Would an 8mm crease after incisional surgery look higher than an 8mm unoperated crease? (Photos)

Question

Before blepharoplasty, my eyelid space between the crease and lashes was 10mm if I slept with eyelid tape overnight and then took it off in the morning (the crease would stay the whole day). Without it, i would be 8mm. The surgeon claimed that getting an 8mm crease on my eyes would make the crease look higher than the 10mm i had before surgery. This cant be true right? From what Ive been observing from my recovery, a swollen 8mm crease looks like a 10mm crease and i heard it'll get 50% smaller

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question concerning the appearance of your eyelid crease after blepharoplasty. In most cases the crease height should remain about the same since any skin excision would occur above the crease. It may be too early to judge the final height of your crease since you are so close to your surgery date and you still have swelling in the surgical area as your picture indicates. It may be several more weeks before you can see the full results of your procedure and accurately assess your final crease height. However, you appear to be healing well and on your way to a great final result. If you have continuing concerns about this issue, contact a a local, board certified facial plastic surgeon in your area for an follow-up consultation. Good luck with your recovery! 
- Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Creases tend to migrate higher rather than lower.  I think you are conflating a number of different statements that are made about healing eyelids.  Overall, I think you look amazing for just a few days out from surgery.  I am concerned that these has been loss of support for your upper eyelid lashes which now seem to be less supported after surgery.  This may simply be related to the swelling associated with the surgery.  You will have a much better idea of this in 6 to 8 weeks.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

The crease generally remains the same height from the lash line after surgery in most cases.  It is the skin excess above the crease that is removed.  You look like you have a beautiful result, and that should be the focus!

Mark L. Mazow, MD, FACS · Answer

You look quite good for 5 days post op. You do have some swelling and will for the next few weeks. I would advise you to be patient and follow up with your surgeon. The final result will likely be good if you allow the healing process to take place. Good luck

Would an 8mm crease after incisional surgery look higher than an 8mm unoperated crease? (Photos)

Answers (4)