Is it usual that eyelids cannot open for a period of time after upper and lower eyelid surgery?

Question

I have a fear of not being to open my eyes due to swelling, etc. Thanks

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

After an upper and lower eyelid surgery, patients should expect to experience swelling and bruising around the eyes. So difficulty opening the eyes can be a normal temporary side effect. Individualhealing times will vary, but the majority of swelling usually subsides within a week or two. However, if you have problems with your vision, bleeding, and/or your symptoms become more severe or persist, you should not hesitate to contact a board certified facial plastic surgeon for an evaluation.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

While there could be significant swelling and bruising after a blepharoplasty procedure, it would be very unusual to not be able to open the eyes. The swelling might make it difficult but you should still be able to open them after the surgical procedure. Good luck with your procedure if you decide to proceed.

Matthew Brace, MD · Answer

It is normal for the eyes to become swollen and to bruise after upper and lower eyelid surgery. This can make your eyelids heavy and feel like they can't open well. Ice can help with the swelling. I usually ask my patients to ice for 20 minutes of each hour while awake during the first 3 days after surgery to minimize swelling. 
All the best, Dr. Brace

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However, eyelids can swell and be heavy.  If the surgery is done correctly, this will not be a problem.  The challenge is eyelids with preexisting ptosis that is not corrected with blepharoplasty.  Swelling can actually exacerbate the ptosis.  The solution is to recognize the ptosis and correct that at the time of cosmetic blepharoplasty.  Unfortunately this seems to rarely happen because the majority of blepharoplasty surgeons often don't know their anatomy once they get a few layers deep into the eyelid.

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

Assuming that you are going to have eyelid surgery performed by a board certified facial plastic or oculoplastic surgeon-with vast experience in blepharoplasty surgery - you have nothing to worry about.  Keeping the head of the bed elevated and using ice to minimize bruising will improve your odds of shortening your limitation of eyelid movement-so go crazy with ice and elevating your head!!  Despite these useful efforts to minimize swelling, almost all patients who have upper and lower eyelid surgery will experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising - so expect some limited eyelid mobility for the first 72 hours.  Indeed some patients may have eyes totally swollen shut with the swelling,  but as your experienced surgeon will minimize trauma to the delicate eyelid tissue, and you will do your homework by elevating your head during the day and at night,  and using ice whenever you can - your swelling should be under control.  Do your homework as indicated and choose the right surgeon and you will be rewarded with the best possible result !!

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

It is unusual that you can not open your eyes post blepharoplasty. Yes you will be swollen, but the eyes should be able to be open and stay open. After sleeping it is possible that the eyelids stick together slightly from any weeping, but that easily clears.

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

It is very unusual to not be able to open your eyes after upper and lower blepharoplasty procedure.
There is swelling initially that may make your eyelids feel heavy, but there are treatments you can use after your surgery that will help lessen this swelling.  The swelling is usually minor.  I wish you well.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

After eyelid surgery, swelling is very common.  I typically tell our patients to expect a 7-10 day period of swelling with these treatments.

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to have swelling and bruising after eyelid procedures. Your eyelids might feel more swollen in the morning when you wake, I would highly recommend sleeping with your head elevated and using ice which helps to bring down the swelling. Typically the swelling is the worst from day 2-6 and then it should subside. Best of luck, Dr. Heffernan

Gregory D. Roberts, MD · Answer

jfstewart, it may be difficult because of swelling to completely open your eyes for several days after blepharoplasty.  Maximum swelling usually occurs around the 3rd day after surgery.  So this issue may worsen the first several days after surgery before it gets better.  If you have concerns or believe you have a problem see your surgeon immediately.  Best wishes.  Dr. Roberts.

Is it usual that eyelids cannot open for a period of time after upper and lower eyelid surgery?

Answers (17)

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