Publicado por Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 25/06/2024
Eyelid surgery may seem straightforward, but it actually requires great precision and experience from the surgeon to guarantee the patient the expected result and not a poorly performed blepharoplasty. Additionally, if we do not take appropriate measures before surgery, this can generate postoperative problems that are both aesthetic and functional. Keep reading as we explain the consequences and how to solve any problems with this procedure.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the cosmetic surgery in which excess skin on the eyelids is removed. This procedure is performed to extract the fat that accumulates under the eyes and the skin that falls from the eyelids due to aging effects.
Purposes and benefits of blepharoplasty
The purpose of eyelid surgery is to give your gaze a rejuvenated and well-rested appearance by eliminating excess skin around the brows and sagging upper eyelids and removing the bags that appear under the eyes.
There are other benefits of blepharoplasty, such as the elimination of dark circles; improvement of the visual field in those whose saggy skin falls over the upper eyelid. Additionally, it is a treatment that offers permanent aesthetic results with a short recovery time.
Causes of poorly performed blepharoplasty
Common factors that lead to errors in blepharoplasty
The primary factor to consider and one that can affect eyelid surgery is the experience and skills of the surgeon. The professional must know where to make incisions, how much skin or fat to remove, and must be careful with the eye muscles and nerves.
Additionally, the techniques used and proper communication with the patient are essential.
Other reasons can be associated with the patient, if they have scarring or blood clotting problems. As well as the consumption of medications such as anticoagulants or aspirin that are not disclosed to the surgeon.
Importance of choosing a qualified surgeon
By choosing a qualified surgeon, the chances of complications are greatly reduced. Since a professional with experience will ensure that appropriate techniques are implemented and protocols followed to perform a safe blepharoplasty.
Likewise, a qualified surgeon should conduct a complete evaluation of the patient, both physically and regarding their medical history, before entering the operating room.
Consequences of poorly performed blepharoplasty
Functional problems
Poorly performed eyelid surgery can cause the patient inability to close the eyes, due to the removal of an excessive amount of skin or fat than necessary when attempting to correct the drooping eyelid.
During poorly performed blepharoplasty, the lacrimal glands may be affected. This causes dry eyes, irritation, burning, and difficulty seeing clearly.
Other vision problems as a consequence of poorly performed eyelid surgery include obstruction of peripheral vision, and in more serious cases central vision as well. As well as difficulty moving the eyes up, down, and sideways, because the eye muscles are affected.
In severe cases, there is the possibility of permanent blindness.
Aesthetic problems
One of the main concerns of a patient undergoing blepharoplasty is that the result will not be symmetrical. In poorly performed surgery, facial asymmetry becomes a visible problem that gives the face an unesthetic appearance, where one eyelid may be higher than the other or have a different shape.
Implementing incorrect techniques, or if the surgeon does not have sufficient skill, can result in visible scars. Or it can also result in an aged or expressionless appearance.
How to identify poorly performed blepharoplasty
Immediate signs and symptoms
If you had eyelid surgery and notice any of these signs, it is possible that there were problems and it was not done well.
- Asymmetry in which it is evident that one eyelid is in a different position from the other or they do not look the same in terms of shape and size.
- Difficulty closing the eyes, dry eyes, or vision problems.
- Scars that are very visible, with irregular or thick shapes.
- Blurred vision or double vision.
- Swelling and bruising in the surgical area that persist for many days or seem to be worsening.
Postoperative evaluation and follow-up
Attending postoperative evaluations and follow-up appointments is essential to ensure successful recovery. The surgeon can detect problems early that can be corrected before they become a serious condition.
Solutions for poorly performed blepharoplasty
Non-surgical options
Depending on the severity of signs from poorly performed surgery, it is possible to resort to some topical therapies such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin, or laser treatments to correct some imperfections.
Proper postoperative care is also essential for correct healing, as well as waiting the appropriate time to wear makeup after blepharoplasty.
In cases of dry eyes, gentle massages around the eyes can improve lubrication and reduce inflammation. And in patients whose eye muscles were affected, ocular physiotherapy can help strengthen the muscles.
Surgical Options
A revision blepharoplasty is a procedure or group of procedures designed to correct or improve the results of poorly performed eyelid surgery. To be a candidate for this type of surgery, it is recommended to wait a reasonable period of time for swelling to disappear, scars to heal, and results to become final.
Some advanced correction techniques such as tissue redistribution or scar rectification may be necessary as a complement to revision blepharoplasty.
Preventing a Poorly Performed Blepharoplasty
How to Choose the Right Surgeon
A qualified surgeon must have experience with this type of surgery. Additionally, they should have a portfolio with photographs of surgeries performed on other patients, where you can verify the results. You can also consult reviews and recommendations from friends or family members, or from former patients.
Key Questions for Your Surgeon
An initial consultation with the surgeon will allow you to meet them, see the clinic facilities where they work, and ask questions while they explain the risks and benefits you can obtain from blepharoplasty in your particular case.
Key questions:
- How many years of experience do you have performing blepharoplasties?
- What techniques do you use? And which would you use in my case and why?
- How long does the surgery take and how long will recovery be?
- What results can I expect from the surgery?
Conclusion
Undergoing blepharoplasty, either as an individual procedure or as a complement to a facelift, can bring great satisfaction to the patient when expected results are achieved; however, when complications occur and the face loses its symmetry or vision problems develop, it can be very frustrating for the patient.
Although some situations following a poorly performed blepharoplasty may have simpler solutions than others, we consider surgeon selection essential to guarantee successful results and minimize risks.
