How safe is blepharoplasty?

Question

I am looking into getting upper blepharoplasty for my right eye (local anaesthesia) because the eyelid is fairly droopy and I want them to match. I am just wondering how safe the procedure is? Specifically in terms of blindness? Is blindness a risk and how likely is it? What would cause blindness after this procedure?

Derek Ford, MD · Answer

It's natural for patients to be concerned about
the risks of any surgery. As a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon with
years of experience performing eyelid surgeries, I can say that blepharoplasty
is extremely safe when performed by a specialist with the training required to
become board certified. Blindness resulting after eyelid surgery is extremely
rare. I would recommend sharing your concerns with the surgeons you consult
with, and I anticipate you'll go ahead with the procedure feeling assured and
confident. Thanks for your question.

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Upper blepharoplasty is a very safe procedure and can easily be performed under local anesthesia.  Although there are risks to any surgical procedure, the incidence of complications with upper blepharoplasty is extremely low.  Blindness is a risk that must be discussed with all procedures performed around the eyes, but I am personally unaware of any patient who has had that complication, and I have performed thousands of eyelid procedures.  The risk of blindness is related to potential for bleeding into the orbit with collection of blood around the eye that creates pressure on the optic nerve.  Achieving good hemostasis during the procedure and avoiding medications that increase bleeding risk (such as aspirin) are the best ways to prevent this extremely rare complication.  I would encourage you to seek a consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in cosmetic eyelid surgery.  They can discuss the procedure and potential risks with you and help you to make an informed decision regarding surgery to address your concerns.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Upper blepharoplasty is a very safe procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. As with anything, best to done with experienced specialist and done conservatively. See link below. See an oculoplastic specialist.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed and safe procedure.  There are always risks with any surgical procedure but if performed by a competent surgeon those risks can be reduced significantly.  Blindness is a potential risk with any surgery around the eye but it is very small.Regards,

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

When performed by an experienced surgeon, upper eyelid surgery fortunately, has an extremely low risk of significant complications such as the ones you have mentioned.  The key to the surgery is good hemostasis (low bleeding) during the surgery to help prevent bleeding after surgery.  The biggest reason for operative blindness.  I would make certain that your eyelid is not ptotic prior to your eyelid surgery.  Ptosis of the eyelid is a different issue than excess upper eyelid skin and the evaluation of your eye prior to surgery is important.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for asking the good question. When performed by an experienced board-certified eyelid surgeon, blepharoplasty is an extremely safe procedure. Ask your local primary care physicians who they recommend for starters. It is best to have a couple of consultations with different surgeons to see who you are most comfortable performing the procedure on you. In addition, ask to see before and after photos. Good luck,

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Although there is inherent risk with any surgery, blepharoplasty is very safe procedure. The really important thing is to choose wisely when it comes to your surgeon. You want someone who is board certified and who has a lot of experience performing eyelid surgeries. Check the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website to find the surgeons in your area and then call around to the ones whose work you like best for an in person consultation. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Hedieh Arbabzadeh, MD · Answer

Blepharoplasty rocedures are safe procedures in the hands of an experience professional. They often help improve peripheal vision as well.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Blindness after a blepharoplasty is exceedingly rare. Look for a surgeon who performs eyelid surgery often  and has dedicated a significant component of their practice to cosmetic eyelid surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you are having it under local and only skin, the risk of blindness is almost nil.  Removing fat only bumps that up miniscule risk.

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How safe is blepharoplasty?

Answers (13)

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU