I'm 9 days post upper eyelid surgery and I'm quite disappointed, first of all, there are two creases on my eye, the beginning of the new higher crease didn't adjust to the eye. There's almost no brusising or scarring and they don't feel swollen, although they do feel numb still, upper skin above the eyelid too. I was hoping I'd get a flat surface, but there's still excess fat or skin. I probably shouldn't judge yet, but how can my eyelids improve ? Is it possible they will?
Answer
WAY too early to be concerned. Normal to have some redundancy at one week post-op which will resolve. I would bet that the second crease goes away with time.
Dr. John J. Martin, Jr., MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
As Dr. Martin points out you still have healing to do. However, expect that over the next few months you will have some improvement but not what you need to be satisfied with your surgical result. The scar takes a full year to resolve and there is significant scar tissue granulation and contraction that takes place in the maturing scar. This is at its maximum at about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. It tends to make the upper eyelid crease look high and full. It might for example account for some of the apparent redundancy in the upper eyelid fold. What it does not account for is the failure to correct the upper eyelid ptosis. Also too much skin has been left between the upper eyelid crease and the eyelid lashes. This accounts for some of the apparent fullness in the upper eyelid platform. Also the surgeon did not perform an anchor blepharoplasty. This means that the upper eyelid platform skin and muscle has not been properly snugged up to the levator aponeurosis. As a result there is no transmitted support from the levator aponeurosis to the eyelid lashes. The eyelid lashes hand down and shade the top of the eye. This means that the eye looks dull rather than jewel like. I would not revise this eyelid for about 5 months. During this time, you may decide that you can live with the result. If not, I would not recommend having your current surgeon makes these revisions, It is improbable that they possess the level of skill and techniques needed to make these refinements. You will need to find one of us who is in the business of revising unsatisfactory eyelid surgery.
Dr. Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
It is very early in the healing period and you should wait about 2-3 months for complete healing before being able to judge the results. Discuss with your surgeon your concerns.
Dr. Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
At only 9 days out there is swelling above and below the incision. It's likely that the double crease is secondary from the post op swelling. As this swelling continues to decrease you should see the improvements. In addition skin contraction starts at 3 weeks and continues for months for further refinement. Please be patient as at this time there is nothing to do but wait in my opinion. Follow up with your surgeon if you have continued concerns.
Dr. Raymond E. Lee, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
It is very early to see full results from your blepharoplasty. You need to give yourself more time to heal properly, 9 days is just very early to judge. If you have concerns you should f/up with your surgeon and he or she will be able to answer all your questions.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
