Possible levator muscle injury from eyelid surgery?

I had upper eyelid surgery on both eyes on June 25th of this year. My right eyelid is not opening all the way when I look up or out to the side. When I raise my eyebrows, my entire right eye pulls up. The left eye is not having any of these problems. Also, I have raised scars on the outside of both of my eyes.

Could my doctor have injured the levator muscle in my right eye, or possibly extracted too much fat, causing a ptosis effect?

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9 answers to “Possible levator muscle injury from...”

A: It is possible

Sam Speron, MD

Hi, Thank you for your question! It is possible that your muscle was damaged during the surgery. It is difficult to say without examining you. It could be several things. It would be a good idea to go back to your doctor or consult a plastic surgeon that specializes in this area. As for your scars, they... more

A: Probably a temporary issue

Christopher L. Hess, MD

When extensive work is done on the lids there tends to be extensive swelling.  This includes swelling of the muscles as well as the skin and surrounding tissues.  This and the work can cause a temporary decrease in function of the muscle.  It's not unexpected.  Since you're very early out... more

A: You may have a levator muscle injury after blepharoplasty

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Your history sounds as though you may have a levator injury. However, there is a big difference between an injury and an actual cut of the levator muscle. The lid droop you mention is called ptosis. Sometimes the levator muscle is stretched or injured but not cut, and the levator is weak for 4-6 weeks after... more

A: Levator muscle and repair in upper lid blepharoplasty

Charles K. Lee, MD

You are now 2 weeks out from the surgery and by this time, you eyelids should have accomodated to each other. If you still have signficant ptosis at this point, it is likely that the levator muscle or attachment to the tarsus is not functioning fully and will likely not resolve with further waiting. In... more

A: Eyelid issuessi

Steven Wallach, MD

 Your concerns are something that should be evaluated by your surgeon.  Yes, you may have a levator injury or you may be swollen or the muscle is contused.  You may also have had some element of ptosis prior to your blepharoplasty that was brought out during the surgery. Raise scars are a... more

A: Consider a consultation with an eye plastic surgeon

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Dear Anonymous You are relatively early from you surgery.  It is quite possible that heaviness in the eyelid that you are describing is due to swelling and will resolve with time.  On the other hand, it is possible for the tendon of the upper eyelid to become disinserted or loose.  This can be... more

A: Post Blepharoplasty healing

Trevor M. Born, MD

 Dear Anonymous, i am sorry that you are having issues with healing. You should  return to your surgeon for review  and if they are not familiar with your condition then they should refer you for a consult with a surgeon who can deal with your problem. With Warm Regards, Trevor M Born MD

A: Levator could be a problem

Keith Denkler, MD

Your Levator muscle (upper eyelid lifter) may have been injured, partially torn, or stretched in and around surgery/recovery. Please recheck with your doctor. It could get better with time, but may need some tightening on the weakened side. Your doctor will examine you and come up with a plan. Good luck.

A: consult with an oculoplastic surgeon

Jonathan Hoenig, MD

I'm sorry to hear of the problems you're having after your eyelid surgery. It is possible that the muscle was damaged. Unfortunately, it's hard to say what's going on without seeing you. Perhaps your right eye was droopy before surgery but you didn't notice it before? The raised scars should settle down over... more

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