surgeons only perform this surgery a few times a year, so make sure you see a surgeon who has lots of experience. It is okay to ask a doctor how many of these surgeries they have performed and how many they do each month.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

In most plastic surgeons' practices, blepharoplasty represents a surgery with a high satisfaction rate. Important aspects to consider is a sound surgical plan beforehand to achieve the desired outcome. Of course, risks exist with any surgical intervention. Therefore, it is a deeply personal decision whether to correct aging and puffy eyelids or not.

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

Your concerns are well founded. I am surprised at the numbers of bad blepharoplasties that are out there including many of the plastic surgery photos posted here. My best advice is to seek a surgeon with a huge amount of experience and look at his photos. The photos in his office should blow you away with their magic. If they don't seek another surgeon.. Hope this helps.

Blepharoplasty patients complain so much here. Any warnings for a patient before committing to this surgery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Answer: Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Answer: Agree

Answer: Agree

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Blepharoplasty patients complain so much here. Any warnings for a patient before committing to this surgery?

Answers (10)

Answer: Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Answer: Risks of Blepharoplasty Surgery

Answer: Agree

Answer: Agree

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.