When a cosmetic blepharoplasty doesn’t go as planned, when healing is compromised for any reason including your health or an infection, or when a surgeon is not experienced with the procedure, you might not have the results that you were looking for or that you expected from looking at the surgeon’s website or social media.
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is a common procedure aimed at rejuvenating the face by removing excess skin and puffs while addressing drooping eyelids and “cleaning up” changes that have occurred over time.
When results are not as expected, it can be disheartening. At W Cosmetic Surgery, we have a special interest in working with our patients to correct botched eyelid surgeries. What Are the Signs of Botched Eyelid Surgery?
Identifying the signs of botched eyelid surgery is crucial for seeking timely corrective measures. Common issues include:
- Dry, irritated eyes: Overaggressive skin removal can cause dryness and irritation.
- Inability to close eyes completely: This can lead to the need for constant artificial tears.
- Lower eyelid round eye: over-excision of skin and sometimes, just the act of making an incision under the lower lashes can cause contraction of the skin that pulls the eyelid down in a very distinctly recognizable way.
- Over-excision of fat pockets: This can result in a hollow, cadaver-like appearance.
- Under-excision of fat pockets: Residual puffs remain, making the surgery seem incomplete.
- Drooping upper eyelids: This can be due to undiagnosed or untreated ptosis, or the eyelid opening muscles can be inadvertently injured during the surgery.
- Scarring and irregularities: Noticeable scars and uneven eyelid creases can occur.
- Changes in skin color: Discoloration can persist, usually from inflammation causing darkening of the skin in affected locations.
- Lumps and bumps: Residual excess skin can cause an uneven surface.
- Persistent bruising: Lingering bruises can sometimes persist and darken the skin–making it look like you didn’t have the surgery.
- Adjacent aesthetic issues: Drooping brows or cheeks may not have been addressed, impacting overall results. The result is a hollowed-out skeletonized look, and over resection of upper eyelid skin can bring the brows down making you appear angry.
- Festoons: Bags or swelling on the cheek, may not have been addressed with the original surgery or may occur following the surgery due to swelling.
- Thyroid eye disease complications: Specific conditions related to thyroid eye disease can complicate eyelid surgery.
- There are more devastating complications that can occur with eyelid surgery, such as vision changes and double vision. These should be recognized early by your treating surgeon and referrals to appropriate specialists may be necessary.
What Causes a Botched Eyelid Surgery?
Understanding the causes behind botched eyelid surgery helps in preventing and addressing the issues effectively. Causes can range from surgical errors to postoperative care mishaps:
- Improper surgical technique: Inexperience or lack of attention to detail can result in disappointing outcomes. The most important adage for a surgeon is to know and respect the anatomy and, if anything, underdo the planned surgery to ensure a natural outcome.
- Postoperative care negligence: Patients not following recovery protocols, such as avoiding certain medications or activities, can hinder healing. Being too active in the first few days after surgery–bending over–can cause many types of complications. Using blood thinning medications against the advice of the surgeon can result in prolonged bruising and swelling.
- Unrecognized adjacent issues: Ignoring related aesthetic concerns like brow or cheek drooping can affect overall results.
- Healing tendencies of the patient–some individuals don’t heal as well, either because of their health or because they heal too well–developing scars where the surgery has occurred. Unfortunately, you don’t know this before embarking on eyelid surgery–but telltale signs may be healing problems with prior surgeries, or allergies to sutures that were used in prior surgeries. That’s why it’s important for the surgeon to obtain a detailed history as part of the pre-surgical planning.
Corrective Eyelid Surgery
Corrective eyelid surgery, or revision blepharoplasty, addresses the complications and subpar results from previous surgeries. The goal is to restore a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance while resolving any functional issues. Sometimes, an in-office injection of hyaluronic acid fillers alone can address these issues, while other times, surgery is necessary.
Techniques and Desired Outcomes
Corrective procedures may involve repositioning tissues, addressing scar tissue, and sometimes adding volume to hollowed areas. Dr. Wulc’s expertise ensures that each patient receives a personalized approach, leveraging advanced techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Recovery and Next Steps
After corrective eyelid surgery, patients should follow a detailed recovery plan to ensure optimal healing and results.
- Postoperative Care: Includes specific instructions on eye care, medications, and follow-up visits.
- Healing Time: Most patients experience significant improvements within weeks, but full recovery can take several months.
- Continued Support: Dr. Wulc emphasizes the importance of ongoing care and support to address any concerns during the recovery process.
Your Consultation with W Cosmetic Surgery
Dr. Allan Wulc’s dedication to eyelid and facial surgery is evident through his meticulous and artistic approach. With board certifications in ophthalmology, facial cosmetic surgery, and plastic surgery, he provides a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for each patient. During your consultation, Dr. Wulc will:
- Assess your surgical history and current concerns
- Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
- Discuss potential outcomes and the recovery process
Reach Out to Us Today
If you’re dealing with the aftermath of botched eyelid surgery, a consultation with Dr. Wulc at W Cosmetic Surgery can be your first step toward recovery. With his expertise, many patients have regained their confidence and achieved natural-looking results. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey to a more confident you.
