Is lower eyelid correction possible with dry eye syndrome?

Question

I had the procedure 30 years ago [not very successful] and am now considering it again as my eyes look puffy due to fat deposits under the lower eyelids. One plastic surgeon told me dry eye syndrome is counterindicated as it is easy to damage the tear duct. Another, this time an oculoplastic surgeon told me that on the contrary, it is possible. I am now unsure whom to believe... I would be grateful for your professional advice. Thank you.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The plastic surgeon who told you this, simply does not know what they are talking about. Lower eyelid surgery does not affect the tear duct. Typically plastic surgeons perform lower eyelid surgery by cutting the skin of the lower eyelid. These surgeries can compromise the lower eyelid and contribute to dry eye. On the other hand, performing lower eyelid surgery from behind the lower eyelid is less likely to cause dry eye. Hope this information helps.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Lower blepharoplasty frequently causes dry eye and will worsen it for someone who already has dry eyes, but usually only for a month or so. Also, redoing a lower blepharoplasty is fraught with problems and should only be done by a very experienced surgeon. Trust the Occuloplastic surgeon as the other was probably only giving you an excuse other than he/she didn't feel comfortable doing the procedure.

Is lower eyelid correction possible with dry eye syndrome?

Answers (2)