Many patients ask Dr Ayad Harb, is blepharoplasty a high-risk surgery? According to him, blepharoplasty is generally a low-risk, safe, and precise procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. While it involves delicate anatomy around the eyes, the risks are minimal in expert hands, and complications are rare. Most patients experience excellent results with a smooth recovery.
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is designed to correct sagging skin, puffiness, and drooping around the upper or lower eyelids. Dr Ayad explains that the treatment is often sought to restore a fresher, more alert appearance and can also improve vision in cases where excess skin obscures the eyes. The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation, meaning patients remain comfortable throughout without the need for full general anaesthesia.
After surgery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising, or mild tightness around the eyes for a few days. Dr Ayad advises using cooling compresses, prescribed ointments, and gentle eye care to help reduce swelling and promote recovery. Most patients return to daily activities within one to two weeks.
As with any surgical procedure, blepharoplasty does carry a small degree of risk. Dr Ayad notes that potential complications may include:
Severe complications, such as vision disturbance or excessive bleeding, are extremely rare, particularly when the surgery is performed by a qualified oculoplastic or facial surgeon using meticulous technique.
Dr Ayad highlights that blepharoplasty has one of the highest safety and satisfaction rates of all facial surgeries. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with refined incisions and precise tissue handling, allowing for quick recovery and long-lasting results. The majority of patients find that the improvement in eyelid contour, brightness, and overall facial balance greatly enhances their confidence.
According to Dr Ayad, no, blepharoplasty is not a high-risk surgery when performed by a qualified specialist. It’s a controlled and predictable procedure with low complication rates and consistently high patient satisfaction. With proper consultation, surgical planning, and aftercare, patients can expect a safe experience and beautifully natural results that rejuvenate the eyes without looking overdone.
Dr Ayad explains that blepharoplasty is not considered major surgery. It’s a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthetic with sedation in most cases, meaning patients remain comfortable and awake but relaxed. The operation typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on whether the upper, lower, or both eyelids are treated. Recovery is usually quick, with most people resuming normal activities within one to two weeks. Although delicate, the procedure is precise, controlled, and carries low risk when performed by an experienced surgeon.
While complications are rare, Dr Ayad highlights that, like any surgery, blepharoplasty carries some potential risks. These may include infection, prolonged swelling, temporary dryness, or mild asymmetry as the tissues settle. Infrequently, patients may experience delayed healing or visible scarring, though incisions are usually hidden in natural eyelid creases. Serious complications such as vision changes or excessive bleeding are extremely uncommon when the procedure is performed by a qualified specialist. Careful pre-operative assessment, expert technique, and following aftercare instructions all help minimise these risks.
No, blepharoplasty does not treat blepharitis, as the two conditions are different. Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes or repositions skin and fat for aesthetic or functional improvement of the eyelids. Blepharitis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition affecting the eyelid margins, often caused by blocked oil glands or bacteria. Dr Ayad explains that while eyelid surgery won’t cure blepharitis, maintaining good eyelid hygiene and treating inflammation before surgery is essential for optimal healing and results.
