6 Ways to Prevent and Manage Blepharoplasty Complications
EYELID SURGERY NORTHERN VIRGINIA
If you are considering blepharoplasty in Northern Virginia, you are likely anticipating optimal results and looking forward to a refreshed and more youthful appearance. However, in order to maximize surgical outcomes, its essential that patients seek a skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who can anticipate and effectively resolve any blepharoplasty complications.
Continue reading to learn how to prevent and manage these potential blepharoplasty complications.
HOW TO MANAGE BLEPHAROPLASTY COMPLICATIONS
1. SUPERFICIAL BRUISING
Superficial bruising is a common and often temporary side effect of eyelid surgery. In order to minimize bruising, patients should discontinue anticoagulants and take care to avoid post-op trauma to the eye.
Additionally, applying cold compresses and elevating the head between 45 and 60 degrees, during the first 3 days of recovery, can help reduce swelling and bruising.
2. WOUND DEHISCENCE
Wound dehiscence is a surgical complication in which a wound ruptures along a surgical incision. It is more likely to occur with infection, restless sleep, and minor post-op trauma.
This potential eyelid surgery complication can be prevented by precise suture choice and placement.
Slight wound dehiscence can typically be managed with topical or oral antibiotics. Whereas complete dehiscence requires debridement to avoid retraction and scarring.
3. SCAR ABNORMALITIES
Although eyelid skin routinely heals without issue, scar abnormality is one of several potential eyelid surgery complications. To avoid this issue, external incisions must be placed symmetrically and closed meticulously.
After one week, redness and thickness at the surgical site can be treated with massage and vitamin E cream. Any cysts should be excised.
4. OVERCORRECTION
Overcorrection can occur when excessive amounts of skin and fat are removed or from scarring and adhesions. It can be prevented with careful measurements pre-operatively and precision intra-operatively.
A full thickness skin graft is one option for management of pure skin lack. Possible remedies for excess fat removal include fat pearls, fat injections, or a dermis fat graft.
5. PTOSIS
When it comes to possible eyelid surgery complications, patients should be aware of the potential for ptosis.
Eyelid edema is a common cause of temporary ptosis, and surgeons can attempt to prevent this issue by ensuring thorough and comprehensive understanding of the patients anatomy.
6. OCULAR INJURY
Because eyelid surgery and associated CO2 lasering are performed in close proximity to the globe, ocular injury can be caused by light-based energy, a scalpel, or local anesthetic injection.
Laser eye protection, directing the laser away from the globe, and ocular lubrication can all help minimize eyelid surgery complications.
Following blepharoplasty, wound and ocular lubricant and ophthalmic antibiotic ointment can help decrease the chance of corneal breakdown and dry eyes.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION FOR EYELID SURGERY TODAY
If you are considering a blepharoplasty in Northern Virginia, please contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Rostami or Dr. Naz.