1) Large bruise or haematoma

This risk is decreased by stopping aspirin and other blood thinning medication if safe so to do, and regular use of ice packs. It is also advisable to avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks after surgery. A haematoma may mean that the patient has to return to the operating theatre for the wound to be reopened and the blood clot removed and then resutured with the risk of a more visible scar.

 

2) Wound infection

This is unusual and minimised with sterile technique. For most lid surgery topical antibiotics are prescribed for postoperative care and in higher risk patients or surgery systemic antibiotics may be used. Wound infection can be minor but can lead to a worse scar.

 

3) Visible scar

The skin incisions are usually placed in the least noticeable areas and should fade to a thin white line however the healing process can vary Steroid injections and or silicone scar remodeling dressings can sometimes be used to treat a thickened or reddened scar.

 

4) Theoretical risk to vision

Any eyelid surgery carries the risk that an undiagnosed infection or bleed could damage the optic nerve. This is extremely rare.

 

5) Asymmetry

Any surgery on the face and eyelid area carries the risk that one side does not match the other side. 

 

Miss Lee will discuss the specific complications of each procedure. For more information on Ptosis complications please see Ptosis surgery in detail.

 

Note: All treatment is preceded by a consultation and examination to establish the correct diagnosis.