Can Blepharoplasty Cause Dry Eyes?

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, also known as eyelid surgery, eyelid reduction, or eye lift, is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess skin and OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling and improve the appearance of the eyelids. This procedure is commonly requested at Centre for Surgery and is an effective technique for signs of ageing the upper and lower eyelids, and to get rid of  and .

Many people are increasingly aware of the surgery, and it is no surprise that the procedure ranks behind only breast and breast surgery as the third most commonly requested surgery procedure in the UK.

As with any invasive surgical procedure, blepharoplasty surgery involves certain risks and complications. In the hands of an expert, eyelid reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure. A well-recognised side-effect of eyelid surgery is the development of dry eyes postoperatively. This can affect up to 25% of all people who have eyelid reduction in the UK. For individuals who already experience dry eyes, there is a small risk that the condition may become increasingly symptomatic after cosmetic eyelid surgery.

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What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a well-recognised medical condition that affects the eyes, leading to the development of specific symptoms such as grittiness, itchiness, blurry vision, discomfort or photosensitivity.  Also known as dry eye disease, the condition develops when the glands undersecrete tears, which leads to a dry surface on the cornea. The condition may also develop when tears prematurely evaporate from the surface of the eye. In a small number of cases, individuals who undergo blepharoplasty may experience an exacerbation of dry eye symptoms. In very rare cases, symptoms of dry eye syndrome may become permanent after eyelid reduction surgery. Eyelid surgery is designed to surgically remove excess fat and skin, while simultaneously tightening the underlying muscles surrounding the eye to combat the signs of ageing. These normal anatomical structures play an part in the normal functioning of the eyelids. Excessive removal of skin and fat may impair a person’s ability to blink normally. This may fail to secrete tears from the lacrimal glands to lubricate the surface of the cornea .

Any type of eyelid reduction surgery may result in the development of dry eye syndrome, even in individuals who have never experienced symptoms of the condition before. We would recommend asking your surgeon about the risks of dry eye syndrome at your consultation before making an decision on proceeding with eyelid .

Who is at risk of developing dry eyes after eyelid reduction surgery?

Having both upper and lower eyelid surgery carried out in the same procedure increases the risk of dry eye syndrome. Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is most commonly found in those over 50 and contact lens wearers. Those who perform visually intensive tasks such as computer work, and those who smoke and drink alcohol may be at higher risk of developing dry eyes after blepharoplasty. Several medical conditions, such as Sjögren syndrome, blepharitis, or lupus, can result in dry eyes. Some medications place people at increased risk of developing dry eye syndrome, including antihypertensives and drugs used to treat depression.

The oral contraceptive pill may result in hormonal imbalance, and this could result in an increased risk of developing dry eyes after a Blepharoplasty. Menopause may also be a causative factor, similarly related to hormonal fluctuations.

A person’s medical history may also be a contributing factor in the of dry eyes after eyelid surgery. Recognised conditions include autoimmune thyroid disease and congenital or acquired defects of the lacrimal gland or tear ducts. Eyelids come in a variety of shapes, and those with a more bulging shape may be at a higher risk of experiencing dry eyes as a side effect of blepharoplasty.

What are the best treatments for dry eye syndrome after blepharoplasty?

In the vast majority of cases, symptoms of dry eyes after blepharoplasty are temporary and mild in nature. Most people with dry eye syndrome will notice their symptoms after 2 to 3 weeks following surgery. treatments can be used to manage symptoms, including topical ointments or eyedrops. The risk of developing dry eye syndrome after a blepharoplasty can be minimised by following your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions in full.

Topical ointment applied after surgery often results in mild blurry vision. We advise you driving and to remain at home whilst you actively apply the topical ointment after eyelid surgery. This will help ensure your recovery is smooth and complication-free. In rare cases, symptoms of dry eyes may persist for more than 12 weeks, a medical assessment to investigate the further. Occasionally, may need to use disposable contact lenses to maintain eye hydration, and a corrective surgical procedure may be required to improve tear . Dry eye syndrome may be a permanent complication after eyelid surgery in sporadic cases.

Your surgeon will assess you at your consultation to determine your risk of developing dry eye syndrome after blepharoplasty surgery. If you have several risk factors for developing dry eyes after eyelid surgery, other treatment options may be recommended, including and , including . Although these temporary treatments need to be repeated regularly to maintain the results, they can be an ideal solution for patients who would otherwise be at risk of developing dry eye after eyelid reduction.

When you have your consultation at Centre for Surgery in London, our will discuss the potential risks and complications of eyelid reduction surgery to help you determine the most appropriate treatment option. In most cases, blepharoplasty is an excellent treatment for addressing the signs of ageing affecting the upper and lower . Centre for is home to some of the most skilled consultant surgeons in the UK, who have expertise in both and . You can be assured of receiving very high standards of medical care at our  located on Baker Street in London.

If you would like to book a consultation to learn more about blepharoplasty, please contact us today at or complete the  below to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient coordinators.

Call or fill in the form below. A patient coordinator will call you within one working day to book your consultation with the consultant best matched to your enquiry.

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Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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