What Are the Common Risks Associated with Eyelid Surgery?
During and after eyelid surgery, there’s a slight risk of redness, swelling, warmth, pain or discharge from the incision sites. Bleeding is a rare potential risk during or after surgery. Your surgeon recommends you avoid medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk before surgery.
He offers pre-op and after-care recommendation to prevent other potential risks and complications, such as:
- Scarring
- Dry eyes and irritation
- Asymmetry
- Temporary or permanent changes in vision
- Anesthesia risks
- Inability to close your eyes properly
You must follow all pre-and post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risks associated with blepharoplasty. Discuss your medical history and concerns with your surgeon before the procedure to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
The most important step you can take to mitigate risks and complications of blepharoplasty is to rely on the best in the industry. Trust an experienced surgeon who’s helped many achieve their desired results. Dr. David Shokrian, a skilled plastic surgeon at Millennial Plastic Surgery in New York City, brings over 15 years of expertise to ensure your procedure is safe and effective with minimized risks.
What Can I Do to Prevent Blepharoplasty Complications?
Your surgeon may advise you to avoid certain medications, such as over-the-counter blood thinners like aspirin and ibuprofen, and suggest you quit habits like smoking before and after your eyelid surgery.
Other instructions may include:
- Keeping the area clean. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on how to clean the incision area to prevent infection.
- Applying cold compresses. Using cold packs as recommended by your surgeon reduces swelling and bruising.
- Avoiding straining your eyes. Activities that can strain your eyes — such as reading, watching TV or using a computer — stress your eyes when you do it for long periods of time.
- Following medication guidelines. Take all prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics.
- Sleeping with your head up. Use extra pillows to keep your head raised while sleeping for the first week or so, or until your doctor says you can stop.
Pay attention to the signals your body gives you. Make sure to give yourself the time you need to rest and heal. If you feel any unusual pain, bleeding or infection, call your surgeon immediately.
How Can I Prepare for Eyelid Surgery to Avoid Risks?
You can prepare yourself for eyelid surgery by quitting some habits like smoking and the use of alcohol before and after several weeks of your eyelid surgery. This reduces the risk of complications. Blood tests, a review of your current medications and tests of your overall health ensure you’re fully prepared for surgery.
Additional steps you can take to prepare yourself for eyelid surgery include:
- Adjusting current medications you’re taking
- Packing your sunglasses and prescription glasses to take with you to the procedure
- Taking a shower the night before your surgery with special soap provided by your doctor
- Preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the changes and for the short wait you’ll have before you see the final results
- Arranging transportation the day of your surgery
Your surgeon may provide you with pain medication and antibiotics to fill before the procedure so that they’re ready when you need them at home. You also may receive dietary suggestions and a recommended skin care routine for the best outcome.
How Can I Choose an Experienced Surgeon to Reduce the Chances of Complications during Surgery?
Choose an experienced surgeon by reviewing the track record of past clients. Make sure there’s a history of successful procedures and satisfied patients. Check patient reviews and testimonials, and then look at the before-and-after photos on the website.
Discover other factors that will help you determine the doctor’s skill, such as whether the surgeon:
- Is board certified. Dr. Shokrian is certified and knowledgeable about the latest advances in the field.
- Brings skill and accuracy. He is highly skilled and has years of experience.
- Handles complications quickly. Reviews and referrals can tell you how your NYC surgeon handles complications if they arise.
- Uses up-to-date techniques and technologies. The NYC team at Millennial Plastic Surgery is known for their use of advanced techniques, which lead to smooth procedures, reduced recovery time and positive outcomes.
- Provides exceptional pre-operative and post-operative care. Your surgeon provides detailed before- and after-surgery instructions, as well as follow-up care, to reduce the risk of complications.
Communication between you and your surgeon must be effective. Experienced surgeons are better communicators and are able to explain complex medical information clearly. They can answer your questions in detail. Building trust with your surgeon makes you feel comfortable and confident throughout the process, reducing your anxiety and stress, which can also cause complications.
How Does a New York City Surgeon Handle Blepharoplasty Complications if They Occur?
Your surgeon documents the complication and the steps taken to address it by continuous monitoring your condition. This allows your doctor to catch any further issues early.
An experienced surgeon quickly assesses the situation and takes immediate steps to stabilize you, such as:
- Communicating with the surgical team. Surgeons work closely with the surgical nurses to manage complications efficiently and ensure your safety.
- Modifying the surgical plan. Your surgeon may change the surgical plan by altering the surgical technique or adjusting the procedure to safely complete it.
- Continuing to monitor the progress. Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon helps monitor your healing process and detect any delayed complications.
- Adjusting the recovery plan. Based on your complication, your surgeon may adjust your post-operative care plan, which may include changing medications, adding or reducing activity restrictions or suggesting additional treatments.
Complications during or after eyelid surgery are rare, but there are still risk factors. Finding an experienced surgeon who can handle any complications with expertise is easy in NYC because you can contact Millennial Plastic Surgery. Booking your free consultation with the highly experienced Dr. Shokrian ensures you’re in good hands for a safe and successful procedure.