I have asymmetrical eyes 1 month after lower Eyelid Surgery. Will I need revision surgery to correct this? (photo)

Question

I am one month out after having lower trans bleph w/skin pinch and as you can see I have asymmetrical lower eyelids. This was noticeable right after surgery but was told it will go back to normal after swelling goes down. I'm losing sleep over this because its not getting better. Will I need revision surgery to correct this? I also still have swelling in the eyelids and drooping.dr. doesn't know why. Also what is the best cream to use on the incision lines as mine are very thick and noticeable.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

The right lower eyelid has indeed dropped with more scleral show ( more white showing) than on the opposite eye.  This is one of the more common complications of lower eyelid blepharoplasty, and is due to scarring in some of the deeper tissues of the eyelid, or to removal of too much skin.  Fortunately, this should improve with time ( retraction tend to be worst in the first 2-3 months), and may fully resolve eventually. However, it is possible that it will not in which case a revision would be necessary, but if that should become necessary it is best to wait a full year to allow the tissues and scar tissue to soften up completely, and maximize the chances that a revision would be successful. For now, massage to stretch the lower eyelid can help.  Iwould consult with your surgeon and follow their advice.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have lower eyelid retraction/ectropion. They may improve as eyelids take up to 6 months to heal. At that time, it can re-evaluated for possible revisional surgery.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

At this point you are very early in the healing period.  YOu do have some scleral show and inferior pull of the eyelids.  You can start doing some massage to help decrease swelling and move the lids up.  Warm compresses may help too.  With time the lids may come back up to normal position.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However, at a month, you have a lot of healing to do.  The eyelids will soften and after perhaps 6 months, it is likely that they will be much better.  If you do need to have a revisional surgery, lateral canthoplasty will not help you and is actually likely to make the eyes much worse.  That is because you have such a big eye.  That is the precise reason you got into trouble in the first place.  How do we fix this situation?  I refer you to my website that has a lot of information on this topic.  My point for know is that with healing, perhaps you won't need any further surgery.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

I am sorry that you have difficulties post surgery. You need to wait till fully healed and that may take 3-6 months. In some cases waiting will not help and your surgeon should be able to direct you better.

I have asymmetrical eyes 1 month after lower Eyelid Surgery. Will I need revision surgery to correct this? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It's ok to worry.

Answer: It's ok to worry.

Answer: Too early to do revision

Answer: Too early to do revision

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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.

I have asymmetrical eyes 1 month after lower Eyelid Surgery. Will I need revision surgery to correct this? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: It's ok to worry.

Answer: It's ok to worry.

Answer: Too early to do revision

Answer: Too early to do revision

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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