Eyelid surgery side effects and precautions
Possible side effects and risks after eyelid surgery, precautions during recovery, and the symptoms that mean you should contact the clinic straight away.
Like any surgery, eyelid surgery carries risk. It is important to know the possible side effects, follow recovery precautions and notice unusual symptoms early.
Common during recovery
Swelling, bruising, a foreign-body sensation, watery eyes, temporarily blurred vision and a feeling that the eye doesn't fully close can appear early in recovery and mostly lessen with time.
Possible side effects and risks
- Asymmetry — a difference in the creases or eye size may remain after swelling settles
- Loosening or change of the crease — especially with non-incisional methods, the crease can become shallower or loosen
- Over- or under-correction — after ptosis correction, the eye opening may differ from what was expected
- Scarring — the incision scar may be noticeable or stay red for a long time
- Infection or haematoma — rarely, inflammation or a collection of blood
- Dry eye or difficulty closing the eyes — usually temporary, rarely longer-lasting
Severity and likelihood depend on the eye and the method, so it is important to have them explained individually at the consultation.
Precautions during recovery
- Don't rub or press on your eyes
- Resume washing, make-up, contact lenses and exercise when advised
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can slow healing
- Tell the clinic before surgery about medications and supplements you take
Contact the clinic straight away if
- one eye suddenly swells a lot or pain keeps getting worse
- your vision suddenly worsens or the eye is very painful
- there is warmth or pus-like discharge
- bleeding doesn't stop
Frequently asked questions
If there is asymmetry, will I need revision? Swelling often makes things look temporarily asymmetric, so the first step is to watch how it settles. If a difference remains once the tissue has settled, revision is considered.