What can be done for eyelids that keep splitting open after eyelid surgery? (Photo)

Question

I had upper eyelid surgery a little over two weeks ago with dissolvable sutures. Ten days after my surgery I had to go back to have my right eye re-stitched because it split open. The Dr. used regular sutures this time. Tomorrow, 16 days after surgery, I have to go back and get the other eye re-stitched because it has split open, too. The sutures in the first eye I had redone are now loose and my eye is coming apart again. What could be causing this and what can I do about it?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It looks so very angry right now.  However, you would be amazed how well these can heal.  Generally an eyelid that looks like this should not be restutured.  I would put you on antibiotics, and antibiotic ointment and the the area heal on its own.  Generally with time the raw areas come together and seldom need revisional surgery.  I would generally wait 6 months before even considering revisional surgery.  Please consider reposting and updating us about how you are doing.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I am very sorry that you have had this unusual problem.  At this point, I would be inclined to let this area heal and perform a  scar revision with non reactive prolene sutures at a later date. The dehiscence is most likely related to wound tension at the time of the initial procedure.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

It is unusual to have it come apart so many days after the surgery.  The dissolvable sutures will usually dissolve after anywhere from 5-12 days depending on what type were used.  That normally allows enough time for the wound to heal.  If there was an excessive amount of skin taken out, this can create tension and help to pull the wound apart.  But that does not appear to be the case here.  You do have a significant amount of inflammation at the wound, so you may have a sensitivity or allergy to the dissolvable sutures.  At this point I would usually remove the sutures that are still present and let everything just heal in.  With the thin upper eyelid skin, it often will heal very well and you won't see a scar.  If you do it can be removed at about 6 months and closed with a different type of suture.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I might recommend using retention sutures to allow wound healing. Bery unusual issue is presented here.....

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

Upper eyelid incision usually heal well. This can be due to either infection( recommend cultures to check for MRSA) or allergic reaction(very unlikely).

What can be done for eyelids that keep splitting open after eyelid surgery? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Upper lid wound

Answer: Upper lid wound

Answer: Did you have the same problem with your other side ?

Answer: Did you have the same problem with your other side ?

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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What can be done for eyelids that keep splitting open after eyelid surgery? (Photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Upper lid wound

Answer: Upper lid wound

Answer: Did you have the same problem with your other side ?

Answer: Did you have the same problem with your other side ?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.