I am 31 years old, just suffered from shingles a month ago but I still have a droopy eyelid. Will it ever heal?

Question

It doesn’t seem to be healing and all eye doctors I have seen can’t tell me one way or the other. Have you seen long-term effects to eyelids due to shingles? Should I consider cosmetic surgery? Thank you.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This is the same virus that causes chickenpox.  You should discuss with your doctor if treatment with the shingles vaccine might be helpful to reduce the severity of future episodes of shingles. Recovery takes time and the nature of the process is that damage and scaring is left in the wake of the virus activity.  Generally, I would recommend letting the eyelid heal 6 to 12 months before considering corrective surgery.  There is no substitute for a personal consultation.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Shingles is the herpes zoster virus. Herpes viruses directly affect nerves and therefore can cause a range of symptoms on the face including a droopy eyelid. Even after treatment of the virus, the symptoms can persist for a long time as your body continues to heal from the infection and inflammation. Surgical intervention is generally held off until your body has been able to heal for several months to see if the symptoms will resolve or at least improve on their own. You should continue to have close follow-up visits with your doctor to determine your progress. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

Time will tell whether the drooping will resolve. Whether the lid is drooping because of swelling or the neurological effects or aberrant regeneration of nerves, be prepared to wait at least 6 to 12 months for all healing to take place. At that point, you will need evaluation by an Oculoplastic surgeon to determine what treatment will be best for you. Any residual effects of the shingles may be considered functional and not cosmetic - your oculoplastics specialist will be able to sort this out with you. Best wishes.

I am 31 years old, just suffered from shingles a month ago but I still have a droopy eyelid. Will it ever heal?

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