Can eyes bleed after blepharoplasty? Postoperative consequences of blepharoplasty

Scars after blepharoplasty are the consequences of an operation to eliminate overhanging upper eyelids, as well as bags, hernias and wen under the eyes. With age, the skin loses elasticity, thins and sags. These changes become especially noticeable on the face. Those who do not want to accept such cosmetic defects resort to corrections made through surgical operations.

Blepharoplasty is a plastic surgery of the eyelids. Surgery can touch the upper eyelids or the area under the eyes, but is performed simultaneously in both areas, that is, around. Based on the location of the incision, the procedure is divided into the following types:

Lower.

The incision is made along the natural sweet spot under the eye or on the inside of the lower eyelid. During the operation, the dermis is exfoliated from the muscle, and fatty hernias are removed along with excess skin.

Upper.

Skin incision is made along the crease on the upper eyelid. The sagging area of \u200b\u200bthe skin is cut off, and fatty formations under it are excised.

Transconjunctival.

The place of dissection is the conjunctiva, that is, the inner part of the eyelid. The goal of surgery is to remove bags under the eyes. Such an operation is resorted to by elderly patients and young people who have this cosmetic defect.

Canthoplasty.

The operation involves changing the incision of the eyes by tightening the canthal tendon and removing part of it. Excess skin may be removed. Correction of the corners of the eyes allows you to change their shape. Such operations are often performed on people of Asian nationalities.

Canthopexy.

The purpose of the correction is to eliminate the sagging of the lower eyelid. During the operation, unlike canthoplasty, the muscles and tendons are not separated from the bone. Often, in parallel with the lift, the removal of excess skin on the lower eyelid is also performed.

One of the main questions that concern the clients of a plastic surgeon is whether scars remain after blepharoplasty. Traces after a skin incision and suturing always remain. Any operation involves the formation of scar tissue at the site of manipulation. However, the appearance of scars largely depends on several factors:

correct implementation of the doctor's instructions regarding the care of sutures;
physiological characteristics of a person;
the professionalism of the surgeon.

In most cases, scars after eyelid surgery look like a light thin strip in the fold of the skin of the eyes, the existence of which only the patient will know. Postoperative traces, thanks to a special technique, localization and direction of the incisions become invisible. After complete healing, neither the color of the scar nor its relief betrays the patient about perfect plastic surgery.

Scar healing time

Blepharoplasty surgery, as with rhinoplasty, lasts no more than 2 hours. As soon as the patient has recovered from anesthesia, he can be allowed to go home accompanied by relatives. On the second day after eyelid surgery, characteristic pains, swelling, redness, and hematomas appear. Symptoms are normal and are due to damage to blood vessels and nerves. To eliminate them faster, surgeons recommend using cold compresses. During the first 3-4 days, it is necessary to apply plastic bags with ice wrapped in clean cloth napkins to the eyes.

Postoperative sutures are removed for 4-6 days. Bruising and swelling subsides after 10-14 days.

The healing of the incision site goes through several stages:

The exudative phase lasts the first 5-7 days. This period is also called the inflammatory period. Eyelids swollen and red. It is important to observe the hygiene of the seam and the regimen. Various kinds of loads are contraindicated for the patient, they can lead to divergence of sutures and bleeding. The eyes should be at rest and not be subjected to stress.
In the period from the 1st to the 4th week, suture granulation is observed. In place of the scar, a new tissue is formed with the formation of collagen and elastin fibers. The scar has a pink tint.
Scar formation occurs 1-3 months after surgery. The scar becomes thicker. Scar tissue brightens and evens out. This stage can be manifested by the formation of keloid or hypertrophic scars under adverse conditions at the initial stage of their formation.
Full maturation of the scar is observed 4-10 months after the operation. The scar thickens, becomes white, smooth and inconspicuous.

Based on the above information, it may seem that the formation of scar tissue and the maturation of the scar takes a long time. Healing when all the doctor's prescriptions are followed goes unnoticed by others and for the patient himself.

Scars after blepharoplasty on the lower eyelids are located along the eye under the ciliary edge and, when completely healed, do not differ from the rest of the skin. And with the improved technique (transconjunctival), there are no external scars, as they are located on the inside of the eyelid. The scars from lifting the upper sagging eyelids are hidden in the fold above the eye and are almost invisible after two weeks from the day of the intervention.

How to smear the skin after blepharoplasty

To prevent the growth of connective tissue and help the scar form even and elastic, plastic surgeons recommend using silicone-based gels and ointments, as well as silicone patches immediately after removing the stitches.

Effective drugs	Action
Contractubex	Cream based on allontoin, a substance that promotes rapid healing and restoration of damaged tissues. It softens, moisturizes the connective tissue and relieves pain.
Gel Dermatix	The silicone-based product softens connective tissues, prevents the formation of rough and uneven scars, while maintaining water balance.
scar guard	Liquid product containing silicone. Application is made with a soft bristled brush. Drying on the eyelids, the medicine forms a film, through which moisture is retained, which is necessary to soften the scar.
Kelofibrase	The cream with natural ingredients has an anti-inflammatory, moisturizing effect, improves blood circulation in the skin, maintains a normal water balance, which contributes to the resorption of scar tissue.
Zeraderm	Liniment is made on the basis of silicone. The ointment helps to saturate the skin with oxygen, nourishes with vitamins, provides fast regeneration.
Sledocide	Relieves inflammation of injured tissues and ensures their regeneration. For the treatment of scars, the product should be applied at least 2 times a day and remain on the surface until completely absorbed.
Clearwin	Plant-based cream contains extracts and extracts of medicinal plants. Promotes recovery, nutrition, improves blood circulation in the skin.

How to prevent scars and speed up their healing

To prevent the formation of noticeable scars on the eyelids, it is very important to regularly treat the incision sites with absorbable gels and ointments for the first weeks after the operation. They will not allow connective tissue to grow. On the forums, you can find women's fears about the occurrence of colloidal scars, and evidence of the appearance of subcutaneous seals.

Colloidal scars that occur after blepharoplasty do not form due to thin skin and lack of fatty tissue. Scars may be noticeable for the first few months, until the skin has fully recovered. There are negative reviews about this operation, but the authors emphasize the inexperience of the young surgeon. Physiotherapy procedures will help to remove sloppy marks on the eyelids.

If a subcutaneous scar has formed after the lower blepharoplasty procedure, then it should disappear after 2-2.5 months. During this time, swelling, bruising, subcutaneous seals resolve, and postoperative traces become invisible.

The use of decorative cosmetics will help hide the scars on the eyelids, but it can only be applied after the stitches have healed.

Blepharoplasty is widely and successfully practiced, being a relatively safe and effective plastic surgery. At the same time, excess skin, fat and muscle tissues are surgically removed. However, the anatomy of the eyelid is complex and there is always a risk of complications.

In the preoperative evaluation, it is important to identify the patient's problems and conduct a complete eye examination. When planning upper blepharoplasty, the surgeon determines the amount of excess skin of the upper eyelids, the amount of excess or missing fat, and the position of the tear ducts. In preparation for lower blepharoplasty, the amount of excess skin is determined, the presence of fine wrinkles, the amount and location of fat are noted.

When planning, they choose the method of performing the operation, and also decide on the need for additional procedures. The surgeon is required to inform patients of the potential risks of surgery before the operation is performed.

Complications after blepharoplasty can be both minor and serious.

Hematomas and edema

Such consequences of blepharoplasty as bruising and swelling are inevitable and are not complications.

In the postoperative period, cold compresses can be used for recovery. Ice water compresses should be applied continuously for 3 days (excluding meals or sleep). Rest should be with the head position from 45 to 60 degrees from the horizontal position.

If all four eyelids have had surgery at the same time, the eyelids may swell and remain closed for 24 to 48 hours. Patients should receive preoperative instruction regarding this possibility.

Rolls under the lower eyelids are a very common (and usually temporary) phenomenon after blepharoplasty. The roller is formed by edematous tissues, the state of which can last up to 1.5-2 months. In these cases, massage and physiotherapy rehabilitation procedures help.

Divergence of the edges of the wound

After blepharoplasty, the edges of the wound may diverge. The complication usually heals without any significant scarring. Opening of a postoperative wound may occur due to accidental trauma, poor healing, excessive stress on the suture, early suture removal, or infection. The complication often occurs in patients who accidentally rub their eyes while sleeping, raise their eyebrows excessively, or close their eyelids. If the wound opens in the first 48 hours, it is cleaned and re-sutured.

Measures to minimize the wound and reduce the likelihood of wound dehiscence include appropriate suture selection and suture placement.

For upper blepharoplasty, a non-absorbable suture is preferred.

With absorbable sutures, there is a risk of tissue reaction or wound dehiscence. Removal of sutures is recommended 5-7 days after surgery.

The conjunctival incision for transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty does not require suturing. Small wound dehiscence can be treated with antibiotics, but complete dehiscence requires suturing to avoid scarring.

Scars and cysts

Eyelid skin heals better than any other skin on the body.

However, external wounds of the eyelids should be symmetrically located and carefully sutured. Significant scarring can be avoided by appropriate incision placement, minimal tissue manipulation, and proper suture selection.

If the incision line is slightly enlarged and redness persists for 4 weeks, massage and vitamin E creams will be helpful. Very rarely, steroid injections may be used. The formation of keloid scars on the eyelids is rare.

Isolated epithelial remnants may form small whitish-yellow cysts along the suture line, which are opened or removed. They can atrophy on their own in 2-3 months. Pyogenic granulomas sometimes develop on conjunctival incisions. A short course of steroids may be used for treatment.

Eyelid hypercorrection

The consequences of blepharoplasty can be aesthetic and functional complications resulting from excessive removal of skin and fat, as well as excessive scarring and adhesion formation associated with the aponeurosis of the levator lid muscle. Risk factors for overcorrection include:

previous eyelid injuries
dermatological diseases leading to rough skin,
Graves' disease.

The risk group also includes patients with a large excess of skin, low eyebrows, after a previous brow lift or blepharoplasty.

Measurement accuracy avoids over-correction.

As a rule, the doctor should leave 10 mm of skin under the eyebrows above the eyelid incision to avoid lagophthalmos (incomplete closure of the eyelids).

Anomalies in the position of the lower eyelids include exposure of the sclera, rounding of the lower contour of the eyelids, ectropion (eversion of the eyelid). Transconjunctival fat resection should be used in younger patients who have little excess skin and whose skin is elastic enough to spontaneously shrink after surgery.

Asymmetry and ptosis

Preoperative identification of the existing eyelid crease, accurate measurements, and marking of the planned upper blepharoplasty incision are critical to reduce the risk of postoperative asymmetry of the eyelid crease. A small degree of asymmetry disappears with time. Serious asymmetry requires surgical correction.

Blepharoptosis is a common consequence of upper blepharoplasty. Ptosis of the upper eyelid often occurs due to eyelid edema, reduced function of the levator muscle due to swelling, and hematoma formation. In most of these cases, the position of the eyelids improves after the swelling and bruising subsides and the levator muscle resumes its preoperative function. Cases of persistent postoperative ptosis are usually observed within 3-6 months, and spontaneous improvement may occur within a few months.

Chemosis and lagophthalmos

Chemosis is swelling of the conjunctiva and may be caused by inflammation of the transconjunctival incision or hyperactivity. For example, there is a case where a patient felt so good after blepharoplasty that when she got home, she bent down to pull out weeds, which caused severe chemosis. The complication can lead to dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, blurred vision, and eye discomfort. Mild cases of chemosis often improve rapidly with continued use of ocular lubrication (artificial tears and eye ointments).

Incomplete closure of the eyelids (lagophthalmos) often occurs after correction of ptosis of the upper eyelids. Complications are less common after conventional blepharoplasty. In most cases, mild postoperative lagophthalmos resolves a few days or weeks after surgery. Excessive resection of the skin of the upper or lower eyelids can cause prolonged lagophthalmos. Poor eyelid closure can exacerbate dry eyes and lead to keratoconjunctivitis. For all patients with lagophthalmos, intensive postoperative ocular lubrication (artificial tears, gels, eye ointments) is critical.

Diplopia

Double vision after blepharoplasty is extremely rare, but is still a known complication. The most common form of diplopia is caused by the administration of a local anesthetic by direct injection into fat while the conjunctiva (lower eyelid) or skin (upper eyelid) is open. This is due to the faster and wider distribution of the local anesthetic agent to the cranial nerves. Particular attention should be paid to patients undergoing repeated blepharoplasty procedures.

Diplopia can occur when the eye muscles are damaged.

Injuries to the inferior oblique muscle or (less commonly) inferior rectus muscle are the most serious causes of postoperative double vision after inferior blepharoplasty.

Patients sometimes complain of diplopia in one eye due to disruption of the tear film. This mild form of diplopia improves with blinking and resolves after a few days of surgery.

Orbital hemorrhage with loss of vision

Catastrophic complications of blepharoplasty, including blindness, can occur due to retrobulbar hemorrhage.

Retrobulbar (orbital) hemorrhage leads to a sharp increase in intraorbital pressure, and the blood supply to the optic nerve is compromised.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage with loss of vision is a rare complication with an estimated incidence of 1:2000 (0.05%) and permanent blindness of 1:10,000 (0.01%). Risk factors are:

hypertension,
taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs,
long complex surgery
reoperation through injured tissue.

Orbital hemorrhage usually occurs within the first 24 hours after surgery, but may appear up to a week after surgery.

Exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyeball), limited eye movement, reduced visual acuity, and increased orbital tension are clinical signs of deep bleeding. The patient will suffer from asymmetrical pain. Treatment should be carried out within the first 24-48 hours. Orbital hemorrhage requires surgical intervention. Control of obvious sources of bleeding is important, but a rapid reduction in orbital pressure is critical.

After blepharoplasty, it is necessary to avoid certain types of movements (straining during defecation, sudden coughing, bending forward, etc.), which cause a sharp increase in blood pressure and are the main risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage. Antihypertensive drugs should be continued.

hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation results from the slow resolution of bruising and the deposition of red blood cell breakdown products (hemosiderin), which causes staining of the skin over the bruise. Careful hemostasis and evacuation of postoperative hematomas can reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation. Post-inflammatory pigmentary changes can also lead to darkening of the skin. In the epidermis, increased deposition of melanin is possible. Postoperative sun exposure is rarely the cause of hyperpigmentation, but UV-protective goggles are helpful during surgical recovery.

The consequences after blepharoplasty are associated with traumatization of the skin of the upper and lower eyelids after incisions, suturing or laser exposure.

In terms of time, there are early (developing within a few days after surgery) and late complications.

Main

These are complications that are a consequence of the impact of a traumatic factor on the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids.

These include:

Early

edema– a physiological reaction to tissue injury, aimed at limiting inflammation, with the release of the liquid part of the blood from the vessels and an increase in the area of the eyelids in volume, develops almost immediately after the intervention;
bruises- are the result of microbleeds, disappear on their own due to their resorption;
bleeding- the exit of blood from the vessels due to damage to their walls, depending on the caliber and localization of the damaged vessel, exists subcutaneous hematoma(limited area of hemorrhage under the skin of the eyelids in the form of a tumor), tense hematoma(occurs with ongoing bleeding, in which tissue is stretched with blood) and retrobulbar hematoma(bleeding from a large vessel located in the tissue behind the eyeball);
eyelid eversion- a characteristic complication after excision of a large amount of subcutaneous tissue, characterized by mechanical deformation and incomplete closure of the eyelids, followed by dryness of the eye.

Late

scarring- connective tissue strands that form at the site of the incision during wound healing and incomplete closure of its edges, often occur with improper suturing or a large and deep incision, scars can dissolve on their own within a few months;
divergence of seams- occurs when they are applied incorrectly or not strong tissues, due to which the suture material is cut through, and the edges of the wound diverge, then scars may occur;
tearing - increased formation of tear fluid due to disruption of the lacrimal glands, passes on its own;
"hot eyes"- excessive dryness of the mucous membrane of the eyeball with incomplete closure of the eyelids or blockage of the lacrimal canal with a feeling of "heat", requires repeated plasty, often after transconjunctival blepharoplasty due to damage to the lacrimal canal;
cyst- a cavity filled with liquid and limited by a connective tissue capsule, formed along the line of the postoperative suture, this is a benign formation that usually resolves on its own, sometimes it is removed surgically;
eye asymmetry- a consequence of deformation of the eye section after the formation of significant scars or improper suturing, this complication requires repeated plastic surgery;
blepharoptosis- drooping of the upper eyelids due to damage to the muscles and its ligaments, also occurs in elderly patients (ligament failure), the correction is only surgical;
dry keratoconjunctivitis- inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eyes, due to their dryness, may not occur due to surgery; eye drops or artificial tears are used for treatment.

Possible

infection- a consequence of the entry of bacteria into the postoperative wound, manifested by inflammatory processes with the possible formation of pus, this complication develops when the rules of antisepsis and asepsis are not observed during or after the operation, treatment consists in prescribing antibiotics (ceftriaxone) and washing the eye and eyelids with antiseptic solutions (furatsilin, chlorhexedine);
ectropion– eversion of the lower eyelids after blepharoplasty, which leads to their incomplete closure, increased dryness and keratosis of the sclera of the eyeball, only surgical treatment, which consists in plastic surgery of tissues and muscles of the lower eyelid;
diplopia- double vision, caused by damage to the muscles of the eyeball after surgery, the treatment consists in the mandatory surgical plasticity of damaged muscles with the restoration of their integrity;
blurred vision- a serious complication that has many causes in its occurrence, namely, a tense hematoma, leading to a deterioration in the nutrition of the retina, dry keratoconjunctivitis, which can cause the formation of an eyesore, all these causes require immediate adequate treatment.

Laser blepharoplasty allows minimizing late and possible complications, due to the practical absence of severe trauma to the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the eyelids.

Early complications of blepharoplasty are minimal, with proper management of the postoperative period, they pass on their own and do not require special treatment.

exclusion of taking drugs that reduce blood clotting (aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid);
avoidance of physical activity after surgery;
cold compress on the eyelids to prevent and reduce tissue swelling;
do not use make-up after surgery;
the use of special eye drops or artificial tears to prevent dry keratoconjunctivitis;
the use of antiseptic solutions or ointments for the eyelids will eliminate infectious complications;
avoidance of excessive insolation (exposure to sunlight) on postoperative wounds will make it possible to prevent most complications of blepharoplasty;
the effect of high temperatures on the skin of the eyelids after surgery can increase the effects of edema, inflammation, provoke late bleeding, so you should refuse to visit the bath or sauna.

Preparatory stage in the prevention of complications

Before carrying out blepharoplasty, it is important to properly prepare and follow all the doctor's recommendations, this will minimize the risk of complications:

passing all mandatory tests, consulting a therapist, if necessary, conducting additional studies;
awareness of the development of possible complications;
exclusion of alcohol and tobacco intake on the eve of the operation;
it is necessary to provide all the information to the doctor about previous diseases, taking medications at the moment, since some of them (aspirin) can provoke bleeding.

Photo of complications after eyelid correction

It is worth remembering that early major complications after blepharoplasty, especially swelling and bruising, always accompany the postoperative period. Therefore, it is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor, be patient and not worry about them.

FAQ

Stages of scar healing after blepharoplasty

Postoperative scars in the first four weeks go through a granulation phase, during which a new connective tissue with a newly formed vascular network is formed at the incision site.

A month after the operation, the incision site turns into a pink scar. In the subsequent period (1-1.5 months), the scar turns into a thin, white line, which no longer protrudes above the skin surface.

If the scars are smoothed out too slowly, the excess growth of the connective tissue is eliminated additionally.

Application of specialized cosmetics

During the rehabilitation period, the skin in the places of incisions needs special care. The doctor may suggest special cosmetics that will speed up the healing process, help restore the skin, maintain the functionality of cells in the incision area, and also reduce the possibility of unsightly scarring.

In addition, special tools will help reduce postoperative discomfort, shorten the rehabilitation period, and eliminate bruising. The composition of special creams and gels contains healing, nourishing, protective elements that significantly improve the condition of damaged skin.

Silicone-based preparations are considered the most effective for the prevention and treatment of pathological scars. Vitamin complexes are often added to them: E to protect against antioxidants and regulate the natural moisture balance in the skin, K to relieve redness and coenzyme Q-10 for cell renewal. Zinc is also added to protect against ultraviolet rays.

Video: Blepharoplasty and complications after it

On the same subject

Discussion: 5 comments left.

Good evening. I was operated on for bags under my eyes, lower blepharoplasty. On the first day, there were swelling and bags under the eyes, which I, in fact, was not surprised at. Then they began to go away, but there was a swelling under the right eye, like a nut, about 2 centimeters in diameter. I went to the doctor, examined, said - subcutaneous hematoma due to bleeding. He prescribed heparin ointment for its resorption and cold. Along the way, I found out that I was taking aspirin for a headache, which provoked this postoperative bleeding. Now everything is fine, if I still have surgery, I will be more attentive to the recommendations regarding the postoperative period. And how I forgot about the aspirin ban.

I did laser blepharoplasty to reduce wrinkles around the eyes, otherwise the mesh was pronounced. There was practically no pain during the operation. But after - redness of the eyelids and their swelling. To tell the truth, I was a little worried, they began to apply cold. On the 3rd day, redness, swelling, and wrinkles were gone. Glad you made up your mind.

Hello. I was operated on for bags under my eyes, they were such that it seemed as if I did not sleep at all. The plastic surgeon said that it is necessary to remove a large amount of subcutaneous tissue of the lower eyelids. After the operation, at first everything was fine, but over time I began to notice some kind of burning sensation in my eyes. And dryness in them. After the examination, they said that I have eversion of the eyelids. Artificial tears were prescribed. It became easier. But I had to be operated on again, they performed additional plastic surgery of the lower eyelids. Now, as the edema has subsided, it’s good, it doesn’t dry the eyes.

Good afternoon The first day after blepharoplasty seemed like a nightmare to me, although I was warned about the development of complications. I was afraid to look in the mirror - my eyelids were swollen, bruises under my eyes. I think that's how I fixed the bags under my eyes. The doctor prescribed cold applications, forbade cosmetics, go out into the sun. After a few days the swelling went away. And that's when I noticed the difference. Fortunately, the photo was taken before the operation.

Had a lower eyelid blepharoplasty. Initially, there was swelling and blueness under the eye at the site of the operation. It even seemed that I looked worse than before the procedure. The doctor recommended applying ice. A few days later everything seemed to be back to normal. Frankly, I was scared at first, although the doctor warned me. But it's one thing to hear and another to see. Now everything is fine, the bags have really disappeared.

There is an opinion that blepharoplasty is a simple and safe operation, which even a young surgeon can do. Believing this, patients sometimes refuse to spend a lot of time looking for an experienced specialist, and then face negative consequences after unsuccessful blepharoplasty. Conventionally, the latter are divided into two types: some simply spoil the appearance and can be eliminated, others worsen vision, threatening to completely lose it.

Causes

The most common causes of complications after blepharoplasty:

Individual characteristics. We are talking about allergies, the location of blood vessels, unforeseen circumstances in the process of scar formation (when the body itself reacted in an unexpected way).
Non-compliance by the patient with the advice of the doctor after the procedure and before it.
General surgical risks. Any operation is a trauma, and even more so for the delicate and thinned area - the skin around the eyes. To minimize the risks, you should undergo an examination and exclude the presence of contraindications.
surgeon's mistakes. Unfortunately, young professionals sometimes underestimate blepharoplasty, forgetting that this is one of the most technically complex manipulations.

It also happens that in the actual absence of complications, the patient remains dissatisfied with the result. Everything is to blame - physiological reasons (slow healing, the formation of a rough scar), psychological (high expectations from the operation).

Types of complications after blepharoplasty

Depending on how much time has passed since the operation, there are:

early complications. They appear at the stage of the procedure or in a short time after its completion. They are hematomas, edema, foci of inflammation due to infection.
Late. Occur after a few weeks, and sometimes months, and are detected in the divergence of the seams, hyperpigmentation, blepharoptosis, aesthetic problems.

In any case, treatment should be started immediately, otherwise serious and irreversible consequences cannot be avoided.

Main problems and ways to deal with them

Puffiness, which manifests itself in the first days after surgery, is not a complication after blepharoplasty. Edema (pictured) is a common reaction of the body to injury. When they appear, the permeability of the vessels increases, through the walls of which a larger volume of blood is excreted, which, on the one hand, leads to swelling, and on the other, accelerates the healing process, eliminates inflammation.

Normally, swelling persists from 2 to 7 days and decreases due to anti-inflammatory ointments and gels prescribed by a physician. If the swelling persists longer, then an additional consultation with the surgeon is definitely needed to find out the cause. Otherwise, the condition threatens with blurred vision, double vision, headaches (if the swelling presses on the organ of vision).

The main causes of persistent edema:

toxic-allergic conjunctivitis (most often on drugs that were instilled after surgery, and confirmation of this is itching, redness of the skin and whites of the eyes);
infection.

The basis of therapy is antiallergic drugs.

Hematomas

Being an accumulation of blood, hematomas appear immediately after injury or damage to the skin or after a few days. Conventionally, they are divided into three types:

Subcutaneous - simple, prone to self-resorption. Sometimes a puncture or removal of a collection of blood through incisions is required. The main thing is not to delay with the latter, if there are indications, since sealing of the eyelids and subcutaneous nodes may subsequently occur.
Tense - occur if a large vessel is damaged (it does not thrombose naturally) and blood constantly comes out of it, squeezing the tissues around. The condition is accompanied by a feeling of fullness, numbness of the damaged area. The problem is solved by surgical intervention, in which the vessel is sutured.
Retrobulbar - represent a hemorrhage in the orbit. This is a serious complication after blepharoplasty, which can cause visual impairment due to compression of small vessels that supply oxygen to the retina and optic nerve. In severe cases, possible: blindness, acute glaucoma. The condition manifests itself on the first day or on the 5th - 7th day and is accompanied by pain, protrusion of the eyeball. The reasons are the mistake of the surgeon or non-compliance with his advice (tilts, physical activity). To avoid complications, doctors use tools that seal the vessels (electroknife, laser). Relieve symptoms with drugs to reduce intraocular pressure, and if vision worsens, a second operation is performed.

To eliminate hematomas, decongestant infusion therapy can also be carried out.

infection

It is observed during surgery in a non-sterile operating room or in the presence of foci of inflammation in a patient (caries), when the infection enters the wound with a blood stream. Accompanied by swelling, redness, fever, less often - necrosis. Antibiotic therapy is used for treatment.

Scarring problems

With an individual predisposition to the appearance of keloid scars, rough scars and cysts appear. Small neoplasms are prone to self-resorption, the rest are removed surgically. At the initial stages, they are treated with ointments, hardware procedures, after six months only peelings and laser resurfacing are effective.

This is a drooping of the upper eyelid, in which the patient cannot open the eye. Appears with swelling, but normally passes quickly. If it persists for several weeks, it means that the surgeon made a mistake when he damaged the ligaments, muscle fibers. The defect is corrected in the process of performing a repeated operation.

Lagophthalmos

A condition in which the eye does not close completely. It happens if the doctor removes too much skin or the patient goes to the surgeon's table without waiting for a full recovery from the previous plastic surgery. The complication leads to a violation of the hydration of the cornea, as a result of which it loses its transparency. The outcome is blindness. Treatment consists of the use of moisturizing drops and repeated surgery.

A consequence of lower blepharoplasty, in which the eye also does not close. Eliminated in two ways: gymnastics, massages to increase the tone of the circular muscle, or repeated surgery with skin grafting.

Another complication after lower blepharoplasty is called "round eye". It occurs when the shape and incision of the palpebral fissure are deformed. Accompanied by lacrimation, dryness, redness. The eyes appear unnaturally protruding. Corrected with reoperation.

In addition to the positive aesthetic effect, blepharoplasty can also cause negative consequences. Let us consider in more detail what needs to be done with its possible complications.

What it is

Blepharoplasty is a failed surgical operation to correct or reshape the eyelids. It can be aimed both at purely aesthetic rejuvenation of the patient, and at correcting congenital (acquired) defects of the eyelids.

Blepharoplasty significantly tightens the upper and lower eyelids, making a person's look more open and light. After it, the number of wrinkles on the eyelids decreases, so the patient seems younger.

Blepharoplasty will help get rid of such problems:

change the shape of the eyes;
change the shape of the eyes;
eliminate various defects of the eyelids;
pull up the eyelids hanging over the eyes;
eliminate the problem of bags under the eyes;
eliminate wrinkles under the eyes.

Indications

This operation is shown to people in such cases:

The presence of bags under the eyes.
The presence of wen under the eyes.
Strong wrinkles on the lower eyelid.
Sagging of the upper eyelid.
The presence of a "heavy" look.
The presence of various congenital defects or pathologies of the eyelid.
Acquired (subsequently trauma, surgery or burns) defects of the eyelids.
Omission of the corners of the eyes.
Excess flesh on lower eyelids.

Contraindications

Before agreeing to this operation, it is necessary to remember the following contraindications to its implementation:

diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2;
the presence of an inflammatory process in the body, which is accompanied by high temperature;
acute or chronic respiratory diseases;
hepatitis;
severe infectious diseases;
the presence of oncological pathologies;
pregnancy and breastfeeding period;
the age of the patient is up to eighteen years;
dry eye syndrome;
violation in blood clotting;
diseases of internal organs in acute form;
hypertension;
increased intracranial pressure;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
infectious diseases of the eyes or nose.

Photo: Before and after the operation

Early difficulties

Blepharoplasty can cause serious complications after surgery.

Let's take a closer look at each of these conditions and how they can be dealt with.

Edema

Soft tissue edema is inherent in all surgical interventions without exception, which involve damage to the integrity of soft tissues.

With edema in the patient (in the affected area of the skin), vascular permeability increases, which leads to swelling.

This condition is considered normal after this operation. It lasts from two to seven days. Edema can also provoke visual impairment and headache.

In order to get rid of them, it is necessary to use anti-inflammatory ointments and gels that the attending physician will prescribe.

Hematoma

Hematoma can develop in the first hours after surgery or a few days after it.

There are three types of hematomas:

subcutaneous- characterized by the accumulation of ichor right under the top layer of the skin due to impaired vascular function. It is eliminated with the help of a catheter, which is inserted under the skin and pumps out excess fluid;
tense- Accompanied by profuse bleeding. It must be urgently eliminated by restoring the affected vessel;
retrobulbar- this is the most dangerous hematoma that can develop due to damage to a large vessel. In this case, patients will experience an accumulation of blood under the eyeball. This can lead to blurred vision and pain. Such a hematoma is removed surgically.

Diplopia

Diplopia is expressed in violation of the motor muscles of the eye, which can occur after blepharoplasty.

Its symptoms appear almost immediately after the operation.

Most often, with diplopia, the work of the oblique muscle of the eye is disrupted. As a rule, this condition goes away on its own after 1-2 months.

Video: Preparing for surgery

Bleeding

Bleeding is the most common complication that occurs after blepharoplasty. It can also occur during the operation itself.

Frequent bleeding is explained by the fact that there are a lot of vessels and small capillaries in the eye, which, even with the slightest damage, can be severely disturbed and bleed.

The danger of this condition is that the patient may lose too much blood, so he will need an additional transfusion of plasma or blood. This, in turn, threatens to infect the blood.

Eversion of the lower eyelid

Due to the fact that a lot of skin can be cut out in this operation, sometimes patients experience an eversion of the lower eyelid after it. At the same time, the eye itself cannot close completely, which leads to its dryness.

In order to eliminate this condition, you must:

carry out an additional operation;
do a special eye massage to maintain and stretch muscle tone.

Infection of postoperative wounds

If sterility is violated during this surgical intervention, the patient has a risk of infection in the wound.

This condition manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process, high temperature and discharge of pus from the sutures.

It is important to know that infection requires immediate medical treatment, in particular the use of strong antibiotics.

Also, if an infection enters the wound, the latter will take much longer to heal.

Orbital hemorrhage

Orbital hemorrhage is considered the most terrible consequence of blepharoplasty, as it threatens with complete loss of vision.

Such a complication can be caused by a surgeon's mistake or by performing an operation on a patient with such contraindications:

hypertension;
taking anticoagulants or alcoholic beverages before surgery;
carrying out a long and complex operation.

This condition, as a rule, manifests itself already in the first day after the correction of the eyelids. It is very difficult to treat it.

The most effective therapy is repeated surgery, but in severe cases there is no guarantee to restore lost vision.

Late complications after blepharoplasty

After eyelid correction surgery (after 2-3) months, the patient may experience the following late complications:

The formation of too rough scars at the incision site. They may appear due to the divergence of the seams or insufficiently correct suturing of the wound itself. At the same time, such scars will be very visible, so they need to be re-excised and sutured. In order for them not to occur, immediately after blepharoplasty, they must be lubricated with healing and absorbable ointments.
Blepharoptosis is a severe heaviness of the skin in the upper eyelids. This complication is quite rare and is most often observed in elderly patients. It occurs due to poor quality of the operation. To eliminate blepharoptosis, it is necessary to perform repeated blepharoplasty.
The formation of eye asymmetry can occur with unsuccessful suturing. This complication is eliminated by performing secondary blepharoplasty.
Dry keratoconjunctivitis is a fairly common companion of eye surgeries. For its treatment, you can use special eye drops.

To completely eliminate it, it is desirable to re-correct the incision of the eyes.

Loss of vision is inherent in elderly patients who agreed to surgery at high pressure, which provoked the appearance of a hematoma. Fortunately, such deplorable consequences are quite rare.
Divergence of seams. This usually happens when they are incorrectly applied even during the operation. In this condition, the patient is at risk, because due to the divergence of the sutures, he may begin to become infected or edema. Resuturing is the best method to repair suture dehiscence, but this only increases the risk of a large scar.
The appearance of tearing can occur when the lacrimal openings move outward, so the healed tissues will narrow the flow channels of the eyes.
A cyst is a non-cancerous formation that is separated from other tissues by a dense capsule. It can form on the seam from the wound. The cyst needs surgical removal, as it does not resolve on its own.
"Hot" or inflamed eyes occur in a patient with frequent blepharoplasty. At the same time, their eyelids will not close tightly, which will lead to dryness and inflammation. Unfortunately, this condition can only be eliminated by a second operation.
Ectropion is one of the most frequent late complications. Its appearance leads to the presence of open areas of the sclera, which led to the deformation of the eyelids. To eliminate this condition, the patient needs to do special therapeutic exercises and eyelid massage.
Hyperpigmentation can occur with severe bruising and the deposition of red products from blood decomposition, which will cause staining of the skin. If this condition is not treated in time, the eyelids may darken.

What to do

Unfortunately, most complications from blepharoplasty require re-eyelid correction, but it is better to correct such defects immediately than to suffer the symptoms of a failed operation later.

Let us consider in more detail what needs to be done with individual complications:

With heavy bleeding, doctors must perform a puncture on the patient, with which they remove excess blood.
When a large hematoma forms, it is recommended to remove the bleeding vessel, because if this is not done, then in the future the patient may have thickening of the eyelids and problems with normal closing of the eyes.
If the patient has the most dangerous type of hematoma (retrobulbar), it is necessary to urgently examine an ophthalmologist. You also need to carry out a procedure called tonometry, which is to control blood circulation in the retina. After that, the attending physician should prescribe decongestant therapy.

It is important to know that if this type of hematoma is not eliminated in time, the patient may have loss of vision and thrombosis of the retinal arteries.

When eversion of the lower eyelid, it is necessary to prescribe a conservative treatment, which consists in applying supporting sutures and performing a special massage.
In case of inflammation of the eyes, it is recommended to use anti-inflammatory drops.

Also, in case of infection of the wound and its suppuration, the patient should be prescribed the following groups of drugs:

painkillers;
anti-inflammatory drugs;
decongestants;
antipyretic (analgesic) drugs;
antibacterial drugs (broad-spectrum antibiotics).

Is it possible to prevent the consequences

In order to prevent the development of the above complications, the following recommendations should be followed:

Choose a professional clinic and an experienced doctor for eyelid correction.
Do not perform blepharoplasty in the presence of at least one of the contraindications.
Do not take medications a week before surgery that can help thin the blood, increase blood pressure, etc. It is also important not to drink any alcoholic beverages five days before surgery.
Before the operation, it is recommended to consult with several doctors and get their opinion on whether you really need blepharoplasty.
After eyelid correction, it is very important to follow all the doctor's advice and perform medical procedures.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict, and even more so to prevent all possible complications after this surgical intervention.

This is explained by the individuality of each individual organism and its unforeseen reaction to damage.

Only after weighing all the pros and cons, you can make a final decision.