Do Eyelids Tighten Up As They Heal After Blepharoplasty?

Question

I'm 4 weeks post-op after upper and lower blepharoplasty. Once the initial swelling went down, gaps developed between my lower lids and eyeballs.  Doctor said it was chemosis and would resolve on its own over time. It's improved, but I still have gaps if I turn my head to the side or lower my head while looking straight ahead. There's no drooping and I LOOK fine, but the lower lids feel "loose" and soap gets in my eyes in the shower.  Will they eventually tighten up?  Would a transconjunctival approach have avoided this? (my snap test was perfect)

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling goes down over time as the eyelids heal, but the real reason the eyelids tighten is because the surgery removes the excess skin and treats the tissue. It’s really the surgery that makes the eyelids tighten, not the healing process.

J. Vicente P. Poblete, MD · Answer

On ocassion, with the swelling postop, this exerts extra weight on the lower lids causing it to pull down or away from the globe (eyeball). Over time, as the swelling subsides, this should improve. If not, then it may need to be addressed. Good luck with your recovery.

Jeremiah P. Tao, MD · Answer

At 4 weeks, the wounds are still healing and remodeling, so it may improve/tighten with  time. Conservative measures such as artificial tear drops or punctal plugs inserted by your ophthalmologist, may help keep the surface of the eyes moist. If the irritation is only when showering, consider baby shampoo (which is better tolerated if suds hit the eye). 
So long as the corneas are not showing signs of damage or infection, nothing aggressive is indicated for the moment. After several months, if the lids are pulling away or down, a simple suture in the outside corner (canthopexy or canthoplasty) usually helps, but depends on your eye exam findings. Transconjunctival blepharoplasty can also cause similar symptoms early after surgery.

Do Eyelids Tighten Up As They Heal After Blepharoplasty?

Answers (3)