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One Eye Barely Changed After Blepharoplasty

asked 3 years ago by Bronte in Maryland
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 6,118 times
Tags: post-op, results

I had Blepharoplasty done 5 weeks ago, and I immediately noticed post-surgery that the incisions were not the same. However, I didn't worry. Now, one eye looks wonderful and awake, but the other still has overlapping skin and looks tired. What could have happened? Is this result common with the procedure? I'm not sure if I should call my doctor prior to our next appointment (at the 10th week), or just wait and let it heal.

14 answers to One Eye Barely Changed After Blepharoplasty

Asymmetric excision or Ptosis both are not hard to fix.

Five weeks after surgery is a little early to consider revisions. The cause of asymmetric eyes after blepharoplasty includes: 1-Asymmetric incision or removal of less skin on one side. 2-Droopiness of the upper eye lid due to weakness of the muscle (Ptosis) In any case small revision would fix the problem. I would still wait for few more time and a close follow up with your surgeon is key. We published a paper in 2007 regarding the treatment of the same condition (Ptosis) especially when it... more

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

See your doctor about asymetry of eyelids after blepharoplasty

We always attempt to get perfect symetry between the eyes during blepharoplasty surgery. Sometimes we fail. The reasons can be several: Uneven design of the incision Uneven skin resection Significant asymetry of the eyelids before surgery Asymetrical healing after surgery Whatever the reason in your case, it is important that you see your doctor and discuss the result. If more skin needs to be removed this can usually be accomplished but i would wait at least 6 months. If the incision was... more

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

Sometimes asymmetrical eyelid surgery will result in a more symmetrical result

Sometimes asymmetrical eyelid surgery will result in a more symmetrical result; when eyelid skin and fat is asymmetrical, surgery can be done to improve symmetry. It is always easier to go back and take more skin and fat out than to try to put it back in. An additional single eyelid blepharoplasty procedure can be performed as a touch-up procedure to further balance the asymmetry that is currently present to improve the look of the eyelids. This should be done approximately three... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Uneven eyes after blepharoplasty (eyelift)

There are many factors which make operating on the eye difficult. One is the interaction with the surrounding areas. For the lower eyelid we look at the cheek. For the upper eyelid we look at the forehead an brow The activity of the muscle surrounding the eye are complex and can vary The medications used during surgery can stimulate the eye or relax it causing uneveness during surgery It sounds as if you may have a degree of blepharoptosis (droopy or sleepy) eyelind. If you do this... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Don't forget about the brows!

One of the most overlooked contributions to excess upper eyelid skin is the postion of the brow. Interestingly, it is common for one brow to be lower than the other, creating more extra eyelid skin on one side. This is something I point out to patients before any eyelid procedure, and I will often recommend a brow lift with blepharoplasty. If there was no difference in brow height before surgery, asymmetric skin removal is another possible cause of your concern. Undetected eyelid droop... more

Brett S. Kotlus, MD
Rochester Oculoplastic Surgeon

Yes, call your physician who did the surgery

It is always best to keep in contact with the physician who performed the procedure. I would suggest you call the office. It is always helpful for the surgeon to see exactly what you are talking about when it is happening. Instead of waiting. So call the office and see what they say. This way you don't have to sit and worry. Hope this helps, Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Westchester, New York more

Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD
Westchester Plastic Surgeon

I would be patient

None of us is perfect, patient or doctor. It is possible for a number of reasons that your result will not be perfect. It is still yet early to judge however. Even if there is an imperfection, it can usually be easily fixed, usually in the office, with minimal discomfort. Hope this helps. sek www.drkasden.us scottkinfw@msn.com

Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Close contact with your surgeon is critical

During the healing process, it is critical that you stay in close contact with your surgeon. He will be able to assess your concerns and let you know how he feels you are progressing. A few thoughts to consider, and some of these have already been mentioned. We are all somewhat asymmetrical, and this means that not only can your incisions be different, but one side can heal differently that the other and at a different rate that the other, so patience is very important. The brow may or... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Always asymmetry

The eyes are always asymmetric. One eye is always larger than the other. One alwasys has more redundant skin, one fold is always larger. The asymmetry may be what is considered normal. Without seeing you it is hard to tell. This is something to review with your surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

The eyes have it

Bronte, Five weeks following a blepharoplasty is still quite early. You may have different amounts of swelling on each side causing the asymmetric appearance. Have patience and trust your surgeon, especially if he/she is a board certified plastic surgeon. I'm sure that your plastic surgeon would be more than happy to discuss your current appearance with you before the 10 week proposed visit if you are really concerned. He/she may also offer some helpful hints as to how to manage your... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Earlier follow-up recommended

Dear Bronte, Your concern is not uncommon after blepharoplasty. Most healing and swelling should be resolved after 6 weeks, although it usually takes months to reach the final result. There is not much that can be done until healing has finished, to avoid "chasing your own tail" at surgery. Your surgeon should be able to explain what might be unique about your case to help you understand the assymetry. Careful evaluation of preop photos is essential. Hopefully you have at least... more

Edmund Fisher, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Needs time to heal

There can be many reasons for early asymmetry and it can be normal. It would be important to evaluate your eyelid appearance prior to your procedure in order to get an idea as to the amound of pre-existing asymmetry, if any. Also it would be important to note any differences in the open distance between your upper and lower eyelids and the position of your eyebrows. Asymmetry can be due to an unrecognized muscle weakness. It can be due to asymmetric eyebrow sagging. The amount of skin... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Give it some more time

Swelling unfortunately is a common occurrence after cosmetic surgery. It takes several months for the final result to be realized after most cosmetic procedures although with the exception of rhinoplasty most of the swelling goes away in the first 1-2 months. I would contact your surgeon if you are concerned. If you have persistent asymmetry, I am assuming you had an upper lid blepharoplasty, that is mild it should be relatively easy to correct.

Samson Lee, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Give it some time

Bronte, Five weeks a bit early to start getting worried. Give it a little more time (say three months) to allow all the swelling to resolve. Also, depending on if you had any other procedures done at the same time (Brow?), you may have some neuropraxia (weakness of the nerves) which may lead to a temporary lazy brow. In either case, if you do not see improvement over the next several months, you may need a "touch-up." However, at this point, don't get too worried. I hope this... more