What Are the Risks and Long Term Results of a Blepharoplasty with Fat Repositioning?

Thank you for your question. Fortunately, significant complications from aesthetic eyelid surgery are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo eyelid surgery successfully, without experiencing any major problem.

The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal), infection, and changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions, and damage to underlying structures. The need for revisions or unsatisfactory results may possibly necessitate additional procedures and may include medical risks. Following the surgery, there can be a feeling of dryness or irritation in the eye that requires treatment. There is a possibility of impaired eyelid function that sometimes may need to be corrected by additional surgery.

You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions you are provided both before and after your eyelid surgery. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

   Fat repositioning in lower eyelid surgery should not pose any greater complication profile than lower eyelid surgery with fat removal.  The transposed fat can be sutured to keep it in position.  Another variant on that is to remove fat from the lower eyelid and fat grafting to the tear trough.  Most people need both fat removal from the lower eyelid and fat addition at the tear trough by whatever technique preferred by the surgeon.  Find the plastic surgeon with best credentials.

Repositioning of fat has only been around a few years so there aren’t any long term results.  The question is whether or not fat will remain viable outside of the open pocket over time.  A typical transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty is usually good for 10-15 years after the surgery.

Current techniques in lower eyelids blepharoplasty has certainly changed over the years as we have gotten a better understanding about aging and how to correct the signs of aging around the eyes.    The repositioning of fat into the tear trough zone of the lower eyelid is a very useful technique in filling this age related groove.  This can be accomplished via the transconjunctival approach as well as an external subcillary incision.  I generally find most patients will do better with the external approach as there is more precise layering of the orbital fat into the tear trough groove and the external approach allows us to tighten the orbicularis muscle and elevate the cheek fat to fill in the lateral orbital rim.  All of these techniques help to soften the area around the eye and give this are a more youthful appearance.  

The risk of fat repositioning should not be more than other types of blepharoplasty. In fact, this is becoming the standard method as the older fat excision only procedure left the eye looking sunken or hollowed which actually makes one look older.

Results should last many years and likely will not return to the full extent that they are currently. Seek consultation from a surgeon who has much experience in eyelid rejuvenation. Ask them how many they have done and how often will give you a good indication.