Is it true that dermal fillers are more risky than blepharoplasty?

Hello and thank you for you question! First off....remember that when it comes to negative recommendations or experiences that are posted on the internet it is a very skewed representation about what is actually going on. Most people have never written a review and then if something negative happens they go online and talk about it. When something positive has occurred or someone has had an AMAZING result the likelihood of them taking the time to go online and write a review or blog about a result is VERY low. Also, it is very likely that MANY more people have had filler to the under eyes than have had a blepharoplasty. Fillers are much more affordable and less invasive than blepharoplasty so the number of people getting fillers is higher. If you have more people getting fillers than bleph then you expect the absolute number of reviews/comments/recs to be greater whether positive or negative. That all being said....In my hands I believe both fillers and bleph are VERY safe procedures. They both have their risks and most of the risks are minor and the major risks are rare. I perform many filler injections around the eyes and have very happy patients, even the ones that are skeptical at first. Under eye fillers are a way to delay surgery in those that are not quite ready for something more invasive than fillers. The best procedure is the one that will give you the best risk vs benefit ratio and that is something that can only be determined once you have been evaluated in person. Then you can discuss the risks vs benefits with your plastic surgeon. Another thing that can influence results and complications is the experience of the surgeon. Please make sure you are being evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon who frequently performs both procedures. I hope this helps!

I believe that you refer to lower blepharoplasty and tear trough deformity? There are some patients that can benefit of camouflage of mild deformity with well placed fillers; others will benefit from lower blepharoplasty, most frequently transconjuctival. Only surgeon who can perform both can make good decision. No place to compare results of these two different techniques  since indications are very different. Hope this helps.

Hi,It is hard to give a clear answer to your question. When done with proper technique and on the right patient, the results from filler injection can be very nice and have a low risk of serious complications. Additionally, the filler can be reversed in cases where the patient is unsatisfied. Surgery is another very powerful tool that can give amazing and long lasting results. But it is not reversible and has other risks associated with it. The best way to have your question answered is by visiting someone who has expertise in both surgical and non-surgical correction of the aging face and discuss your goals with them in detail.Best,

Both Blepharoplasty and Dermal Fillers are excellent options for treating the eye area, but one is most likely a better choice for you based on your needs. There are a couple of key factors and differences between both options that will help you, as a patient, decide on the best route to getting your desired results. Differences in the way the procedures are performed, the length of treatment results, the costs of each treatment, and the downtime are all important factors to consider when choosing the right path for you!Blepharoplasty (upper lid, lower, or both together) is an surgical operation with the goal of removing excess fat and skin from the upper eyelids, and removing primarily excess bags (fat) from the lower lids. Some patients also have "extra skin" on the lower lids, and this can be very carefully removed by a skillful blepharoplasty surgeon.  Lower lids often become lax as we age, and when this occurs the lower lid is tightened to correct the "sag".  Upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are best performed by a surgeon who has received specialized training in these procedures.  There are definite risks which can, but seldom do occur, when done by an experienced surgeon.  Complications when it comes to Blepharoplasty procedures include taking too much skin which results in inability to close the eyelids completely while sleeping, which leads to a dry, uncomfortable eye.  The lower lids can become lax and "sag down" if too much skin is removed or it the surgeon does not correct an already loose lid at the time of the lower lid blepharoplasty.  The most serious complication is loss of vision by a hemorrhage either during the operation or one that occurs in the first few days after the operation has been performed(occurring in far less than one percent of blepharoplasty procedures).  Although many different specialties perform this operation, my  recommendation is to have an Oculoplastic Surgeon (an ophthalmologist who has completed a three year residency in ophthalmology, and then does a fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery), perform this procedure. Of course, the surgeon who performs these operations should always be board certified.When it comes to Dermal Fillers, there are a wide variety of facial fillers to choose from.  The purpose of such fillers is primarily to replace the facial fat that "disappears as we age" with an injected filler. Poor cosmetic results are not uncommon when performed by an inexperienced surgeon, while catastrophic results are uncommon.  Most fillers are "gone" within a year or so, and need to be redone on a yearly basis (there is some variation as to how often as individual patients absorb the filler at different rates of speed).   Bottom line, the best blepharoplasty surgeons are usually the best "filler Docs" as well.  Lastly, beware of any surgeon who "guarantees" a perfect result.  I always tell my patients that the only thing I can guarantee is that I have done 1000's of most procedures and I will do my best to achieve "perfection". 

Unfortunately there are no pictures. Fillers and blepharoplasty (BL)do different things. A BL removes excess fat and tightens eyelid muscle and skin. Dermal fillers add volume. When the eye ages, a number of things happen. The crease that is below the lower eyelid drops and there is loss of volume. Dermal fillers may help restore a more youthful look. Fat injections is also utilize to provide a more youthful look. A very nice procedure to restore the youthful look of the lower eyelid is called an Endoscopic cheek-lift, witch I helped to pioneer. Through the same lower eyelid incision, that is used for a BL, the cheeks are elevated into a more youthful position. For more information please watch the enclosed video. As with any surgery or procedure there are risk. One risk for all of the ones mentioned, is blindness. That’s why it is important to go to a board certified plastic or ENT surgeon who is properly trained in performing the above procedures. I hope you find this information useful. Please watch the enclosed video.

Depending on the changes that are occurring in your lower lids will dictate your best treatment options.  Seek a consultation with an experience Facial Plastic Surgeon in injectables and surgery  Ask to see photos of before and after.  All procedure can have risks associated with them, but in experience hands they are minimal.

Dermal fillers and blepharoplasty address two different issues, generally speaking. Fillers provide volume where this none, while blepharoplasty entails the removal of excess skin, muscle, and fat. Therefore, they aren't necessarily interchangeable, one is the right answer depending on what your issue is. It is also important to remember that filler is reversible while surgery is not, in addition to the many other pros / cons of each to consider. Ultimately, the best way to find out what is best for you is to visit a board certified plastic, facial plastic, or oculoplastic surgeon who has experience in both fillers and blepharoplasty so you can discuss the results you are looking for and decide on the best way to achieve them. Hope this helps!

Both lower blepharoplasty and tear trough (malar) fillers have potential significant complications. Both can cause blindness or significant tissue loss among other risks, though both are extremely rare, especially in expert hands. Although both procedures can correct lower eyelid problems, there are significant differences in what each can do. Using the correct procedure for the specific problem you have reduces the risks. Occasionally, both are needed to get the best result. Therefore, the secret of obtaining the best and safest result is to choose a very experienced plastic surgeon who is expert in both.