Risks and complications of upper eyelid surgery: the honest overview
Upper eyelid surgery is a safe, frequently performed procedure. But “safe” is not the same as “without risk”, and anyone who only tells you the success story is not informing you fully. This is the honest overview.
Normal and temporary (not complications)
- Swelling and bruising, visible for one to two weeks.
- A pulling or tight feeling when blinking.
- Temporarily dry or watery eyes.
- Sensitivity to light and wind in the first weeks.
- A pink, palpable scar that needs months to fade.
Less common, usually fixable
- Bleeding in the first hours to days; cooling and rest reduce the chance.
- Wound infection; rare around the eyelids because blood supply there is excellent, and well treatable.
- Asymmetry: small left-right differences are normal (you had them before surgery too); larger differences are sometimes a reason for a touch-up.
- Cysts or thickening on the scar that occasionally need minor treatment.
Rare but important to know
- Too much skin removed, so the eyes no longer close fully. This is the main reason to choose a surgeon who operates on eyelids daily and marks conservatively.
- Persistent dry eyes, especially in people who already had dry eye complaints. Always mention such complaints during the assessment.
- Bleeding behind the eye with pressure and loss of vision: very rare, but an emergency. Every good clinic tells you in advance how to recognise it and who to call immediately.
How to reduce your risk
Choose a specialist who does this often and who is willing to turn you down. Be complete about your health, medication and eye complaints. Follow the aftercare instructions, especially cooling during the first three days and avoiding sports and heavy exertion for two weeks. And ask your questions before the procedure; a good physician takes time for them.
Unsure whether your situation carries extra risk? That is exactly what the free photo assessment and the video consultation are for.
FAQ
How often does eyelid surgery go wrong?
Serious complications are rare. The most common problems are temporary (swelling, bruising) or well correctable. Exact odds differ per person; the assessment beforehand maps your personal risk.
What if I am unhappy with the result?
Judge the result only after three to six months; swelling distorts the picture for months. If a real problem remains, a good clinic should assess it seriously and correct it where needed.