Common, expected (essentially everyone)
- Bruising — 10–14 day timeline
- Swelling — weeks to months
- Temporary dry eye sensation — 2–4 weeks
- Temporary blurred vision from ointment — first week
- Incision pinkness — 6–8 weeks before fading
- Mild tightness sensation — improves over weeks
- Initial difficulty with full eye closure — 3–7 days
These are side effects, not complications. They are expected and resolve.
Common minor complications (5–15%)
- Chemosis (conjunctival swelling) — extra eye-drop use; resolves 2–4 weeks
- Mild asymmetric healing — usually settles by 6 months
- Minor scar irregularity — improves with massage and time
- Mild ectropion (lower lid eversion) from temporary muscle weakness — usually self-resolves
- Slight excess skin remaining — can be revised under local at 6 months if bothersome
Less common complications (1–5%)
- Persistent lagophthalmos (inability to fully close) — usually from over-resection; may require revision
- Lower lid retraction — scleral show; may require revision with canthopexy or grafting
- Notable asymmetry persisting >6 months — addressable by minor revision
- Hypertrophic scarring — usually responsive to silicone, steroid injection
- Persistent dry eye — usually in patients with pre-existing borderline dry eye
Rare but serious (less than 0.5%)
- Wound infection requiring intervention — uncommon with appropriate technique and antibiotics
- Significant hematoma — usually presents in first 24 hours; managed surgically
- Retrobulbar hemorrhage — bleeding behind the eye — surgical emergency, vision-threatening, ~0.05%
- Permanent vision loss — extraordinarily rare, ~0.04% in published series
- Significant ptosis from levator injury — typically revisable
- Permanent diplopia (double vision) from extraocular muscle injury — extremely rare
When to call urgently
- Sudden severe pain in one eye
- Rapid worsening of swelling on one side
- Vision change, especially dimming or loss of vision
- Bleeding that doesn't stop with gentle pressure
- Fever >38°C in the first week
- Increasing redness, warmth, or discharge after day 4
WhatsApp the clinic immediately — these are escalatable.
Frequently asked questions
Has Dr. Erdal ever had a serious complication?
Over a long career, every honest surgeon has managed complications — the question isn't 'has it happened' but 'how is it managed when it happens.' Dr. Erdal will discuss case-specific risk patterns in your consultation.
What's the chance of needing revision?
About 3–5% of patients have minor revisions for residual asymmetry or scar issues at 6+ months. Major revision (e.g., for retraction or over-resection) under 1% with appropriate primary technique.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information about blepharoplasty and reflects the clinical opinions of Doç. Dr. Erdal. It does not constitute medical advice for any individual patient. Results vary; all surgery carries risk. Blepharoplasty in some cases produces irreversible changes to eyelid anatomy. Suitability is determined only through personal consultation with full medical history disclosure.
Ready to discuss your case?
Doç. Dr. Erdal personally reviews every enquiry. Honest assessment of whether blepharoplasty is right for you, with no pressure to book.