Our Summary

This study looked at a rare but serious problem that can happen during eye surgery - needles being left inside the eye. The researchers examined six cases in Chinese patients where this occurred after a type of eye surgery called blepharoplasty. They used a special type of scanning technology, 3D-CT scanning, to see where the needles were stuck. They found that all of them were in the left eye, and most were in a particular layer of the eye. They were able to remove the needles safely through small incisions. The study concluded that it’s important to diagnose and remove these needles quickly to prevent serious harm, and that surgeons performing cosmetic surgery need to be properly trained and supervised.

FAQs

  1. What is the serious problem that can occur during eye surgery according to the study?
  2. What method did the researchers use to locate the needles left inside the eye?
  3. What are the recommendations of the study to prevent the occurrence of needles being left in the eye during surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering blepharoplasty to make sure they choose a qualified and experienced surgeon who is properly trained in this procedure to minimize the risk of complications such as foreign objects being left inside the eye. It’s important to do thorough research and ask questions about the surgeon’s credentials and experience before proceeding with surgery.

Suitable For

Blepharoplasty is typically recommended for patients who have excess skin or fat in their eyelids, causing droopy or baggy eyelids. It can also be recommended for patients who have ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), dermatochalasis (excess skin in the upper eyelid), or eyelid malposition. Additionally, blepharoplasty can be recommended for patients who have vision obstruction due to excess eyelid skin.

Timeline

Before blepharoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations of the surgery.
  2. Pre-operative evaluation to assess overall health and suitability for surgery.
  3. Discussion of potential risks and complications of the procedure.
  4. Pre-operative instructions such as avoiding certain medications and fasting before surgery.

During blepharoplasty:

  1. Administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  2. Incisions made along the natural creases of the eyelids to minimize scarring.
  3. Removal of excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue from the eyelids to achieve a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
  4. Closure of incisions with sutures or surgical glue.

After blepharoplasty:

  1. Recovery period with instructions on how to care for the eyes and incisions.
  2. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort may be present in the days following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  4. Gradual improvement in the appearance of the eyelids as swelling subsides and incisions heal.
  5. Long-term results with a more youthful and refreshed appearance of the eyes.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with blepharoplasty, including the risk of foreign objects being left inside the eye?
  2. How will you ensure that all instruments and materials used during the surgery are properly accounted for before and after the procedure?
  3. What steps do you take to prevent foreign objects, such as needles, from being left inside the eye during blepharoplasty?
  4. How will you monitor my recovery after blepharoplasty to ensure that there are no complications related to foreign objects left inside the eye?
  5. Can you provide information about your training and experience in performing blepharoplasty procedures, as well as any certifications or accreditations you hold in this area?
  6. Have you encountered any cases of foreign objects being left inside the eye during blepharoplasty in the past, and how were they addressed?

Reference

Authors: Li Y, Xing Y, Song X, Yue X, Zhou Y, Wang Y. Journal: J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2022 Oct;75(10):3877-3903. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2022.08.016. Epub 2022 Aug 23. PMID: 36114143