I had upper blepharoplasty 6 weeks ago. Is it normal to feel my eyes tight and stiff and not closing right eye all they way?

Question

How long does it take for dry eyes to resolve after an upper blephoplasty?

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

Thank you for sharing your question. It is not unusual to still feel symptoms of numbness, dryness, irritation, stiffness, etc at 6 weeks post blepharoplasty. Try cold compresses and using chilled artificial tears. Your discomfort should resolve. Inform your surgeon about your concerns. Feel better,

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is typical to feel tightness of the upper lids for several weeks or even months after surgery, and should resolve on its own. However, not being able to completely close your eye may require treatment, or at least protective measures until it can close. It is important to keep your eyes lubricated. At night you should be placing a protective eye ointment so that the cornea does not become damage. I would discuss this concern with your surgeon and follow their advice regarding further treatment.Best Regards, Dr. Stutman

Pierre Guibor, MD · Answer

Difficult to say if your post op results are normal or not normal. However, you should return to your surgeon for best solution to problem.

John McCann, MD, PhD · Answer

Hi two eyes,Thanks for your question and sorry that you're having post-operative dry eye. However, what you describe is very common after upper lid blepharoplasty. Many patients report that their eyelids feel tight and have symptoms of foreign body sensation and dryness. We typically ask our patients to use artificial tears every few hours for up to 3 months after surgery. However, if your eye is not closing fully and you are having eye pain or changes in vision, don't hesitate to contact your surgeon.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear twoeyes, It is common to have tightness in the eyes post upper blepharoplasty surgery. However, not having full closure of the eye or eyes will lead to dry eyes and other possible complications which may require reparative surgery if it is not resolved naturally. Speak with your surgeon to make sure you are taking care of your eyes properly during this time. This will include using drops in the day time and lubricating eye ointment in the evening to protect your eyes. Your surgeon may have you start on some exercises of squeezing the eyes open and closed four or five times in a row every few hours to try and help reduce any tightness and closure issues. Also avoid sleeping with fans on or directly under air conditioning vents which may further aggravate your current problem. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

I had upper blepharoplasty 6 weeks ago. Is it normal to feel my eyes tight and stiff and not closing right eye all they way?

Answers (5)

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