Abstract
Chemosis is a common, though typically temporary complication of both upper and lower
blepharoplasty surgery, though it is much more common after the latter. It occurs
due to extravasation of fluid into the subconjunctival space precipitated by desiccation,
inflammation, and manipulation of the conjunctiva and associated lymphatic drainage.
Intraoperatively, minimizing surgical exposure and manipulation as well as maintaining
a moist ocular surface can reduce the risks. Postoperatively, we propose a stepwise
approach, starting with lubricants and escalating to increasingly potent anti-inflammatories
with compression bandaging and surgery reserved for persistent cases.
Keywords
chemosis - conjunctiva - blepharoplasty
