I feel Like too Much Skin Was Removed During Eyelid Surgery, am I Over Analyzing? (photo)

These are very fuzzy photos.  However, you have upper eyelid retraction on the right side.  The right upper eyelid margin is hitting the top of the colored portion of the right eye which is know as the limbus.  Normally the upper eyelid strikes the eye at a position somewhat below this.  Without a thorough examination it is difficult to know what is accounting for this.  However, weakness in the muscle that helps close the eye, the orbicularis oculi on the upper eyelid platform could account for this small difference.   In the photo it looks like you are able to close the eyelids.  Do you have any dryness in the eyes, sense of irritation, or foreign body sensation?  Sometimes these types of issues resolve over a period of weeks after an eyelid surgery.  If you symptoms do not get better or seem to be getting worse, I would recommend an assessment by an oculoplastic surgeon.

It is hard to say if too much skin was removed. You appear to be still healing so I would expect some tightness still. It can take up to a few months for the swelling to completely resolve.

  Including photos was very helpful to those of us who wish to address your problem.  But the single most important detail, which unfortunately you omitted, is how long it has now been after surgery.  But I certainly agree that it looks like you will have an excellent result.  Relax.  I do think you are over analyzing!

From the photo you submitted, it appears that you can close your eyes completely. It is unclear when you underwent surgery although the photo does appear to show a relatively fresh scar. It can take several months for the eyelids to settle down. The photos do not disclose an unreasonable result. Be patient and followup with your surgeon.

SarahZ,

You seem to have had a reasonable result after eyelid surgery.  It is not unusual to have a feeling of tightness early on, and this should resolve in time.  If your surgeon does not answer your questions in a satisfactory manner, I would suggest you see a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  Dr. Karim Punja in Calgary would be an excellent choice.

Early after an upper blepharoplasty the eyelids can feel tight and the orbicularis muscle may not have recovered full function. This can create the impression that maybe too much skin was removed. However, if you can completely close your eyes with minimal effort, and they are completely closed when you are sleeping, then too much skin has not been removed. With more recovery and healing time, these initial feelings will pass. Unless you have some persistent dryness of the eyes, particularly in the morning, then you should allow six months to pass before getting a final evaluation by your surgeon.

Photos are acceptable but you failed to give time estimate as for post operative interval. Your scars/incisions appear reddish so I assume at most 1 month. Very early in healing phase, wait for 6 months. Regards

It appears that your eyes close completely on passive closure and there is no inferior displacement of the brow on eye closure. You are also not complaining of tightness and I'm not cetain how far out you are from your procedure but I fully expect that the feeling of tightness will improve daily and should be normal at 3 months. The pictures do not demostrate any deformity or evidence of over resection. From my perscpective, you've had a good result from your upper bleph procedure. Speak with your surgeon about massaging or other techniques to expedite return of normal sensation.

What kind of problems are you having when you say "something does not feel right"?   How long ago was your surgery?  It looks like you still have some swelling.  Occasionally patients note numbness that can take several months to go away, and maybe that is contributing to your sensations??   Is it the appearance that you don't like?  It would help to see some before photos.  Many times we assess that too much skin was removed if patients have trouble closing their eyes completely, and based on your photos, I don't see that, however a full exam would be necessary to say that for sure.

 

Good luck

Jasmine Mohadjer MD

Oculoplastic Surgeon

The Eye Institute of West Florida

Tampa Bay, FL

 

  I have performed Blepharoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO men's upper eyelids should have some skin and not aesthetically appear like they have a completely opened crease as this is a relative feminine trait and should be reseved for women's Blepharoplasty.  Like all plastic and cosmetic nsurgery, IMO, it's the aesthetic judgement of the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that's the most important to the patient.  Is this the way men's upper eyelid surgery should be look?  IMHO, aesthetically the answer is NO.