Lower Lid Retraction Immediately After Eye Surgery, is This Normal? (photo)

Question

It has only been 6 days since my lower eyelid surgery to remove excess skin under my eyes, but I noticed right after surgery (like 2 minutes) my left eye was already pulled down ie. retraction. This eye was also the one with more excess skin before surgery. I asked the Dr. if he did more to that eye and he said no. It is also bruised & swollen more than the other. I am so worried about this, My Dr. said don't worry it will heal fine and told me to do a blinking exercise and anti-inflam. drops

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

After lower eyelid surgery, a slight amount of retraction is not unusual. Your case however is a frank "ectropion", that is the eyelid is being pulled away from the eyelid.

	When doing a lower lid blepharoplasty, often a tightening of the attachement of the eyelid to the bone [canthal ligament] needs to be done or supported in a different fashion.

	This is something that may need to be done for you. In addition, injections with steroids and/or 5FU [an anti-fibrosing agent] may be needed. You should followup with your surgeon immediately, and if he/she feels that nothing needs to be done, I would seek a second opinion from an oculoplastic surgeon. 

	I would recommend consultation with an ASOPRS trained Oculoplastics surgeon. You can find one close to you on the ASOPRS dot org website.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Generally I like tincture of time after surgery.  However, there are instances where early intervention is warranted.  This may be one of those instances.  It is hard for me to recommend having your surgeon perform this intervention.  It is generally my experience that surgeons whose surgeries are associated with these types of early outcomes often lack the depth of experience need to do a satisfactory intervention.  You may actually need more surgical help than can be mustered in your own local community.  I encourage you to seek an early second opinion.  The challenge is finding the right person for that second opinion.  Try not to put your surgeon on the defensive ask him for a referral to an oculoplastic surgeon in your area. Despite your current situation, it is best to heal and then have reconstructive surgery.  However there are instances where early intervention can be beneficial.  Can nonsurgical treatment make the difference here?  While the eyelid will look better with time, I foresee that you will need further surgical help.

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS · Answer

This condition is called ectropion and is a known complication of blepharoplasty.  Fortunately, most of the time it resolves on its own with massage and time.  Keep using the drops and keep massaging.  Reassess the result in 6 weeks.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It sures looks like you have ectropion and one eye is worse than the other.  With mild post-op scleral show often eyedrops and gentle massage help. For the eye that appearas worse, it would be important to know if a canthopexy or canthoplasty was performed. Sometimes early intervention is recommended. An exam in person would be essential.  I would suggest following very closely with your surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Some tightness in the lower lid is normal after lower lid surgery and some irritation called chemosis can be typical. Your photo shows an ectropian of the lower lid with quite a bit of scleral show in a fairly young face. We would be worried as you are. Use drops to prevent dryness, and see your surgeon, or another if necessary.

Lower Lid Retraction Immediately After Eye Surgery, is This Normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lower lid ectropion

Answer: Lower lid ectropion

Answer: Lid retraction after lid surgery is not normal

Answer: Lid retraction after lid surgery is not normal

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Lower Lid Retraction Immediately After Eye Surgery, is This Normal? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lower lid ectropion

Answer: Lower lid ectropion

Answer: Lid retraction after lid surgery is not normal

Answer: Lid retraction after lid surgery is not normal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.