Has the Eyelid Surgery Worked?

asked 1 year ago by Just Curious1394 in Just Curious
Latest answer by Michael Sullivan, MD
Question viewed 579 times
Tags: age 17 or under, female, droopy, ptosis, timing

Our 17 year old daughter had Ptosis surgery on her right upper eyelid 3 months ago. We had her 12 week follow-up visit a couple of days ago. All healed well, and the doctor agreed that the right eyelid still sits about 1mm lower than the left when she looks straight ahead. If she looks up, the both look almost identical, but if she looks down, while reading a book or working on the laptop, the right eyelid is usually lower than the left - as much as 3 mm or so. Is this to be expected at 12 wks?

11 answers to Has the Eyelid Surgery Worked?

Evaluation required

The questions you have regarding the procedure performed and the expectations will all be based on how things were prior to the surgery. Consult with your surgeon for additional follow-up. Best wishes!

Michael Sullivan, MD
Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon

Asymmetric Upper Eyelid after Ptosis Surgery

Hi Just Curious1394 in Just Curious, As other eyelid surgeons have stated, eyelid and facial asymmetry is very common. Many may consider 1mm difference between eyelids within range of normal. The eyelids may continue to adjust after ptosis repair, and you could potentially see some improvement gradually over time. Speak with you eyelid plastic surgeon to review options. Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.potomacplasticsurgery.com

Typical for certain types of ptosis

That’s typical for certain types of ptosis. Usually you will have a 12 week follow up, and by that time what you see is what you get, unless the patient has had multiple surgeries or is still having swelling. If she’s under corrected by a millimeter, that’s borderline on whether you want to go back to have it corrected. But if the downward gaze is bothering her, a second surgery to correct it may be a consideration.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD
Bronx Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.ChelseaEye.com

Looks like a good result from your explanation

In general the eyes are not symmetrical and there is some degree of asymmetry in most people. If you have to look at certain direction to see the asymmetry,it is a good result.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD
New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

This will be an unsatisfactory result for a 17 year old.

The need to re-operate for ptosis surgery is very common. It in no way reflects on your surgeon. Think about the fact that the eyelid has to be corrected even as it blinks continuously during the day. At three months it is very improbable that the right eyelid will change much over time. You did not tell us if the difference between the right upper eyelid position was a significant improvement over her pre-op situation. As she is three month out, it is reasonable to allow the eyelid to... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Has the Eyelid Surgery Worked?

Hard to say over the internet without an examination. Seek second opinion. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Ptosis surgery success depends on muscle function

The success of ptosis surgery is very dependent on the function of the levator muscle which raises the eyelid. At least 8mm or more of eyelid excursion is needed for the most natural result. In most repairs the muscle or its connection to the lid is shorten so that in forward gaze the lids are symmetric and fall just over the edge of the iris. If the muscle can't move well the lid becomes 'static' and lagopthalmos occurs, where the lid can no longer close completely. It... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Ptosis surgery.

The result will get even better with time and she should not need any further surgery. It sounds like she had a good surgeon,

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Unilateral ptosis repair

1mm difference is within the range of normal so I would not worry about it. Enjoy the successful surgery!

Peter T. Truong, MD
Fresno Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.facialsurgerydr.com

Early Eyelid Asymmetry after Ptosis Surgery

A 1 mm difference in the appearance of the eyes after ptosis surgery was performed 3 months ago is not bad. There are natural healing events going on and I would definitely give at least 9 to 12 months before considering anything more. In addition, there is a natural adjustment phase due to differences in muscle strength for the eye opening muscles, usually one side is slightly stronger than the other.