Difficulty to look up after upper and lower blepharoplasty. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I had upper and lower bleph with fat transfer on 1/7/15. I have one concern. When I look up I feel tightness around my eyes. I have no problems to look to the left, to the right, or down. I have the same feeling in both eyes. I have no problems to close or open my eyes. I saw doctor yesterday and he didn't see any issues, he said I need to wait, I am still healing. I searched this site and It looks like it is not common issue. Should I be worry and do something or wait as doctor said?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

This is very common after eyelid surgery.  The swelling in the lids will make them feel heavy.  And when you look up, you will feel a pulling of the eye up as well.  This will all resolve with time.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still relatively early in the healing phase of eyelid surgery.  From your photos there appears to be persistent edema of the eyelids which can make the eyes feel tight during the healing.  The question that I would have for you is whether or not you have some double vision when looking up. If you are experiencing some double vision with extreme upward gaze, it will generally resolve but could be due to some fat entrapment that occurred during fat repositioning during your lower lid surgery.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You should be assessed for corneal drying which can present with the tightness sensations.  The management for this is artificial tears and ointment at bedtime.  Both issues tend to resolve over several weeks to a couple of months after surgery.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon to have sensations of tightness due to swelling and inflammation of the tissues after surgery.  These symptoms typically resolve with time.  While eye muscle injury is possible, this is very unlikely in your case as the symptoms would be more severe that what you are experiencing.  Share your concerns with your surgeon at your next visit.  Best wishes on your recovery.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

You are still quite early in your heling process.  A phont with you looking up would be helpful.  Your doctor would have noticed if any of the extrocular muscles are not working properly.  Give it more time and make sure you see your doctor for all the follow up appointments.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

At this point, your eyelids are healing still and your surgeon is right- you have to wait. It is not uncommon to have the sensation of "tightness" but if these issues persist, discuss them with your surgeon at the next postop visit.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Tanya, It is not uncommon to have the sensation of tightness after upper and lower lid blepharoplasty procedures. You are very early in the recovery phase and close follow up with your surgeon will help make sure all measures for proper healing are being addressed. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Difficulty to look up after upper and lower blepharoplasty. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (7)

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