Like any surgical procedure, there are always risks to consider. Generally, these are short term and resolve spontaneously but very rarely long term complications can occur.
Bruising and swelling of the eyelids are common. This usually settles within 1-2 weeks. The surface of the eyeball may also swell (chemosis). These changes will settle after a few weeks.
Dry, gritty eyes for a few weeks can be helped with lubricant eye drops and ointment. Your vision may be slightly blurred for a few days.
A postoperative infection may develop in the lids – they would become tender, red and swollen and the wound may break down. If this happens then you should contact the clinic since an antibiotic may be needed to help correct this and allow the lids to heal. It might be necessary to restitch the wound once the infection has settled.
Bleeding after the operation is usually slight and stops within a short time. If bleeding continues you should contact the clinic in case further treatment is required.
Very rarely, too much skin is removed and if this causes problems with lid closure, the skin will need to be replaced.
Sometimes some loose skin persists, often at the outer end of the eyelid and further surgery may be required if it still causing a visual problem.
Unsightly scarring, persistent eyelid swelling or other unusual skin changes are extremely rare complications.
Extremely rarely, severe bleeding around or behind an eye can cause permanent loss of vision.