Upper blepharoplasty too conservative? (photos)

Question

I am 3 weeks post surgery. I like how my result is very natural looking but I feel there is still quite a bit of excess skin. Was the doctor too conservative? Should I get more taken off?

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

It's too early to judge. There is still considerable swelling in the upper lid, so it might look heavier now than the final result will actually be.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thanks for the photo and question.  It would have been great to see a 'before' photo, to compare.  You should wait a few weeks, for any residual swelling to settle, before making a final judgement about the outcome.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Your photo exhibits bilateral upper eyelid ptosis.  Either the ptosis is caused by upper eyelid swelling related to your surgery 3 weeks ago or it existed prior to this surgery.  If it was caused by the surgery it is either temporary or permanent.  Swelling of the tissue does contribute to upper eyelid heaviness that resolves with time.  On the other hand, upper blepharoplasty can injure the levator aponeurosis, the tendon of the upper eyelid.  It can easily be severed with the skin excision.  This is generally very well tolerated.  However, for some, this causes persistent upper eyelid ptosis.  Time is what you need.  Generally it is advisable to be patient and wait 6 months before looking into revisional surgery.

David R. Alfonso, MD, FACS · Answer

You look like you are healing well and as your swelling decreases the lids will look even better. You definitely don't want to take too much skin off as that can lead to major problems. At a year if you need a small skin trim that is an easy office procedure

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is always better to have a conservative upper blepharoplasty instead of an aggressive one.  You should wait for the healing to complete and in 6 months to a year you can undergo either a minor revision or you can start undergoing Thermismooth treatments to the eyelids starting 6 weeks after your blepharoplasty.  That will tighten the skin enough that she might not need any revision surgery.RegardsDr. J

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You appear to have a very nice result.  It is still early in the healing process and the swelling will go down as well. The scars will settle and the result will appear even better.  All the best,

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for asking the question and posting your photograph. Your eyelids look excellent at 3 weeks post op and will only continue to improve. Do not consider further eyelid surgery. Good luck.

Mark Schoemann, MD · Answer

At three weeks I would say it is too early to render a judgment if the excision was too conservative. The upper eyelids are susceptible to post-operative swelling and make take several more weeks to resolve completely. Too aggressive of an excision of upper eyelid skin during blepharoplasty can lead to an inability to close the eyes completely (lagophthalmos in doctor speak) which can lead to dryness and issues with the cornea.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Perhaps, but you will not be able to judge fully until the swelling is gone and you have healed. Conservative might be a misleading term, as if you like your result and think you look good the result is not conservative at all.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You want to be very conservative with the upper eyelids so it does not pull your eyebrow down and also leaves you with enough skin to close your eyes. Some surgeons in my opinion are too aggressive.

Upper blepharoplasty too conservative? (photos)

Answers (13)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Would a skin pinch be performed if wrinkles appear under eye after transconjectival lower bleph when smiling only?

How can I get rid of malar festoons? (Photo)

My left eye is really, really weird. What can I do? (Photo)

Correcting scleral show which causes dry eye symptoms. (photo)

Why is one eye slanted? Is this a problem? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS