2 weeks post op, I can't close eyes fully after Asian eyelid surgery. Is this normal? (photo)

Question

I got a full incisional double eyelid surgery two weeks ago and I cannot close my eyes all the way. At first I thought it may be due to swelling but even after swelling has gone down significantly, I still can't close my eyes. Is this normal? Will I eventually be able to close my eyes?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The incomplete eye closure can be due to a number of reasons, and this early after surgery most likely due to residual swelling.  However, to ensure this is in fact the reason follow up closely with your surgeon.  He/she will likely recommend lubricating eye drops, downward massages, and/or taping your lids closed while sleeping.  It is important that you keep your eyes moisturized and maintain the tear film so that you do not develop issues from dry eyes.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

At two weeks postop, you are still healing. It is possible there is some residual swelling and most likely there will be improvement in the scar as it heals. However, the issue with the eye closure is a serious one. Please consult with your surgeon who will advise measures to protect your cornea as you continue to heal.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

in some cases you do see this in the first few weeks after surgery.  It is important to follow-up with her surgeon.  In some cases the gap is very small and in fact the patient can't close their eyes completely when they are blinking but when they consciously close their eyes there is enough frontalis or forehead muscle tone to prevent complete closure.definitely follow-up with your surgeon.  You may also want to videotape your self just blinking.  You may find that you close normally when you are not doing it consciously.so long as no significant amount of skin was removed you should be able to close her eyes eventually.  The important thing to monitor is whether or not your developing any dry eye symptoms.  You can also do some gentle massage and even exercises where you hold the eyelids closed completely but gently and simply stretch the collagen that has formed underneath the incision line.  you can repeat this exercise for about 30 seconds at a time 4-5 times a day.  Before doing this however you really need to follow-up with your surgeon.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Unable to completely close the eyes after double lid surgery is a very important issue. The reasons for inability to close the eyes can be of different reasons. We need to review what was done in the original surgery. Any skin removed? any muscle removed? was any work or shortening of the lavatory muscle done? Any of these can cause the problem. Meanwhile you need to lubricate the eyes at night very well. and during the day if any signs of dry eye. See an ophthalmologist for full evaluation and muscle function. Repair depends on the cause. The cause can be divided into one of these categories1: deficiency of the anterior lamella, skin2: deficiency of the middle lamella, the muscle3: deficiency in the posterior lamella, lavatory muscle and Mueller muscle.4: As simple as swelling.

2 weeks post op, I can't close eyes fully after Asian eyelid surgery. Is this normal? (photo)

Answers (4)

More Double Eyelid Surgery Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (4)

More Double Eyelid Surgery Questions

Will an asian upper bleph LOWER the eyebrows? (Photo)

Can I reverse my double eyelid surgery by stretching the upper eyelid and making the crease lower? (photos)

Where is it best to have a Asian double eyelid surgery? China or the United States?

Is 5-FU injection safe in the eyelid to relax scar resulting from revisional Asian double eyelid and ptosis correction?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS