Complications of Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty, like any other surgical procedure, may be associated with postoperative complications that are upsetting to both the surgeon and the patient [1–3]. Many postoperative complications can be avoided by vigilant presurgical planning and meticulous surgical technique [3]. The indications and benefits of surgery as well as the possible complications should be discussed carefully with the patient before surgery, both to build rapport with the patient and to lessen potential postoperative complaints that may arise from unrealistic expectations [4, 5]. The surgeon should encourage the cosmetic blepharoplasty patient to speak openly in the preoperative assessment about his or her aesthetic desires. A handheld mirror is useful to help patients point out eyelid features that are bothersome to them [6]. In doing so, the surgeon minimizes the risk of misunderstanding the patient’s requests. The surgeon should be cautious of patients who believe that a complication is unacceptable under any circumstance because this patient is not suitable for blepharoplasty. Finally, photographic documentation is valuable as an objective record for the patient who may question the surgical result.