3 weeks post internal ptosis and upper lid blepharoplasty. Does the healing look right? (photos)

Question

I had ptosis and upper blepharoplasty 3 weeks ago and I am concerned I am still swollen, my lids feel “tight” and still numb almost like some pins pricking feelings. When I open my lids all the way it hurts. My eyes feel sore and tired. I am also concerned about the scaring. Is this normal?

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Thanks for your challenging question and photos. First and foremost, only YOUR SURGEON is best suited to answer specifics about your healing process and how you are progressing. You did not post any "before" photos so i can't make any judgement by comparison either. It takes about 6 weeks for things to really settle after eyelid surgery and 6 months to 1 year to be fully healed. You can review my photos and/or website to see the typical results I achieve in my patients after Ptosis/Blepharoplasty surgery. Best of luck in your healing process and consider following your surgeon's advice and be patient as you heal. You could message me if you had any additional questions.Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Pradeep Mettu, MD · Answer

Hi there. Don't get discouraged. You are still early in the healing process. Everyone heals at different rates. I agree that you are still swollen and that your scars appear thick right now. This will go down with time. I typically have my patients use heat and also advise massage of incisions using Vaseline or Aquaphor at least once a day for 5 minutes. If scars continue to be thick, there are treatment options that your surgeon can use if it's felt to be necessary. In my practice, I use 5FU injections for any thick post op bleph scar tissue. That comes up rarely and typically only in patients of darker complexion. It's hard to assess crease symmetry due to swelling and the fact that you are holding your right brow higher in the picture. Regardless, I'd advise you to give it more time and to continue to follow up with your surgeon closely. The tightness and discomfort should improve. Hope that helps.
Best,
Pradeep
Oculofacial Plastic Surgery
Raleigh, NC

Lynn D. Derby, MD (retired) · Answer

An in-person examination and preop photos would be needed to be sure of how you are doing, but the swelling in your photos appears within the limits of normal.  From your photos it looks like you have redhead skin type, which typically stays swollen and pink for longer than most other skin types.  Sore, tired feeling eyes could be due to dryness, since swollen, stiff eyelids sometimes don't blink very effectively to lubricate your eyes.  It's probably best for you to contact your surgeon with your questions, since he or she knows more about your individual surgery than any of us in this forum.

3 weeks post internal ptosis and upper lid blepharoplasty. Does the healing look right? (photos)

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