Problems post-Blepharoplasty and CO2 Laser

Two weeks ago, I had CO2 laser combined with a lower lid Blepharoplasty. Eyes are very dry, drooping, and stiff. Recovery has been much worse than I anticipated. My eyes developed a few ugly scabs which, finally, seem to be flaking off. But my eyes are still so sore from the tightness. One of my lids is drooping, red, very stiff and doesn't move naturally.

It's pretty bad, although I'm really more concerned about my upper lids. They are so swollen! My surgeon didn't touch them so I can't understand why I would be swollen there. I look in the mirror and think I have destroyed my eyes. I read other people who were back to work in a week. I wonder what on earth happened to me? Many thanks for any insight.

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8 answers to “Problems post-Blepharoplasty and CO2...”

A: CO2 laser prolongs blepharoplasty healing but keep eyes moist

By Brooke R. Seckel, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

CO2 laser resurfacing significantly prolongs blepharoplasty healing by 3-4 additional weeks. However, the lid retraction and dry eyes are a concern. Sometimes the lid is pulled down excessively by the combined procedure and you need to see your doctor to make certain your eye has adequate protection. In some... more

A: CO2 laser takes longer to heal

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

C02 laser is a thermal burn to the skin and takes months to recover. Your surgeon should have notified you of this extended healing time. As soon as the scab is healed (approximately two weeks) makeup can be applied. If your eyes are dry, the use of Lacri-Lube opthalmic ointment at night, and Natural Tears... more

A: Patience and continued care are your best option

By Talmage J. Raine, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Without knowing exactly what surgery was performed it is hard to say what the best course of actionis. We are assuming that uyou have used a board certified plastic surgeon. The tightness is from the laser and the lid drooping is fromtension on the lid which should resolve . It is really too early... more

A: You are healing

By Scott E. Kasden, MD - Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Blepharoplasty is a fairly traumatic procedure for a small, delicate area. On top of that, the CO2 laser is very very traumatic to the skin. As you know by now, it will cause redness, swelling (including upper eye), drainage, scabbing, etc. Either procedure alone may cause the lower lid to droop or... more

A: Keep eyes lubricated and see an ophthalmologist

By Francisco Canales, MD - Sonoma Valley Plastic Surgeon

The combination of laser and lower lid blepharoplasty is not uncommon one in our Santa Rosa plastic surgery practice. The laser is usually what delays your postoperative healing. However, your symptoms appear much more severe than the majority of patients I see. It is not uncommon... more

A: CO2 and Lower eye lid surgery

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

First, swelling in the upper eyelids is very common after ANY surgery around the eyes. This should improve. The description of your lower lids concerns me. If they are very tight and you are seeing the conjunctiva and your eye are irritated then I suggest you quickly go back to your doctor to be checked... more

A: CO2 is a burn

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

CO2 laser resurfacing of the lower eyelid skin causes a burn. Burns take a few weeks to heal. Your peers that returned to work after a week probably didn't have the laser resurfacing done. Follow your surgeon's instructions and hang in there. They will get better. Good luck!

A: Upper lids are OK

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

Some types of lower lid blepharoplasty will slow the drainage of blood and fluid from the upper eyelid, and this causes the lid to swell. As the swelling in the lower lid improves, so will the swelling in the upper lid.

Comments

suzyque
20 posts
10 Jan 2009

I had the same procedure on Dec. 11. The recovery time and post op appearance are fierce. The lower belph was a snap (transconjunctival) and I would have been back to work in a week, but I had CO2 laser as well. I went through the same things you are going through. LUBRICATE YOUR EYES with Thera tears or Refresh Plus--be careful, it has to be plus--you need a rewetting drop with no preservatives, and regular Refresh has them. Keep using Auaphor. My surgeon has me gently pushing the lower skin upward to correct a downward turn, which can be caused by stiffness. Also, I found that one eye is healing much more slowly than the other, but it was "baggier" to begin with. The skin under my eyes is still bright red and very difficult to conceal with makeup. When you must return to the world, moisturize the skin very lightly--too much will cause the makeup to slide off. Try Physician Formula cream (not stick) green concealer--pat don't rub it on, let it set, then cover with flesh tone concealer and powder. The skin is still quite tender. My upper lids were also swollen and itchy--that finally went away. My eyes were also very red for quite some time. Let me know how it goes!

aliu
109 posts
6 Jan 2009

There are many modalities used when treating lower and upper eyelids (ie/ CO2, scalpel, radiofrequency etc...). Eyelids treated with CO2 laser tend to heal slower than other methods as it is an aggressive treatment. It sounds like you are having some post-laser ectropion which typically can resolve on its own with some massage +/- steroid creams. It is not common to have such lower eyelid skin deficiency with CO2 laser that you would need a second surgery. Regarding the upper eyelids, it is common to have some swelling around your untreated eyelids as the inflammation from your lower eyelid surgery likely tracked to your upper eyelids as well. I would expect this to resolve on its own (probably around the same time your lower eyelids start to feel better). Best of luck!

sharon davies
unregistered guest

24 May 2009

had lower blepharoplasty first then 6 weeks later had co2 laser it is now 10 weeks after laser but lower eyes showing to much white will my eyes return to normal and how long will it take and is there anything i can do to help