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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.
Asked 38 months ago by
emanzeme in California
+2
You are healing
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 lag so that it does not function properly. As a result, the eye can dry, turn red, get ulcerations.
This does not mean that you ruined your eyes. Steroid treatments (oral, iv) may help...
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+2
Upper lids are OK
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.
+1
Follow-up after Blepharoplasty and Micro Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
It’s important to work closely with your doctor to prevent the lower eyelids from pulling downwards. The CO2 laser is effective in reducing wrinkles (I routinely use a MixtoSX Microfractional CO2 laser in my practice) however the heat from the laser can cause the skin to contract significantly. It’s difficult to provide a complete diagnosis without an examination,
New York Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1
Recovery After Eyelid Surgery
Recovery after eyelid surgery varies from patient to patient. While most lower eyelid surgery is healed within two weeks, some patients take longer for various reasons. I would definitely talk with your surgeon about what is happening as this may represent normal healing or can represent infection or some other complication.
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Convalescence after laser resurfacing of eyelids is much longer than conventional eyelid surgery.
What you are experiencing is not atypical after CO2 laser resurfacing. After all, you have received a second degree burn of the skin. It takes time to heal and 2 weeks may not be enough for you.
I would be concerned about the lower lid position. I would recommend that you discuss with your surgeon some repositioning therapy to keep this from becoming a problem that demands and operation for correction.
The redness and swelling will assuredly resolve, later...
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CO2 laser prolongs blepharoplasty healing but keep eyes moist
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 cases when CO2 resurfacing has pulled the lid down a very simple procedure called a temporary tarsorraphy is required to pull the lid up and protect the eye during healing. The...
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+1
CO2 laser takes longer to heal
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 during the daytime will help. Patients who undergo blepharoplasty alone, have two weeks of swelling and bruising before returning to work or social activities without visual...
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+1
Patience and continued care are your best option
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 to tell what will happen. The combination of surgery and laser treatment is a longer healing period. All the best.
+1
Keep eyes lubricated and see an ophthalmologist
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 to have some stiffness of the lower lids and even some retraction so you see some white below the iris of the eye.
Keeping your eyes lubricated at all times is imperative to prevent dryness and potential...
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+1
CO2 and Lower eye lid surgery
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 out. You don't want to get into a vicious cycle of dry eyes, possible ectropion and chemosis.
Steven Wallach, MD
+1
CO2 is a burn
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!
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