How Long Will Blepharoplasty Scars and Area Be Numb?

Question

about 25 days post upper and lower surgery, continue to have issue with dry eyes and eyes/skin feeling tight but also numb. Probably normal but when will these sensations subside? thanks in advance

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Numbness usually subsides within a few months. The dry eye issue is a complex one. It depends on patients pre-existing dry eye symptoms, amount of eyelid skin +/- underlying muscle excision. This can effect not only if the patient can fully close their eyes, but also the strength of the blink during normal conditions.

	Most cases of post-operative dry eye will resolve as the patient adapts to a more open eyelid, as well as scar maturation occurs and eyelid closure improves. This can take at least 3 months and can improve to up to a year after surgery.

	Time is on your side.

	AJ Amadi, MD FACS

John Kang, MD · Answer

Hi assuming you are entirely satisfied with the outcome without any issue with eyelid closure and shape of your eyelid as it rests against the globe of your eye, most of the symptoms you are experiencing are common, transient and shouldn’t last for more than a few more months. As other experts alluded to, dryness can last longer if you already had existing dry condition seen commonly nowadays from wearing contact lens or undergoing LASIK procedure in the past... the fact that you live in San Diego is better than experiencing post-operative dry eyes in a colder, windier part of the country.... using natural tear drops stored in the refrigerator can be very soothing, like quenching your thirst.... however if you experience frequent or worsening redness of your eye, please let your Surgeon know to discuss what treatments are available including consultation with an Ophthalmologist Good Luck

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It can take a few months for numbness to go away and your original sensation to return. You’ll also have to wait a few weeks for the dry eye issue to go away. Eyedrops can help.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  Thank you for your question!  Numbness after any surgical 
procedure is expected for several weeks to months following.  As the 
nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary 
neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction.  This usually 
resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure 
performed, sometimes much longer.  Typically this should resolve by 1 
year.  As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation 
returning is small.  However, it can take up to 2 years.  If no return 
from there, it is unlikely to return.  It should be discussed that 
persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical 
procedure.  The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia
 resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then 
occasional sharp, shock-like pains.  These will be normal to experience,
 and actually a promising sign.  Usually, normal sensation returns, but 
is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased 
sensation to the areas affected.  Re-educating nerves postoperatively is
 often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected 
sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the 
affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc.  If 
bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including 
Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity.  You can try various textures 
such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc.  Massaging the areas is
 also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible.  The
 last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the 
incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this
 location.  If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted.  After 
ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has 
developed and may require surgical excision.  This is very unlikely 
unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during 
the procedure.  Hope that this helps!  Best wishes!

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi sandiego4161 in sandiego,

	Numbness after plastic surgery is expected. Typically, this routine numbness improves gradually over several weeks. 25 days is still relatively early after blepharoplasty, and you should continue to see improvement over time. Speak with your eyelid plastic surgeon regarding these and any concerns you have. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

James C. Marotta, MD · Answer

Numbness around the incisions is normal following blepharoplasty and will take a few months to resolve. Some mild numbness (incisional numbness) when you run your fingers over the scars can persist up to a year or permanently. Mild dry eye should also be expected following upper and lower blepharoplasty but will improve in a few months as your blink strengthens. Use natural tears to soothe your eyes in the meantime. Your surgeon may have discussed these aspects of recovery with you as they are entirely expected.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Numbness after blepharoplasty will take a few months to go away. I have never had a patient with this being permanent in 35 years of blepharoplasty.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dry eye is relatively common after eyelid surgery and can persist for a period of time after surgery, often two months but occasionally longer. Talk with your surgeon about your concerns and also consider seeing your ophthalmologist (Eye MD) about your symptoms. Treatment is usually in the form of artificial tears and ointment at bedtime when indicated.

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Hi there! Thanks for voicing your question out. Numbness is indeed a normal after effect of Blepharoplasty. It should gradually subside in a few weeks to a few months. The issue with dry eyes can be a bit more complicated than the numbness is. Some factors that weigh in on this include possible underlying excision of muscle, amount of skin in the eyelid, as well as likely symptoms of pre-existing dry eyes condition.  In my practice, I often inform my patients that full and complete recovery can be expected in about 3 months after the surgery and in a year, it can be improved greatly. Should the numbness still bother you, do not hesitate to consult your board certified plastic surgeon for possible evaluation of your case. He or she can provide you a progress report of your healing development as well as give you tips to hasten recovery.

Jen Yuan Chow, MD · Answer

Dry eyes and numbness around the incisions made for your blepharoplasty can persist for several months. Numbness usually resolves in a matter of months. However, dry eyes are more variable, depending on your personal medical history (e.g., if you had dry eyes before surgery), the technique used for your surgery, and the tightness of your eyelid skin and associated muscles. 

	The best way to find out if the dry eye is more serious is to see your doctor. Often, patience is rewarded by resolution of the problem, but having regular contact with your physician is always a good choice. Best of luck!

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