COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT IN FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC BLEPHAROPLASTY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-8169.2026v8n8p17-35Keywords:
Blepharoplasty, Blepharoptosis, Postoperative complications, Eyelids, Retrobulbar hemorrhage, Dry eyeAbstract
Introduction: Blepharoplasty is currently one of the most frequently performed periorbital surgical procedures, utilized for both aesthetic and functional purposes. Despite its strong safety profile, hemorrhagic, ocular, eyelid, and aesthetic complications can occur, necessitating early recognition and individualized management. Methodology: This study is an integrative literature review employing an exploratory, qualitative approach. Data collection will involve consulting databases such as BVS and SciELO, using controlled descriptors aligned with DeCS. The search covers publications from 2015 to 2026 in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, focusing on studies involving human subjects that are available as free full-text articles. Article selection will be conducted independently by two reviewers using the Rayyan platform. Following an initial screening of titles and abstracts, eligible studies will undergo full-text analysis. Objective: To synthesize the main complications associated with functional and aesthetic blepharoplasty, discussing their pathophysiology, incidence, and management strategies as described in the literature, with an emphasis on published data. Conclusion: Blepharoplasty maintains a favorable safety profile when based on thorough preoperative assessment, conservative surgical technique, and early recognition of complications; serious adverse events are rare yet potentially preventable.
Downloads
References
Bhattacharjee; Misra; Deori. Updates on upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2017; 65(7): 551–558.
Nahai et al. An Overview of Surgical Approaches for Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty. Aesthet Surg J. 2023; 43(12): 1429-1440.
Boldrin; Silva; Santos. Impacto da blefaroplastia superior na qualidade de vida e sua inserção no contexto da saúde pública brasileira: revisão de escopo. Rev. Bras. Cir. Plást. 2024; 39(1): e0859.
Vasconcelos. Blefaroplastia: Indicações clínicas e benefícios - Revisão de literatura. J. of Med. and Bios. Resear. 2026; 3(3): 236 – 243.
Torres et al. Blefaroplastia: Indicações Clínicas E Benéficos. Rev. Ibero-Amer. De Hum., Ciênc. E Ed. 2025; 11(6): 456–467.
Wang et al. Evaluating for unrecognized deficits in perimetry associated with functional upper eyelid malposition. Adv Ophthalmol Pract Res. 2024; 4(1): 39–44.
Gimenez et al. Safety and Complications in Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty: A Systematic Review. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2025; 13(9): e7102.
Roider et al. Periorbital Rejuvenation: Artificial Intelligence Highlights the Importance of Brow Lift. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2024; 6(Suppl 1): ojae007.011.
Al-Dossary et al. Gender and Patient Preferences: Unraveling the Decision-Making Process for Blepharoplasty Among Males and Females. Patient Prefer Adherence. 2025; 19(1): 1295–1303.
Tonelli et al. Retrobulbar Hemorrhage After Orbit Trauma: Case Report. Brazilian Journal of Surgery and Clinical Research. 2021; 36(2): 39-43.
Lee; Hong; Kim. Unilateral blindness due to retrobulbar hematoma after lower blepharoplasty. Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2019; 25(3): 124-127.
Park; Kim; Son. Incidence and management of retrobulbar hemorrhage after blowout fracture repair. BMC Ophthalmology. 2021; 21(186): 1-8.
Chiari júnior; Rodrigues-filho. Blefaroplastia ampliada: tratando os dois terços superiores da face. Rev. Bras. Cir. Plást. 2021; 36(3): 287-295
Favarin. Blefaroplastia inferior com suporte cantal lateral. Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica. 2016; 31(3): 347-353.
Fan et al. Ocular surface and tear film changes after eyelid surgery. Ann Eye Sci 2021; 6(1): 1-11.
Zhao; Song; Gong. Changes of Dry Eye Related Markers and Tear Inflammatory Cytokines After Upper Blepharoplasty. Front Med. 2021; 8(1): 763611.
Ramakrishnan; Pauly. Ptosis: Evaluation and management. Kerala Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019; 31(1): 1-11.
Papanikolaou et al. Transient Unilateral Blepharoptosis Following Upper Blepharoplasty: A Case Report and Considerations for Local Anesthetic Use. Cureus. 2025; 17(2): e79817.
Bacharat et al. A review of acquired blepharoptosis: prevalence, diagnosis, and current treatment options. Eye (Lond). 2021; 35(9): 2468-2481.
Wong; Hsieh; Menselson. Upper Eyelid Ptosis Correction with Levator Advancement Using the Levator Musculoaponeurotic Junction Formula in White Patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2023; 153(6): 1403–1414.
Farber; Codner. Evaluation and management of acquired ptosis. Plastic and Aesthetic Research. Plast Aesthet Res. 2020; 7(1):1-20.
Hassanpour, Kermani. Brow Ptosis after Upper Blepharoplasty: Findings in 70 Patients. World J Plast Surg. 2016; 5(1): 58–61.
Takagi et al. Factors that influence the postoperative upper eyelid position following surgery for involutional blepharoptosis. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2022; 75(1): 278-285.
Tettamanzi et al. Integrated Reconstructive Management of Periocular Complications Following Bilateral Blepharoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2025; 13(8): e7071
Prinz et al. Efficacy of allogenous fascia lata grafts in the management of lower eyelid retraction. Int Ophthalmol. 2023; 43(12): 4729–4737.
Bernardino. Blefaroplastia inferior transconjuntival associada à ressecção cutânea com preservação do músculo orbicular. Rev. Brasi. de Cir. Plas. 2016; 31(1): 74-81.
Li et al. Refined trimming of orbital fat in transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty: A retrospective cohort study on clinical outcomes and aesthetic assessment. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025; 104(43): e45314.
Vasconcelos. Blefaroplastia: Indicações clínicas e benefícios – Revisão de literatura. Journal of Medical and Biosciences Research. 2026; 3(3): 236 – 243.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Luiz Gustavo de Araújo Tavares, Maria Mariana dos Santos Tourinho, Gabriela de Quadros Ferraz, Ramiro dos Santos Tourinho, Lorena Vieira Fernandez de Araújo , Ramona Ketly Silveira Santos , Marjorye Gonçalves Pereira Bacelar , Arthur Lima Queiroz , Kaique Wbiratan Rocha Guimarães , Matheus Lima Queiroz , Marcele Pimenta Cavalcante Muiños
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors are copyright holders under a CCBY 4.0 license.
