Blethoplasty procedure successful? Eyes are still puffy, and hollowness wasn't corrected? (Photo)

Question

16 m post op, the results on the lower lids are fading and the upper lid has some kind of nerve issue. The puffiness and hollow look is starting to show through again. At 6 months, the doctor said that the hollow never was meant to be taken care of by the extensive surgery. We had no pre-op appointment and I never got a clear explanation of what kind of results to expect.. I hate the returning bags and wonder if they will worsen and what I should do?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I fix cosmetic eyelid surgery for a living.  Of the people who come to see me to be fixed, they generally report that the first surgeon spent less than 5 minutes evaluating their eyes and eyelids.  By comparison, my typical consultation which includes a very through history including a discussion of the desired surgical goals, a measurement of best corrected vision, and a detailed examination of the face and eyelids including a sketch of the eyelids, and an assessment of dry eye status takes 1 to 2 hours including a very detailed discussion of what to expect from surgery.  I am not say that everyone needs such a detailed examination.  However it is my opinion that a lack of attention to detail preoperatively often correlates to a lack of attention to detail in surgery.  Lack of detail in the initial consultation is a profound warning sign that tells you a great deal about the potential surgeon.  Your post operative photo is dramatic but does not really give much insight regarding your ultimate outcome.  I am sorry you were ignored by your surgeon. That is not appropriate.The right eye pain is most likely related to dry eye.  I strongly recommend that you find a general ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon to assess your corneal status and recommend medical management to make the eyes more comfortable.  The pleating at the outer corner of the eyelid looks like it would benefit from revisional surgery.  However, recognize that this will only make the area look better than it does now, it is unlikely to restore you to your pre-operative status because skin and muscle have been removed in an idiosyncratic way.Regarding the upper eyelid hollow, there are limited options to improve this even with surgery and an actual personal consultation would be needed to know what might work for you.  However sub brow fillers with Restylane is one way to improve the upper eyelid fold area without surgery.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sorry for all your post operative issues. The lesson learned is if you are not completely informed and fully understand the operation than why proceed. Now you will need revision expensive surgery. Again so verity sorry.

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

16 months is plenty of time to wait for surgery to heal.  You are not going to see any change at this time.  If you are unhappy with both the result and the surgeon it is time to look elsewhere.  Hollowness and iregularities can be improved.  Be sure to consult with a board certified Plastic Surgeon with a large experience in eyelid surgery. During the consultation process you should be able to get an idea of the time he or she is going to take with you.  Also, insist on at least one additional visit prior to the surgery with the surgeon to go over things again.

Blethoplasty procedure successful? Eyes are still puffy, and hollowness wasn't corrected? (Photo)

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Blethoplasty procedure successful? Eyes are still puffy, and hollowness wasn't corrected? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.