3 weeks post. Is this ectropion? (photos)

Question

Im over 3 weeks post double blepharoplasty with fat graft. One eye healed great, the other bruised and swelled significantly. The bruising is subsiding, and as the swelling went down I noticed the eye drooped to the pink part of my eye showing. I am performing massage and have it taped with medical adhesive 24/7 but there is little to no improvement. Ive been in contact with my provider who says to be patient but would feel reassured with a 2nd opinion At what point do I seek further assistance?

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes you do have lower eyelid ectropion. It is best to try nonsurgical therapy until 3 months after the surgery to allow the eyelid to heal. You may or may not need revision ectropion surgery. In the meantime, lubricate the eye, massage the lower eyelid upwards, do squinting exercises, and possible consider scar medication injection lower eyelids.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It looks like you may in fact have some ectropion at this time.  At this early phase of the recovery I recommend following your surgeon instructions including the massaging. The taping is also helpful at this time. In all probability, this will resolve spontaneously. Continue to allow your provider to reassure you and try to be patient at this time. Best of luck.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Time can with these supportive measures can resolve this issue.  It can take months. If you are patient and follow these measures, it may resolve the ectropion. However, after a few months, if the ectropion does not get better, a surgical procedure will be needed to correct this.

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

With a lower lid ectropion it is important to have close follow up with the plastic surgeon so that they can make sure all the conservative measures are being taken to resolve the ectropion and to protect the eye. The plastic surgeon would want to make sure you are closing your eye to protect the cornea so you do not have ulceration.

Azhar Iqbal, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

hi there 
Blephtoplasty causes temporary weakness of orbucuaris occuli muscle, Muscle which helps in closing the eye.
It is temporary and does resolve in majority but can take few to several  weeks .
To overcome it, lid supporting procedure is used routinely in most of modern techniques such as canthopexy. 
One can still have mild ectorpion which is usually paralytic in nature I.e.weakness of muscle , mostly temporary. 
Sometimes excessive skin removal can also lead to it .
Excessive lateral tension in suspending mid face can cause lid diastasis but with  recovery of muscle all these recover. 
You can use lid taping, massage and steroide drops 
Hope  it helps 
Take care Azhar Iqbal

James P. Watson, MD · Answer

Welcome to Realself. Thank you for your question. It is a pleasure to answer your questions.
As you think, you have mild post-operative ectropion. Mild ectropion will usually resolve with massage and taping the eyelid upwards for a few weeks.
I think that the current treatment is correct. Please follow your provider's instruction.  
Best wishes. 
James Watson, MD
Shonan Beauty ClinicBoard Certified in Plastic SurgeryUCLA Plastic Surgery Clinical FacultyStem Cell Research PioneerInternational LecturerExpert on Science of Aging

Ahad Mahootchi, MD · Answer

You are correct. You have some secondary post op ectropion due to swelling.Your doctor is correct--it will probably resolve. You had a big surgery so give it some more time and follow your surgeons instructions and advice.

Jeffrey T. Steitz, MD · Answer

Ectropion following lower eyelid blepharoplasty is uncommon but can occur.  It can be temporary and related to swelling.  The first method of treatment is exactly what you've mentioned with massage, taping and patience.  This can correct minor ectropions and improve lid position.  
I would recommend continued massage and taping at this stage, but consideration towards revision surgery could be considered if the problem does not resolve.  It's hard to put a timetable on when that could occur as every situation is different but on average, if it doesn't improve by 6 months you could consider revision surgery.  Definitely keep following up with the surgeon who did your operation to optimize your result!
Good luck with your recovery!

Leonard Tachmes, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From the photos provided, there is slight separation of the lid from the globe with upward gaze, but there is also moderate swelling present which adds weight and volume to the lower lid, pulling it downward. As the swelling subsides, the lid will most likely come up. 80% of the swelling will be gone by the 6th week, with the remainder slowly subsiding over 6-12 months.
Continue follow up care with your plastic surgeon.
Best wishes...

3 weeks post. Is this ectropion? (photos)

Answers (9)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

What’s that space called btwn the upper eyelid and below the eyebrow? What surgery could get excess fat removed for there?

My eyelids are two totally different shapes, what can I do? (Photo)

How long should I wait for revision blepharoplasty? (Photo)

What type of surgery can widen your eyes?

What’s the cause of these sudden under eye bags at 25 years? (Photos)

Is there surgery to fix my uneven eyes and how much would that cost? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS