I had an upper Blepharoplasty 6 weeks ago. My eyelids still do not shut all the way. I can make my eyelids shut if I "muscle" them down, but if I shut them gently then about 2 mm of sclera shows, particularly from the center of the eyes to the inner corner. My eyes also open now when I sleep. My plastic surgeon said that the amount of sclera showing is mild and will correct itself over time. Is this normal, and is he being honest? I really worry that I'll need to have skin grafts or some sort of corrective surgery.
Answer: Upper Lid Blepharoplasty There are two different questions open right now... the first from aching eyes who has had a bleph approximately six weeks ago. The important issue for you at this point is your ability to protect your cornea. A small amount of lagopthalmos (inability to fully close your lids over the globe) is not unusual immediately after a blepharoplasty. This typically resolves within the first few days and can be related to the local numbing medication and swelling. Lagopthalmos that lasts beyond that can be a concern in terms of full resolution. Certainly most of these issues should resolve at six weeks. The critical issue if you can't close your lids is are you providing adequate lubrication and protection to your cornea. If the white parts of your eyes are not red and injected and you are not having pain this may indicate that you have adequate protection. You should, however, have a conversation with your plastic surgeon. To the second question posted in the comments section, 4 years is a long time to be unable to fully close your lids and you may need some form of intervention to correct this. A complete evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon or occuloplastic surgeon is indicated. There can be many issues including that your upper lids are don't have enough skin or laxity to close or that your lower lid is somewhat loose and needs attention to correct. I hope this helps.
Helpful 8 people found this helpful
Answer: Upper Lid Blepharoplasty There are two different questions open right now... the first from aching eyes who has had a bleph approximately six weeks ago. The important issue for you at this point is your ability to protect your cornea. A small amount of lagopthalmos (inability to fully close your lids over the globe) is not unusual immediately after a blepharoplasty. This typically resolves within the first few days and can be related to the local numbing medication and swelling. Lagopthalmos that lasts beyond that can be a concern in terms of full resolution. Certainly most of these issues should resolve at six weeks. The critical issue if you can't close your lids is are you providing adequate lubrication and protection to your cornea. If the white parts of your eyes are not red and injected and you are not having pain this may indicate that you have adequate protection. You should, however, have a conversation with your plastic surgeon. To the second question posted in the comments section, 4 years is a long time to be unable to fully close your lids and you may need some form of intervention to correct this. A complete evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon or occuloplastic surgeon is indicated. There can be many issues including that your upper lids are don't have enough skin or laxity to close or that your lower lid is somewhat loose and needs attention to correct. I hope this helps.
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Answer: Inability to close eyes after blepharoplasty This is a good question, because many patients are concerned when their eyes do not fully close immediately following blepharoplasty. Fortunately, this is normal for about a week. Beyond that, they need to see their surgeons, because the eyes can dry out and lead to corneal problems. Thank you for the question.
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Answer: Inability to close eyes after blepharoplasty This is a good question, because many patients are concerned when their eyes do not fully close immediately following blepharoplasty. Fortunately, this is normal for about a week. Beyond that, they need to see their surgeons, because the eyes can dry out and lead to corneal problems. Thank you for the question.
Helpful 5 people found this helpful
April 3, 2014
Answer: Poor Closure of Eyelids Following Blepharoplasty is Not Uncommon Poor closure of the eyelids following blepharoplasty surgery is not uncommon and occurs for a variety of reasons. In the vast majority of cases the problem occurs because of swelling and weakness of the orbicularis muscles. These issues tend to resolve with time. Rarely the condition is caused by over resection of eyelid skin. When this occurs secondary surgery is usually necessary and may require skin grafting. When eye closure is impaired following surgery several steps should be taken to avoid damage to the eyes. These include lubrication of the eyes with eye drops during the day and ointment at night, massage of the eyelid and muscle exercises designed to strengthen the orbicularis muscles. When these maneuvers are utilized, most patients are eventually able to close their eyes without difficulty and suffer no permanent damage to their eyes. If this complication occurs it’s important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon so that your situation can be monitored closely.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
April 3, 2014
Answer: Poor Closure of Eyelids Following Blepharoplasty is Not Uncommon Poor closure of the eyelids following blepharoplasty surgery is not uncommon and occurs for a variety of reasons. In the vast majority of cases the problem occurs because of swelling and weakness of the orbicularis muscles. These issues tend to resolve with time. Rarely the condition is caused by over resection of eyelid skin. When this occurs secondary surgery is usually necessary and may require skin grafting. When eye closure is impaired following surgery several steps should be taken to avoid damage to the eyes. These include lubrication of the eyes with eye drops during the day and ointment at night, massage of the eyelid and muscle exercises designed to strengthen the orbicularis muscles. When these maneuvers are utilized, most patients are eventually able to close their eyes without difficulty and suffer no permanent damage to their eyes. If this complication occurs it’s important to maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon so that your situation can be monitored closely.
Helpful 6 people found this helpful
December 13, 2010
Answer: Upper Blepharoplasty and Eyelid Closure
A small amount of lagophthalmos (inability to close eyelids) is not unusual after eyelid surgery and can persist for days or even weeks afterward. In your situation, I would use a thicker form of eye drop at night time (Refresh PM). Some degree of a dry eye feeling is normal for a few weeks after the surgery, so make sure you use artificial tears frequently. Discuss your concerns with your Surgeon so that he/she can keep close tabs on you and appropriately direct your care.
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December 13, 2010
Answer: Upper Blepharoplasty and Eyelid Closure
A small amount of lagophthalmos (inability to close eyelids) is not unusual after eyelid surgery and can persist for days or even weeks afterward. In your situation, I would use a thicker form of eye drop at night time (Refresh PM). Some degree of a dry eye feeling is normal for a few weeks after the surgery, so make sure you use artificial tears frequently. Discuss your concerns with your Surgeon so that he/she can keep close tabs on you and appropriately direct your care.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 13, 2010
Answer: Properly lubricate eyes at night after blepharoplasty
In my practice, I tell my patients that they should have no problem closing their eyes after blepharoplasty. It’s important you properly lubricate your eyes with artificial tears and ointment (at night). Seeing an eye doctor can help you avoid problems related to eye exposure.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
December 13, 2010
Answer: Properly lubricate eyes at night after blepharoplasty
In my practice, I tell my patients that they should have no problem closing their eyes after blepharoplasty. It’s important you properly lubricate your eyes with artificial tears and ointment (at night). Seeing an eye doctor can help you avoid problems related to eye exposure.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 8, 2010
Answer: Persistent incomplete eyelid closure
Having this level of incomplete eyelid closure after surgery can occur in some patients. As you are only 6 weeks from having had surgery you still have healing and swelling reduction to occur. As has been mentioned, the key is to keep the eyes lubricated, especially at night. Artificial tears during the day and an ointment (such as lacrilube) at night works best for maintaining a protective coating while you sleep. Additionally, performing exercises to squeeze your eyes close will also help promote normal eye closure.
Helpful
October 8, 2010
Answer: Persistent incomplete eyelid closure
Having this level of incomplete eyelid closure after surgery can occur in some patients. As you are only 6 weeks from having had surgery you still have healing and swelling reduction to occur. As has been mentioned, the key is to keep the eyes lubricated, especially at night. Artificial tears during the day and an ointment (such as lacrilube) at night works best for maintaining a protective coating while you sleep. Additionally, performing exercises to squeeze your eyes close will also help promote normal eye closure.
Helpful