Eyes opens during rest after blepharoplasty, too much skin removed? (photos)

Question

I had upper Blepharoplasty and lower transconjunctival 4 weeks ago. My left eye is very traumatized, and when I’m blinking it’s slower than the right side. Both eyes don’t close completely, but the left eye has the biggest gap. It’s very tight around the eyes. When I’m sleeping, or when I fall into sleep both eye pops open. My surgeon is not helpful. I really don’t like how my eyes have change, and how high the scar is. But most of all I want my eyes to close during sleep. Opinions appreciated!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your picture and question. As there is swelling and bruising, a 2 mm gap is normal.  I advise my patients to put chloramphenicol eye ointment of an evening to help keep their eyes lubricated.  Please have regular follow ups with your surgeon.  If you have any pain or your vision is effect, please return as soon as possible.  All The Best

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,It is considered normal to have up to about a 2 mm opening after an upper blepharoplasty. However, if you are experiencing dry eyes, eye pain or vision changes, you need to alert your surgeon. Best,Mehdi Sina, MD

Bram Kaufman, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. I explain to my patients that it is normal, in fact desired, that the is a little opening of the eyelids at rest early after blepharoplasty. At the end of the procedure I like to see a few millimeters of opening. That lets me know I have removed enough skin but not too much. The result is often a period of time after surgery with some residual lid opening (lagophthalmos) as the healing progresses. I help my patients through this period with eye drop lubrication or ointment. Sometimes I will have patients gently tape the lids closed at night if there is considerable irritation of the eye. It can take many weeks for all this to resolve and patience is definitely required. From your photos, I do see a little asymmetry but it is too early to be too concerned about long term outcome. Most often I have found that these asymmetries resolve as the scars soften and swelling abates. If not, minor revisions are easily done in my office. I hope this helps. Of course, re-evaluation by your surgeon is the best option. Good luckBRK

Ahmed Ali-Khan, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi thank you for your questions. It is unfortunate that you are having problems. It is common to have  feelings of tightness shortly after blepharoplasty surgery. A gap of a few millimetres when trying to close the eyelids is not always a problem but it seems you remain concerned.
Your surgeon is the first person you must discuss the matter with. If they are not taking your concerns seriously and they work from a hospital, you might be able to see another surgeon there. If not seeing another local surgeon is something to consider.
If you are experiencing visual problems, dry eyes, redness of the eyes please consider using eye drops to protect your vision and see an ophthalmologist for assessment.
I hope this information helps. Best wishes.

Eyes opens during rest after blepharoplasty, too much skin removed? (photos)

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Eyes opens during rest after blepharoplasty, too much skin removed? (photos)

Answers (4)

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