Post-op Upper Blepharoplasty - Will I Ever Be Able to Look Up Normally Again?

Question

I am 40 yo. I had upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery 2 weeks ago and my eyelids don't quite follow my eyes when I look all the way up. As a result when looking up I look really weird. Will I ever be able to look up normally again, after my upper eyeid blepharoplasty?

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD · Answer

Most likely, this is due to post-surgical swelling. Since it has only been two weeks since your surgery, there is still a lot of healing to occur. If this problem does persist, discuss this with your surgeon.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

If you do not have double vision, most likely what you are describing is due to swelling. Be patient, and monitor the progress of your upper eyelid movement.

Keshini Parbhu, MD · Answer

It is possible that this is due to swelling in the postoperative period but it may also be due to injury to the inferior oblique muscle during lower lid blepharoplasty. The secondary function of this muscle is actually elevation of the eye and so injury to it would result in the inability to look up. The primary function is excylotorsion. Patients also note double vision that is worse when looking down/ reading. You may want to consider evaluation by an oculoplastic surgeon or ophthalmologist if this does not improve as your swelling improves. orlandoeyeopener.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Regarding: "Post-op Upper Blepharoplasty - Will I Ever Be Able to Look Up Normally Again?
	I am 40 yo. I had upper and lower blepharoplasty surgery 2 weeks ago and my eyelids don't quite follow my eyes when I look all the way up. As a result when looking up I look really weird. Will I ever be able to look up normally again, after my upper eyeid blepharoplasty?"

	An uncomplicated upper lid Blepharoplasty should NOT be associated with extensive swelling which interferes with movement of the upper lid as far as 2 weeks after surgery. "Weird" does not quite precisely describe two scenarios that need to be considered:
	- IF the in course of the upper lid surgery the insertion of the muscle lifting the upper lid (Levator aponeurosis) was injured or cut) you could have sagging upper lids with difficulty getting them to raise.
	- If in the course of the lower lid operation your surgeon injured one of lower lid eye muscles (inferior oblique) you could have a hard time looking down when going down stairs.

	You need to discuss this with your surgeon.

	Dr. Peter Aldea

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Will you be able to look up normally?  At two weeks you are probably still suffering from swelling.  Give it some time to heal and it probably will get better.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD (retired) · Answer

Not having normal ability to look up can be normal result from swelling, and will improve with time.

	Muscle injury is a consideration, but very unlikely. Ask your surgeon to evaluate you to be sure this is the case.

Amiya Prasad, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If swelling due to the eyelift surgery (or blepharoplasty) is what&rsquo;s causing the limitation in eye movement, there should be improvement with resolution of the swelling.

Post-op Upper Blepharoplasty - Will I Ever Be Able to Look Up Normally Again?

Answers (7)

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