Blepharoplasty, like all surgical procedures, involves some degree of risk. It is the role of your surgeon to educate, evaluate, and minimize these risks during any performed procedure. As a patient, you should expect certain changes in the short term (weeks to months) healing phases following a procedure. These are in contrast to the severe complications that are fortunately very rare, but more likely to be permanent or disabling, and therefore tend to receive more editorial coverage.

The initial consultation is an excellent place to provide a broad overview of the most common short term (expected) healing complications, like dry eyes, eyelid swelling (edema), eyelid numbness, and mild blurred vision, that will subside with time. I also provide my patients with as much educational material as they desire in addition to my standard overview of the most likely postoperative course. I address any further concerns at a separate preoperative visit, including how I intend to avoid potential serious complications, like infection, hematoma, hollowed eye, skin over-resection, or severe vision loss. You should go into any surgery with an appropriate degree of natural apprehension, but be comfortable in the knowledge, training, and support your surgeon provides.

In the end, it is important to remember that both patients and surgeons desire the same thing, excellent results with minimal complications.

Here is an overview article that covers the topic of blepharoplasty complications and management in detail: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2884833/