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Is a runny eye 2 days post op blepharoplasty normal?

I woke up today with a really runny eye and nose only on the left side on day 2 after my upper and lower eyelid surgery... is this okay and normal?

Doctor Answers 4

February 2nd, 2017

Tearing

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It is hard to definitively diagnose a problem from a picture and I would recommend seeing an oculo-plastic surgeon which is an ophthalmologist with a concentration in plastic surgery specifically around the eyelids.

That being said, the eyes can get irritated after eyelid surgery, which can cause tearing. The nose is connected to the tear duct, through which tears drain to the nose. This is most likely why your nose is also running.

Artifical tears may help to calm any irritation of the eye. If you are concerned, I would see a doctor just to make sure everything is okay.

Dan Landmann, MD


Ridgewood Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 46 reviews

December 2nd, 2016

Mucus discharge is a sign that something is bothering the eye.

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It is not normal after blepharoplasty.  This is precisely the type of issue I want to hear about from my patient.  Do not wait until the next visit.  Call your surgeon now and get an eye examination.  If your eyelid surgery is not a fellowship trained oculofacial surgeon, you will need to see your ophthalmologist for an assessment.

Learn more: http://www.lidlift.com/contact-plastic-surgeon-beverly-hills/download-ebook/

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Beverly Hills Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 26 reviews

December 1st, 2016

Runny eye after eyelid surgery

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Hi. It is common to have some watering and irritation 2 days after eyelid surgery. You should check with your surgeon to make sure that everything is doing well. Hope this helps. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

Ira Vidor, MD
Newport Beach Oculoplastic Surgeon

December 1st, 2016

Post Op Tearing

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Hi miss40377,

This is a question were get frequently from our post-op patients. Tearing occurs any time there's an irritation to the eye or eyelid. An upper lid and lower lid blepharoplasty often causes swelling near the edge of the eyelid and so cause sufficient irritation to produce tearing. The normal path for your tears to drain is down your nose, hence the runny nose.  

If you're having any increase in pain, redness or swelling, I wouldn't hesitate to contact your surgeon. Hope this helps!

John McCann, MD, PhD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.