BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications of blepharoplasty range from cutaneous changes to vision-threatening emergencies. Some of these can be prevented with careful preoperative evaluation and surgical technique. When complications arise, their significance can be diminished by appropriate management. This article addresses blepharoplasty complications based on the typical postoperative timeframe when they are encountered. METHODS: The authors conducted a review article of major blepharoplasty complications and their treatment. RESULTS: Complications within the first postoperative week include corneal abrasions and vision-threatening retrobulbar hemorrhage; the intermediate period (weeks 1 through 6) addresses upper and lower eyelid malpositions, strabismus, corneal exposure, and epiphora; and late complications (>6 weeks) include changes in eyelid height and contour along with asymmetries, scarring, and persistent edema. CONCLUSIONS: A thorough knowledge of potential complications of blepharoplasty surgery is necessary for the practicing aesthetic surgeon. Within this article, current concepts and relevant treatment strategies are reviewed with the use of the most recent and/or appropriate peer-reviewed literature available.
