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Tear Production After Lower Blepharoplasty

Does tear production levels usually go back to normal after any type of eyelid surgery, such as upper bleph, levator resection, or a combination of both? Unfortunately I didn't have Schimer's tear test done before mines, as did not have dry eye. But my Schimer's test shows dry eye now (had test done 3 months after). I'm just wondering whether if surgeons have encountered patients with lower tear production (ex schimers) after similar surgeries and in their patients cases, the recovery time

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7 Doctor Answers | Asked by CoolGuys in Los Angeles, CA

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Dry eyes after eyelid surgery

I noticed your title mentions lower blepharoplasty but you refer to upper bleph and levator resection in your question. I agree with Dr Steinsapir that the most frequent cause of the problem is underlying dry eye that existed prior to surgery. If we look specifically at upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty and particularly levator resection), it is very common to have eyelid closure problems in the early post-operative period. The fact the eyelids don't close properly dries the... more

Change in eyelid shape after lower eyelid surgery only a part of the problem.

Dear CoolGuys Dr. Moelleken is correct in identifying changes in lower eyelid shape as a factor in dry eye after transcutaneous lower eyelid surgery. However, this is not the most frequent cause. By far the most frequent cause is: 1) underlying dry eye that existed prior to surgery and 2) Inadvertent surgical damage to the motor nerves that supply the lower eyelid orbicularis oculi muscle along the lower eyelid margin. This muscle is very important to moving and... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Dry eye after lower blepharoplasty

Hopefully your dry eye will improve on its own with conservative care. The most frequent cause for dry eye after lower blepharolasty with a subciliary incision is change in eyelid shape, usually with rounding of the eye or pulling down of the corners. There is often overexposure of the white portion of the eye, causing a reflex increase in tear production. We typically improve this shape, if it is indeed needed, at the 6 month mark with a short incision cheeklift, with... more

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DRY EYE SYMPTOMS

It is not uncommon for tear production to be altered temporarily after eyelid surgery. If after 3 months lubrication has not helped, I would recommend a consult with an ophthalmologist. He may be able to help you by inserting plugs into the tear ducts. This will allow the tears to bath the globe more efficiently.

Dry eye will typically improve after blepharoplasty

Your dry eye should improve with time. In the meantime, be vigilant with lubrication and moisture of your eye to prevent injury from excessive dryness. Also, keep your plastic surgeon informed of your progress. Best, Stephen Weber, M.D., Ph.D. Lone Tree Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center

Lower blepharoplasty and tears

Tear production can be affected by a blepharoplasty ans usually gets better over time. Continue with eye drops and/or creams asyou are instructed by your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Tear Production After Lower Blepharoplasty

What you describe is too common. Local care for a few months will help correct this issue. Best of luck from MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski

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