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When Should I Be Able to Close my Eyes Properly Following Eyelid Surgery?

asked 5 months ago by Dopeygirl
Latest answer by A.J. Amadi, MD
Question viewed 149 times
Tags: 2 weeks post-op, closed, expectation, timing

Its been two weeks since I had upper and lower eyelid surgery and am still unable to close my eyes properly especially on my right side. My husband says that it looks funny when I blink too.

7 answers to When Should I Be Able to Close my Eyes Properly Following Eyelid Surgery?

+2

Eyelid closure problem after blepharoplasty

Although difficulty with eye closure after blepharoplasty can be normal in some cases, it certainly warrants seeing your surgeon. In lower blepharoplasty, the fact of having undergone surgery makes the muscle that helps close the lid a little lazy. It recovers with time, usually within the first 7-10 days though this may be different for everyone. Swelling is another factor that can contribute to lid closure problems. However, the fact that you are having trouble after two weeks and that... more
Mark Samaha, MD

Montreal Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

In some cases this never returns to normal.

At two weeks however, there is still swelling and lid disfunction from that swelling that may account for the difficulty closing the eyes. It is important to understand that many things do improve with time. Some things don't. It is appropriate to discuss these concerns with your surgeon. However you might find that your surgeon is defensive rather than helpful. Please keep in mind that things soften and look less harsh after surgery and that the time frame... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+2

Post blepharoplasty eyelid concerns

After blepharoplasty surgery there can be persistent swelling especially along the lower eyelid. With swelling the lower eyelid can drop away from the eye which can cause tearing and possibly trouble with eyelid closure. You should see your surgeon to assess your situation. In some cases a temporary suture can be placed between your upper and lower eyelid to help with eyelid closure until swelling has subsided. I hope this helps.
Philip Solomon, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.solomonfacialplastic.com

+1

The blink mechanism can be affected

You are still relatively early in your post op healing period. Although most of the swelling will resolve in that time, scars that are produced from surgery can take months to soften which will allow better closure. In addition, sometimes the nerves that are responsible for enervating the muscle the closes the eye can be weakened from the surgical dissection. This usually will recover as well, in most patients, but it can take a bit longer [months] Patients is your best bet for now, and... more
A.J. Amadi, MD

Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

When Should I Be Able to Close my Eyes Properly Following Eyelid Surgery?

I would say within two weeks, the eyes should close after an upper and lower eyelid surgery. You should ask the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that did your eyelid surgery this question.
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Eye closure with blepahroplasty

In my opinion, you shoudl be able to close your eyes once the swelling has come down. If youa re not able to close your eyes after two weeks, you should be evaluated by your doctor.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

You should be able to close your eyes after lid rejuvenation

Short of unusual swelling, you should be able to close your eyes after lid rejuenation. The lid lag and scleral show can become uncomfortable, and the eye prone to dryness. If needed taping at night may help, and also ointment at night, and drops during the day. Consult with your surgeon, however after two weeks you should also be able to massage the lid to relax the result and bring the lid down. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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