Twitching eyelid after blepharoplasty. Should I be worried?

Question

I have twitching in one eyelid that started six weeks after blepharoplasty and has continued for two weeks. Is this something to be worried about?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

If the lid is actually twitching and you can see it in the mirror, it is blepharospasm.  We don't know why this occurs, but can happen to people from time to time and usually lasts a few weeks.  It is unrelated to the surgery.  Blepharoplasty does not cause blepharospasm.   If it lasts for more than a few weeks some Botox can be injected to decrease the twitch.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for the question. Twitching of the eyelid is not unusual and it occurs at random times for many people. The surgery did not trigger it. Fortunately, it usually resolves without treatment. If the twitching persists beyond a few weeks, see an oculoplastic surgeon for a full evaluation. Good luck,

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to see eye specialist determine the possible inciting causes. Very rarely do we see 'twitching' after blepharoplasty..

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

Eyelid twitching or blepharospasm can be due to a variety of causes including surgery.  Fatigue and caffeine also can cause this.  Usually with time this will settle down on its own.  Massage will probably help.  It can be treated with Botox for injection of steroids but  course of treatment would be to give it time to resolve on its own.

Jasmine Mohadjer, MD · Answer

Dear Villager,   It is completely normal to have twitching in your eyelids after blepharoplasty.  Any kind of irritation can make the lids twitch and this should go away.  Furthermore, as the nerves are regenerating (which is what is happening at 6 weeks post op) you can feel twitching from that.  Furthermore people who've never had surgery can twitch from dryness, allergies, increased caffeine or stress, and lack of sleep.  I'm sure this will get better with time.  Good lukc

Gregory D. Lewen, MD, FACS · Answer

Eyelid twitching (AKA blepharospasm) after blepharoplasty is most commonly associated with some dry eye issues, especially since dry eye syndrome is one of the most common side effects experienced by patients after blepharoplasty.  The first step is to start using artificial tears on a regular basis about 3-4 x /day and see if that helps with the issue.  Bright light tends to be a trigger as well, and so it would be advisable to wear sunglasses while outside.  It is also probably a good idea to limit your caffeine intake, or any other stimulants including stress, nicotine, etc. that can exacerbate blepharospams.  If these simple things do not help the twitching resolve, I would recommend consulting with your surgeon.  Best, Dr. Gregory Lewen

Twitching eyelid after blepharoplasty. Should I be worried?

Answers (6)

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