Lower Lid Drooping After Lower Lid Blepharoplasty, If This Doesn't Resolve Itself, What Are My Options?

asked 10 months ago by lala5 in Chicago, IL
Latest answer by Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Question viewed 379 times
Tags: lower eyelids, droopy, 1 week post-op, options, permanent

I am 40-years-old and 10 days post op from a lower lid bleph that included a transjunctive approach and skin pinch incision below the lid.The lower lid is still retracted from the eye. My board-certified facial plastic surgeon recommended upward massage but not taping at this point. My questions are: 1) How long should it take to resolve 2) Statistically what are the chances this won't resolve; 3) What are the options to fix it should it come to that? Many thanks for your time.

6 answers to Lower Lid Drooping After Lower Lid Blepharoplasty, If This Doesn't Resolve Itself, What Are My Options?

Lower eyelid malposition after eyelid surgery

I have performed Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) for over 20 years and the lower eyelids appear to have significant malposition at 10 days after the lower Blepharoplasty. You should see your surgeon and possibly an occuloplastic surgeon for early intervention to prevent further lower lid retraction.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ectropion post op

A skin pinch with a transconj approach is designed to be forgiving because it prevents scarring in the middle lamellae or septum which is a potentially big problem. I expect you to be fine with conservative measures. hang in there.surgery will not be needed in most cases. good luck

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

Eyelid surgery and eyelid retraction

You are only ten days after your surgery. Upward massage and holding the eyelid is an excellent conservative approach. In my patients I recommend this for the first 4-8 weeks after surgery. I would wait as long as possible before moving to a surgical procedure as long as you do not develop any signs or symptoms of corneal irritation or dryness. Along with this the use of saline eye drops and lubricant are recommended. The next approach would be a surgical canthopexy or canthoplasty depending... more

Stephen A. Chidyllo, MD
Red Bank Plastic Surgeon

Lid pull after blepharoplasty

The lid retraction in the lower lid is also called ectropian and can be quite uncomfortable. There is a chance that the situation will improve with massage in an upward direction in the next several weeks. Drops during the day will help as will ointment at night to keep the eye moist and free of irritation. We would suggest waiting about three months to see if massage will resolve the situation. Odds are70%, without further surgery, and there are procedures which can 'fix' things if... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Retracted lower lid after skin pinch

Generally skin pinch is done conservatively as there is only mild skin excess. In your case, you have developed ectropion or down ward pull on your lower lids in the immediate post-operative period. Conservative measures such as massaging and taping will improve this markedly but it will take a few weeks. In young patients with good skin elasticity adequate recovery is likely in 2-3 months. You are likely still swollen and that may be worsening the ectropion. A short course of oral steroids... more

Edwin Ishoo, MD
Boston Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bostoncosmeticsurgerycenter.com

I am so sorry you are in this situation.

Lala This was the result of a very aggressive skin pinch. A skin pinch is supposed to be just that. This looks more aggressive than that. 10 Days is early and it is likely you will have some softening of these eyelids as you heal. However, I would encourage you to get a second opinion. This is primarily for practical interventions right now like steroid injection, massage, use of artificial tears and ointment. If you need a revisional surgery for this... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

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