I have puffy upper/lower eyelids in morn/evenings since lasik in 2009. I'm 29. Is it ptosis, & will eyelid surgery help? (Photo)

Question

I had lasik surgery - both eyes in 2009 (right eye was under corrected so it was operated on twice). I was diagnosed with dry eye post-Sx & cannot tolerate eye drops with preservatives. Everyday (year-round) I wake up with swollen upper (about half way up) and lower eyelids, redness & pain. The swelling lessens throughout the day and returns by night with itchy lid margins. Allergies ruled out (skin/blood test). On Restasis/optive. (3rd) Opthalmologist sugg. surgery & RX ointment to apply.

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

It is difficult to judge based on these images. You seem to have slight eyelid ptosis but that should not cause puffiness in the morning. Your surgery, if needed, has to be done by someone who has sufficient experience since you have dry eyes to start with. An examination buy one of us who specializes in the face area could provide more useful information and more meaningful advice for you.

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

From the picture you provided there is no ptosis. The eyelids can be swollen in the morning for many reasons but the most common is simply gravity that redistributes the body water while we are lying down. It may also be related to seasonal allergies. No surgery for now. Good luck.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

Eyelid surgery is great for "herniated fat" or excess skin.  It is not great for puffiness.  It sounds like you may have something else going on.  There is an autoimmune syndrome call Sjogren's syndrome that needs to be ruled out as well.  I would suggest getting the opinion of a couple of different surgeons AND at different times during the day.  I would be very hesitant to have anything done though, because there is likely an underlying cause of your swelling that has not be diagnoses of yet. Good luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The primary goal of lower eye lid surgery is to remove the puffiness created by herniated fat pads in the lower lids. The removal of these fat pads is accomplished with a trans--conjunctival approach with the incision placed on the inside of the eyelid.  A lower blepharoplasty is performed under a brief general anesthesia as an outpatient surgical procedure.

I have puffy upper/lower eyelids in morn/evenings since lasik in 2009. I'm 29. Is it ptosis, & will eyelid surgery help? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lower eye lid surgery

Answer: Lower eye lid surgery

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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 puffy upper/lower eyelids in morn/evenings since lasik in 2009. I'm 29. Is it ptosis, & will eyelid surgery help? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lower eye lid surgery

Answer: Lower eye lid surgery

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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.