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Just had lower blepharoplasty 5 days ago and developed chemosis in both eyes. Left more than right. What can I do to help heal?

  • Jth720
  • 13201 - Syracuse, NY
  • 2 years ago

My eyes are feel dry and irritated. I've been putting in drops of Thera Tears. I see my surgeon in three days but in the meantime is there anything I can do to alleviate the irritation. Also, I feel like I have "puppy dog eyes". They droop slightly at the ends. Will this disappear after my swelling has gone down?

Doctor Answers 6

Treating chemosis after lower lid blepharoplasty

November 18th, 2013
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Chemosis occurs not infrequently after lower lid blepharoplasty. It can be exacerbated if your eye is not well-lubricated. Contact your surgeon's office, as he/she may want to start treatment with steroid eye drops and/or oral steroids, or other treatments (taping, temporary tarsorrhaphy, etc).

Donald B. Yoo, MD


Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 44 reviews

Chemosis is not uncommon after lower eyelid blepharoplasty.

November 14th, 2013
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We think that this occurs because of disruption of lymphatic flow after the surgery. The swelling of the conjunctiva will make your eye dry, so you will need to use a lot of artificial tears throughout the day. You should also use an artificial tear ointment or gel at bedtime. Your doctor may want to put you on an anti-inflammatory drop as well if the chemosis is pronounced. If it does not resolve there are other things that can be tried such as pressure patching, temporarily closing the eye with sutures, or even draining the fluid. It can be stubborn, but will eventually resolve!

John J. Martin, Jr., MD

John J. Martin, Jr., MD
Coral Gables Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 24 reviews

Artificial tears and ophthalmic ointment is what you need.

November 12th, 2013
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If your surgeon was not an oculoplastic surgeon, then they lack the training, skills, experience, and even the equipment needed to treat this condition. Swelling causes chemosis but drying makes it persist. Under these circumstances using an artificial year every 30 minutes during the day and a bland ophthalmic ointment like refresh PM at bed time is very helpful. See you ophthalmologist for real help.

Web reference: Http://www.lidlift.com

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD
Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Steroid drops may help

November 12th, 2013
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It depends on the severity of chemosis. For mild cases, lubrication [over the counter ointment is available, just ask your pharmacist to help] is usually enough. However for more severe cases, I may consider using steroid drops to help decrease inflammation.

If not responsive to that over a couple of weeks, there are some other "tricks of the trade" that your Oculoplastic surgeon can try, such as compression eye patch.

I would not start massaging [or other 'eye exercises'] this soon after surgery.

A.J. Amadi, MD

A.J. Amadi, MD
Seattle Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 30 reviews

Chemosis

November 12th, 2013
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Chemosis is not that uncommon after lower lid blepharoplasty, with the incidence most frequently cited around 10% (although higher in other studies). There are different drops you can be given to help with the swelling in addition to lubricants. In addition, lower eyelid taping can be of benefit as well. It almost always resolves but may take a couple weeks or longer. I would contact your surgeon to see if they can give you some relief prior to your next visit. Best of luck.

A. Joshua Zimm, MD

A. Joshua Zimm, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 27 reviews

Just had lower blepharoplasty 5 days ago and developed chemosis in both eyes

November 11th, 2013
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Hi there, I would see your doctor sooner than 3 days. He or she can give you a stronger lubricant for your eyes and start you on eye exercises. Hope this helps and good luck!

Lenore Sikorski, MD

Lenore Sikorski, MD
Orange County Dermatologist
4.3 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.