Is This a Permanent Disfigurement with the Lower Eyelid? (photo)

Had lower eyelid surgery 3 weeks ago. No stitches. Did through the inside. I noticed that only my left eye is having an irritation with the contact lens due to edge of the lens rubbing against the lower eyelid. I also notice that my left eye is bigger than my right eye a bit more than usual after the surgery. Went back to surgeon & he said nothing seems wrong. He never mentioned about taping or massaging. I had such nice eyes & now I am so scared & sad esp. with not being able to wear contacts

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lower eyelids irritation asymmetry 3 weeks post-op

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by AlexisBlue

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Permanent?

Lower eyelid retraction and scleral show status post transconjunctival blepharoplasty is often treatable with timely massage, appropriate support tape, useful cool packs and possibly dilute steroid injections (when indicated and when performed correctly for the right reason). Please return to your surgeon ASAP!

Your lower eyelid is pulled down from normal position by scar tissue.

It appears that your lower lid position is below the "normal" position of the opposite lower eyelid because of scar tissue (perhaps from minute amounts of bleeding/bruising) on that side. This should be managed aggressively to prevent the lid from staying in this incorrect location. I would suggest that you return immediately to your surgeon, who should be showing you upward stretching exercises, or even using topical anesthetic and skin hooks to pull and stretch out the abnormal... more

I Recommend a Second Opinion With an Oculoplatic Surgeon.

What impresses me is that in addition to a slight lower eyelid retraction, your after picture suggests also upper eyelid retraction. You indicate that you only had lower eyelid surgery. So something is up. Occasionally we see patients who just happen to develop thyroid eye disease at the time of eyelid surgery. The surgery does not cause the thyroid eye disease. The relationship is coincidental but very confusing. Thyroid testing is not routinely performed for preoperative clearance. An... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

8 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Retraction and lower eyelid lift

Hi! It appears that you have some mild retraction of your left lower eyelid. This is not as common with the "inside" approach as it is with the "outside" approach. The good news is that you are still in a stage of healing when you can positively impact this condition. My recommendation is to see your surgeon and ask him to do a careful exam to see if he/she can feel any tethering or scar tissue on that side. Upward massage, lid taping, and supportive measures for the next 2-3 weeks... more

Is This a Permanent Disfigurement with the Lower Eyelid?

I would recommend that you return to your plastic surgeons office. Your issue could be temporary and due to some swelling but I will usually start patients with some vertically oriented massage to help reposition the lower eyelid and eyedrops to prevent drying of the eye. It would be unusual to have long-standing lower eyelid malposition after a transconjunctivalunctival approach but it is possible and massage should help reduce the risk. However, before taking this advice, please consult... more