Is my hanging skin still present after upper eyelid surgery? Do I need a revision? (Photo)

Question

I had upper surgery 2.5 months ago, and after the swelling goes down, I feel like i still have a lot of hanging skin. Is my hanging skin will get better or do i need to get a revision?

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A gentle pinch test of the loose skin of your upper eyelids should be performed to see if you can close your eyes when the skin which you wish removed is pinched with a smooth forcep.  If you can close your eyes during the skin pinch, that skin could be removed.  If you can’t close your eyes during the pinch, removal of the skin may result in dry eyes.  Raise your concern with your plastic surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is not “extra” skin. This is your eyelid fold. If you insist that a surgeon remove all of it, you will be disfigured. Taking your eyes from outies to innies will prematurely age your appearance. You should be grateful that this did not happen to you. Please be careful what you look for.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

At 2.5 months post-surgery, swelling may still make skin appear hanging. Healing can take up to 6 months, so wait before considering revision. If the issue persists, it could be due to under-correction or skin elasticity. Consult your surgeon for an evaluation and possible revision if needed after full healing.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

There's still time for healing and scar remodeling given that it's only been 2.5 months since surgery. Give it a full year for scar maturation and then decide if a revision is right for you. 
Being conservative with tissue excision, especially around the eye, is of paramount importance to avoid lagophthalmos (an open eye deformity). One can always go back and take more skin, but if too much is taken, trying to correct the problem can be extremely challenging and is fraught with scarring, mental anguish, and dissatisfaction.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your two post photos of before, and after there is a mild to moderate improvement of the amount of skin in the upper eyelids at 2.5 months postop there’s still no swelling. In my opinion a revision can be indicated, but best virtual consult with fee for revision would be 5000. Best of virtual consult.

Is my hanging skin still present after upper eyelid surgery? Do I need a revision? (Photo)

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