I Had Bilateral Transconjunctival Blepharoplasty 7 Weeks Ago. Experiencing Discomfort With Eyelashes, What Can I Do?

The lower lids are slightly turned in and are still a little puffy. This causes some of my lower lashes to touch my eyeball and create discomfort. Is there a short term solution for this problem besides plucking each lash? I see my plastic surgeon in 6 more weeks, as he said complete swelling will go down in 10 - 12 weeks following surgery. I'm concerned that the lids will not go back to their original position. What are my options, if the eyelids do not return to their original position?

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by Tammy from Midwest in Bloomington, IN

Doctor Answers (7)
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Consultation with Oculoplastics Surgeon or Ophthalmologist

As mentioned by other providers here, a consultation with a surgeon well versed in eyecare is important. As scarring softens, the eyelids may improve, and the longer you wait, the better the situation might get. However, waiting may be difficult to do when your eyes are irritated. There are a couple of things that might help you temporarily. Using an ocular lubricating ointment can soften the lashes and make the eye less irritated. However the downside is that it will make your vision... more

A.J. Amadi, MD

14 reviews

Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon

seattleface.com

Please do not act on recommendations for self-administered treatment offered by doctors who have not examined you.

Plucking the eyelashes is not a good idea, not because they won't grow back, but because when they do grow out, they are very stiff and can be even more irritating. The problem with having this problem "managed" by your plastic surgeon is that they do not have the knowledge, skill, and training to actually examine the eye surface to assess how the eye lashes are affecting the cornea. They do not possess the equipment needed to examine the eye surface called a slit... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Eyelid irritation after surgery

It sounds like you need to be seen by your doctor. This may be related to scarring. Sometimes massage helps, but you really need to be seen.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Discomfort with eyelashes after blepharoplasty

It sounds like the swelling combined with possible underlying muscle spasm and early scar formation may be turning your lower lashes in toward your eyes. This is called postoperative entropion. The most important thing for you to do is see your doctor and ask if lower lid taping (taping the eyelid down slightly), turning the lashes out by everting the lid and lashes from the eye can be done. If so your doctor will use specially designed skin tape. Sometimes ophthalmic... more

Lower lid turning in (entropion) after blepharoplasty

What you are describing (entropion) is not normal after transconjunctival blepharoplasty. You should consult with an ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon.

Corneal irritation after lower lid Bleph

This is likely due to scar contraction along the incision line causing the lashes to turn in towards your eye. I certainly don't recommend plucking the lashes as they may not grow back. You will need to massage the lower lid 2-3 times per day to relax the scarring but the most inportant matter is that you need to get back to your surgeon as soon as possible. You may be experiencing corneal irritation or abrasion and it is not reasonable to waite for another 6-8 weeks to see your surgeon.... more

Eyelashes Rubbing Cornea after Lower Lid Surgery

It sounds like you need to see your surgeon sooner for an evaluation of the eyelashes that are rubbing your eyes. If you aren't able to get help from your surgeon, I would seek an oculoplastic surgeon. You can find one at the website for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS.org).