What is Chemosis and how is it related to eyelid surgery?

Question

I was reading an eyelid surgery review on realself today where somebody kept talking about having chemosis. What is that

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Chemosis is irritation and prolonged edema of the white part of the eye.  The condition is often times seen following eyelid surgery.  The condition can occur with or without globe protection and lubrication during eyelid surgery and fortunately, although distressing when present, is temporary in nature.  Topical steroid ointment may be necessary for prolonged chemosis after blepharoplasty.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Chemosis is a severe form of swelling that occasionally occurs following blepharoplasty surgery. This swelling typically involves the conjunctiva and sclera. It has the appearance of blistering with associated pinkish discoloration.In most cases, it resolves in one to two weeks following surgery. It tends to respond nicely to steroid drops. When this situation arises, it's important to contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Your surgeon should be able to outline a treatment plan that results in resolution of this problem.

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

Thank you for the question. Chemosis is the swelling of the conjunctiva (the mucous covering of the eye.) It occurs on occasion with lower eyelid surgery. Chemosis appears like the tissue on the eye is bubbling outward. Treatments often tried are cold compresses, chilled artificial tears and steroid eye drops. It usually resolves within a few months. Chemosis is not a sign that the surgeon performed the operation improperly.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Chemosis is known as fluid edema present in the white part of the eye after a blepharoplasty surgery. It can be slightly irritating. It is treated with time, cortisone and antibiotic eye drops, and will resolve as long as patients are able to completely close their eyes. It is fairly common to occur after a lower blepharoplasty procedure.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Chemosis is the swelling of the white part of your eyeball that surrounds the pupil (dark part in the center).  It usually happens to a mild degree after lower eyelid surgery and resolves within a few weeks. It can however last for months in some cases. In my opinion it is related to the extensive dissection and trauma of surgery. A find technique with minimal dissection can minimize the chances of chemosis.
Regards

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Chemosis refers to swelling of the conjunctiva which is the covering that lines the eyelid and drapes over the front of the eye. The conjunctiva that we see is clear and the tissues underneath it are white. There can be a number of reasons that the conjunctiva swells so chemosis does not tell one anything about the cause of the swelling.  However, following surgery, the eyelids swell and yes the conjunctiva can and does also swell. 
Normally after surgery, the swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis) is minimal. However, in some individuals the chemosis can be much more of a significant issue. This includes following lateral canthal procedures, and procedures in individuals with dry eye after surgery. Typically time and ocular lubrication with artificial tears and ointment are the appropriate treatment.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Chemosis is generally a temporary condition of prolonged edema or swelling of the lower eye after lower blepharoplasty or lower eyelid surgery. Typically, the conjunctiva or white part of the eye swells and looks blistery and red much like pink eye. The condition usually resolves in two to four weeks and is often treated with steroids and steroid eye drops. I hope this information helps.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Chemosis is a form of watery edema (swelling) that sometimes occurs after eyelid surgery (usually lower eyelid).  It is typically self resolving but sometimes requires mild ophthalmic steroid drops in order to go away.  In my experience, it is more typical in patients with more profound lower lid laxity preoperatively, but can be unpredictable.  I have attached the link to a patient who had chemosis postoperatively related to his profound lower lid laxity and negative vector.
http://www.realself.com/all/before-and-after-photos/Stephen-Prendiville,-MD?sort=recent&full=y&page=3

Charles Perry, MD · Answer

Swelling of the eye itself occurs following Blepharoplasty. In some cases the swelling leads to irritation of the sclera and or conjunctiva of the eye. This swelling can create more dryness or irritation of the eye and more swelling. It can takes weeks to resolve and often will require lubricants, steroids, patching and occasionally a small procedure.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Chemosis is a condition where the white of the eye has become irritated and inflamed and appears as a bubble or moist blister. This can result after a lower lid rejuvenation if swelling or tightness in the lid after surgery causes the lid to pull away from the eye, or  a response to sutures used, The best prevention is moisture and soaks as the lower lid heals, drops to prevent dryness, and ointment at night to keep the eye moist. Chemosis is not seen very often after lid surgery, though knowing about it ahead, and how to treat it can be reassuring.Best of luck.

What is Chemosis and how is it related to eyelid surgery?

Answers (15)

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