Can blepharoplasty change the shape of the eye?

Question

I've heard a side effect of blepharoplasty can include the shape of the eye changing. Is this true?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The goal blepharoplasty is not  to change the shape of the eye, just to freshen them up. The primary goal of upper eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin and a small amount of fat creating the hooded look The primary goal of lower eye lid surgery is to  conservatively remove a portion of the 3 fatty compartments in the lower lids creating the puffiness look. The incision for this fat removal is on the inside of the eyelid, also known as a trans-conjunctival approach. Some patients require additional skin removal on the lower lids through a" pinch technique" and along the lash line. This incision was closed with Histocryl  tissue glue. For many examples, please see the link below  to our eyelid surgery photo gallery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Sometimes it can change the shape of the eye to your benefit.  This really comes down to your preoperative anatomy, your goals, and the skill of the surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Thought the quick and dirty answer is yes, there are incredible subtleties to this question. Lower blepharoplasty has more of a possibility to change the shape of the eyelid [due to lower eyelid retraction], but these risks can be minimized by choosing the proper technique and meticulous precision. Your surgeon should have a discussion with you regarding these risks. Even in the most skilled of hands, risks of surgery cannot be completely eliminated.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Done well this change of shape is amazing.  However if the surgery pulls the corners of the eyes, the effect is very undesirable.  It is essential to communicate with your potential surgeon and carefully understand what they are proposing so there are no surprises.

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.When well done, no, the shape of your eye should not change.  When not done well, when it is over done, or when there is abnormal scarring, yes, blepharoplasty can alter the aperture and shape of the eye.

To be sure what might work for you, see two or more board
certified and experienced plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete
evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Aggressive and/or bad blepharoplasty can change the shape of the eye.  If done conservatively using good techniques (such as transconjunctival for lower blepharoplasty), blepharoplasty can result in more youthful eyes without any stigmata of change in eye shape with surgical appearance. See an oculoplastic surgeon.

Colin Hong, MD · Answer

Yes, Blepharoplasty can actually change the shape of your eye to be exact. However
it can only be done depending on what you want, what you need, and the skill of
the surgeon.

Tom D. Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

Usually the goal is not to change the shape of the eye but rather to refresh the area and remove excess tissue.  While it is certainly possible to change the eye shape with blepharoplasty, it has to be performed with great care and precision.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think what many patients experience is the illusion of a smaller eye becuase the skin of the lateral upper eyelid is treated and the lateral brow hooding is treated. Changing the shape of the eye is not common.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A well performed blepharoplasty should not change eyelid shape unless the change in shape is desirable.During the course of a lower eyelid blepharoplasty if the eyelid is lax and sagging a canthoplasty can be done to lift and tighten the lower eyelid and improve the shape to a more youthful look.However 1 negative side effect of a poorly performed blepharoplasty is called an ectropion.  This happens when a lax or loose lower eyelid is treated with a blepharoplasty without tightening the lower lid appropriately.  When this happens the lower eyelid shape can be pulled downward and outward to a sad side appearance.If you consult a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert at oculoplastic surgery these problems should not occur if the surgery is done properly.

Can blepharoplasty change the shape of the eye?

Answers (11)

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