Dry, irritated eyes after facelift. I am five weeks out from a SMAS facelift. Advice? (photos)

Question

My eyes became dry and irritated within two days after surgery. Initially, I thought the dryness was due to central heating or dehydration. But addressing those possibilities has not improved the condition. Now I am wondering if the dryness is related to the surgery. I still have swelling beneath temples, eyes, and along upper cheek. It seems the swelling has pulled my lower lid down just a bit (waterline more exposed). I did not have a blepharoplasty.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Dryness of the eyes is not common after facelift without blepharoplasty.  If you have had some degree of facial nerve weakness in association with your surgery, this could interfere with eyelid closure and subsequent dryness.  However, since this isn't mentioned in your question, I recommend further discussions with your Surgeon and a referral to an Ophthalmologist for further evaluation.

Joseph L. Kiener, MD, FACS · Answer

Dry eyes can occur following a facelift without a concomitant blepharoplasty.  It is usually due to lower lid malposition due the healing or scarring pulling down on the lower lid, particularly if skin undermining was extensive.  This results in incomplete eyelid closure and resultant dryness.  Based on your photos you appear to have a bit of lateral lower lid descent. Follow up with your surgeon to discuss interventions.  This problem usually resolves , but may take months.  regards.
Dr. Kiener

Dry, irritated eyes after facelift. I am five weeks out from a SMAS facelift. Advice? (photos)

Answers (2)

More SMAS Facelift Questions

Bilateral facelift vs Bilateral SMASectomy: what is the difference?

3 weeks post SMAS lower facelift, platysmaplasty, and chin augmentation, is puckering normal in the cheek area? (Photos)

What are the differentiators between: endoscopic composite facelifts and SMAS facelifts?

What is the difference between a S-Lift and a SMAS lift?

I have a hematoma after a facelift. I had it drained manually, but it is worse now (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS