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Steven Wallach, MD answers: Can't open eyes 25 days after Blepharoplasty

My eyes are still puffy and swollen 25 days after upper Blepharoplasty procedure. I'm also having problems opening my eyes, and the scars hurt and feel tight. Is this temporary? What can be done about it?


Steven Wallach, MD
11 months ago

3.5 wks after surgery and still very swollen is not common.  You should go see your surgeons to be evaluated. This can be related to corneal exposure, infection, suture irritation to name a few.

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A: Call your surgeon

David Shafer, MD
12 months ago

While it is common to have swelling after surgery, by 25 days you should be seeing improvement and you should be able to open your eyes. It is hard to tell from the picture, but your upper lids look more red than I would expect as well. You may have an underlying infection or other issue which needs to be addressed. You should contact your surgeon soon for an evaluation.

I hope this is helpful.

David Shafer, MD
Shafer Plastic Surgery
New York City

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A: Not exactly normal

Robert M. Freund, MD
12 months ago

Although I see photos with the eyes closed and they look swollen and red, I would like to see photos with your eyes open while looking straight ahead and then while looking upward.

If the eyelids move upward, as the eyes move upward then the risk of injury to the muscle that lifts the eyelids is minimized. If they move but are not back to normal (the way they were before the surgery) then it is likely attributed to swelling.

Although 25 days is a long time, there is a small set of patients that can remain swollen for up to 2 months. In any case return to your surgeon for immediate follow-up.

Good luck. Robert M. Freund, MD, FACS

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