Eyelid Surgery: Q&A
Ask a QuestionEyelids Won't Shut After Blepharoplasty
I had an upper Blepharoplasty 6 weeks ago. My eyelids still do not shut all the way. I can make my eyelids shut if I "muscle" them down, but if I shut them gently then about 2 mm of sclera shows, particularly from the center of the eyes to the inner corner. My eyes also open now when I sleep. My plastic surgeon said that the amount of sclera showing is mild and will correct itself over time. Is this normal, and is he being honest? I really worry that I'll need to have skin grafts or some sort of corrective surgery.
Tags:
27 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
AchingEyes
in USA
+3
Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
There are two different questions open right now... the first from aching eyes who has had a bleph approximately six weeks ago. The important issue for you at this point is your ability to protect your cornea.
A small amount of lagopthalmos (inability to fully close your lids over the globe) is not unusual immediately after a blepharoplasty. This typically resolves within the first few days and can be related to the local numbing medication and swelling. Lagopthalmos that lasts beyond...
more
+3
Some things you can do right now
It is very, very rare to need skin grafts after an upper blepharoplasty. So, eventually, you should be fine.
In the mean time, there are three things you can do to help:
1) Massage. If you massage your lids downward for 5 minutes twice a day, this can stretch the lids just enough to get closure. Ask your doctor to show you how to do this.
2) Exercises. Close your eyes very, very tight and hold them like this for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Do this series 3 or 4 times a day. This exercises...
more
+3
Eye Lids Not Shutting 6 Weeks After Blepharoplasty
Hi Aching Eyes,
The most important aspect of your recovery at this time is to protect your corneas both when sleeping and awake. Consult with your surgeon, and even your ophthalmologist regarding the best method of cornea protection. Moisturizing eye drops during the daytime, and taping the eyes shut when sleeping is recommended.
In my 23 years of performing upper blepharoplasty, after every case I have kept the excised skin for the first few days until I see that the lids are shutting...
more
You might also like...
Real Stories
Upper Blepharoplasty in Medellin, Colombia
I had this done just two weeks ago on June 1st 2013. I live in the States but visit...
+3
Protection is better part of valor
If you know your eyelids do not shut completely while you sleep, you should use some eye ointment at night to protect the cornea. Usually, the Bell's phenomenon causes the eyeball to rotate upwards when you close the eye and this protecs the cornea but this may or may not be sufficient in individual patients. Often, surgeons will leave a little "scleral show" at the conclusion of the upper blepharoplasty because tissues do relax. You might ask your surgeon if the failure to close...
more
+2
Incomplete eyelid closure after blepharoplasty
If you had an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) about 6 weeks ago, it's normal to still have incomplete eyelid closure(lagopthalmos) due to swelling. You should be sure to use eye drops and lubricants to ensure that your cornea does not become dry during the night. Unless your surgeon removed too much skin during the surgery (which is rare) your swelling should resolve over the course of weeks.
Be sure to follow up closely with your surgeon or see an...
more
+2
Eyelid lag correction after upper Blepharoplasty
As mentioned above, a small amount of scleral show is normal after upper eyelid blepharoplasty. However, this should get better within several weeks. You may be able to help this along by massaging the lid in a downward direction to help prevent scar tissue from keep the lids from closing. The main issue is while this slowly works out is to make sure your eye is protected by applying lubricant at nights and during the day. From the sound of it, you are doing a good job with this so far. I...
more
+2
Keep a Lid On It - Vision Before Vanity
A mild degree of tightness and temporary inability to shut the eyes completely is within the normal realm of post-operative healing in the first few weeks after Upper Blepharoplasty. However, it is unusual to have "scleral show" after an upper blepharoplasty, since this generally describes the exposure of the white of the eye (sclera) above the lower eyelid, most commonly occurring after Lower Blepharoplasty, and noticeable when the eyes are open.
There is a protective reflex...
more
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1
Eyelids won't shut
Mild lagophthalmos is normal in the short term after upper blepharoplasty. The key is to keep your eyes protected during this period with artificial tears and ointment at night. I am sure tour plastic surgeon has gone over this with you. If you cannot close your eyes 3-6 months after surgery, you may have to have a correction. This problem, if it does not resolve on its own, is fixable.
Newport Beach General Surgeon
+1
Upper Blepharoplasty and Eyelid Closure
A small amount of lagophthalmos (inability to close eyelids) is not unusual after eyelid surgery and can persist for days or even weeks afterward. In your situation, I would use a thicker form of eye drop at night time (Refresh PM). Some degree of a dry eye feeling is normal for a few weeks after the surgery, so make sure you use artificial tears frequently. Discuss your concerns with your Surgeon so that he/she can keep close tabs on you and appropriately direct your care....
more
+1
Properly lubricate eyes at night after blepharoplasty
In my practice, I tell my patients that they should have no problem closing their eyes after blepharoplasty. It’s important you properly lubricate your eyes with artificial tears and ointment (at night). Seeing an eye doctor can help you avoid problems related to eye exposure.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
Comments (1)