Eyelid surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help improve the appearance of drooping eyelids and under-eye bags. While the procedure is relatively safe and many patients have positive results, there can be some unexpected side effects. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the surprising side effects of eyelid surgery and what you can do to address them.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling are the most common side effects of eyelid surgery. Both will usually start to subside after a few days but can last up to two weeks. You may experience some discomfort and swelling during this time. You may also experience some bruising that can extend down your face. Eventually, it will fade away.
It is important to take it easy during this recovery period and to avoid any strenuous activity that could increase swelling or pain. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. You should also apply a cold compress to the area to reduce the swelling.
During the healing process, it is important to keep your head elevated above your heart as much as possible. It will help reduce swelling and bruising around the eyes. Additionally, it would help if you slept with your head elevated and wore sunglasses when outside to protect the delicate skin around your eyes from the sun’s rays.
Dry Eyes
Eyelid surgery can cause dry eyes. It is because the eyelids are responsible for maintaining moisture on the eye surface. After surgery, some patients may experience reduced tear production and inflammation of the ocular surface.
It can cause a feeling of discomfort and dryness. Symptoms include burning, itching, grittiness, redness, and blurry vision. It is important to keep the eyes lubricated with artificial tears, and other eye drops prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may also suggest plugging the tear ducts to help retain eye moisture.
Difficulty Closing Your Eyes
One of the possible side effects of eyelid surgery is difficulty closing your eyes. This side effect can occur in both upper and lower eyelid surgeries. It can happen due to swelling, scarring, and excess skin being removed from the eyelids. In some cases, the muscles and tendons that allow you to close your eyes can be weakened or damaged during the procedure.
If you experience difficulty closing your eyes after eyelid surgery, you must talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor may suggest eye drops to reduce the swelling and help close your eyes. If scarring or other damage has occurred, additional treatments may be necessary to help restore normal functioning. Corrective surgery may sometimes be necessary to repair any damage and restore full functionality.
Infection
When undergoing any surgery, there is always a risk of infection. While rare, infections can occur following eyelid surgery and may require additional treatments to clear up. Symptoms of infection following eyelid surgery include redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected area. It is also important to be aware of any pus or discharge from the incision sites.
If you suspect an infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, as this can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Your doctor may recommend antibiotics or other medications to help clear the infection. In more severe cases, a second surgery may be required. To help reduce your risk of infection after eyelid surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for post-operative care. It may include taking prescribed medications, keeping the area clean, and avoiding irritating activities.
Scarring
As with any surgical procedure, scarring is an inevitable side effect of eyelid surgery. Although most scars will be well hidden in the natural creases of your eyelids, it’s important to understand the possibility of visible scarring that may remain after the healing process.
The most common type of scarring associated with eyelid surgery is hypertrophic scarring, which occurs when collagen production exceeds what is necessary to repair a wound and results in raised, red areas on the skin. Hypertrophic scarring may appear around incisions during the procedure and can take several months to fade.
Other types of scarring are keloid scars, which are raised and grow larger than the original wound and can extend beyond the incision area. Keloid scars are less common but more difficult to treat and may require additional procedures to reduce their appearance.
Regardless of the scarring you experience after eyelid surgery, your surgeon will provide instructions for managing your post-operative care and healing process. It may include topical treatments such as gels or creams that can help reduce the appearance of scarring and minimize its effects. Additionally, you may be asked to wear protective headgear or tape over your eyelids to reduce friction and further minimize the chances of visible scarring.