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.
Answer: Early Post-Operative Ectropian Your history suggests that you've had a major surgical procedure on your eyelids with a complicated post-operative course. Since surgery, you've had dry eyes with stiff, swollen, droopy, lower eyelids. These findings suggest the development of an early ectropian. This condition occurs when scarring causes the lower eyelid to pull in a downward direction.This complication can occur with lower lid blepharoplasty when excess skin is removed or the underlying orbicularis muscle loses it's tone. CO2 lasers can also contribute to this problem by causing excessive skin tightening.Although your history is helpful, it's impossible to make a specific recommendation without pictures or a physical examination. It's probably reasonable to start lower eyelid massage at this point. If the ectropian is severe, secondary surgery may also be indicated.It's important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses this problem.
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Answer: Early Post-Operative Ectropian Your history suggests that you've had a major surgical procedure on your eyelids with a complicated post-operative course. Since surgery, you've had dry eyes with stiff, swollen, droopy, lower eyelids. These findings suggest the development of an early ectropian. This condition occurs when scarring causes the lower eyelid to pull in a downward direction.This complication can occur with lower lid blepharoplasty when excess skin is removed or the underlying orbicularis muscle loses it's tone. CO2 lasers can also contribute to this problem by causing excessive skin tightening.Although your history is helpful, it's impossible to make a specific recommendation without pictures or a physical examination. It's probably reasonable to start lower eyelid massage at this point. If the ectropian is severe, secondary surgery may also be indicated.It's important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses this problem.
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August 10, 2015
Answer: Possible ectropion following lower Bleph/CO2 Your question is helpful for those considering lower blepharoplasty with skin resurfacing. This combination is an excellent choice for enhancing the appearance of lower eyelids, but can run the risk of making the skin too tight. Fortunately, 2 weeks is not nearly enough time to judge the results. Followup visit should be made for 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Artificial tears can be used to lubricate the eyes. Upper eyelid swelling is not unusual following lower eyelid surgery. Thank you for sharing the question.
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August 10, 2015
Answer: Possible ectropion following lower Bleph/CO2 Your question is helpful for those considering lower blepharoplasty with skin resurfacing. This combination is an excellent choice for enhancing the appearance of lower eyelids, but can run the risk of making the skin too tight. Fortunately, 2 weeks is not nearly enough time to judge the results. Followup visit should be made for 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Artificial tears can be used to lubricate the eyes. Upper eyelid swelling is not unusual following lower eyelid surgery. Thank you for sharing the question.
Helpful
June 9, 2010
Answer: Convalescence after laser resurfacing of eyelids is much longer than conventional eyelid surgery.
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June 9, 2010
Answer: Convalescence after laser resurfacing of eyelids is much longer than conventional eyelid surgery.
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August 25, 2014
Answer: Follow-up after Blepharoplasty and Micro Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
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August 25, 2014
Answer: Follow-up after Blepharoplasty and Micro Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
September 7, 2010
Answer: Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
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September 7, 2010
Answer: Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
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