Does having multiple sclerosis increase risk of Blepharoplasty surgery?

Question

I am 61, have multiple sclerosis and dry eyes, Although I inherited deep-set eyes and excess skin on upper eyelids over past 5 years or so my upper eyelids began to droop to extent that i developed habit of raising my eyebrows repeatedly to see better. I am considering having Blepharoplasty surgery but would like to know of any increase risk due to this.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi BD,MS is not a contra-indication for upper blepharoplasty.  You should consult with a few blepharoplasty surgeons, have a complete eye examination, and then your physician should be able to suggest the best plan to take care of you.  Make sure that you choose your blepharoplasty surgeon most carefully.  Good luck and be well.Dr. P

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

MS by itself would not make you unable to have upper eyelid surgery.  But if the lids have been getting lower, you may also have ptosis.  You should see an oculoplastic surgeon to evaluate your eyelid muscle function and decide what type of surgery would be best for you.  If you already have a dry eye, it may get more dry after any eyelid surgery so you would need to use lubricant drops more often.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The simple answer is yes.The biggest concern is to assess for the presence of myasthenia gravis(MG) with the multiple sclerosis.  Ptosis is a common presenting feature with MG.  It is critical to know if you have ptosis or just excessive skin. Based on your description, I am concerned that what you have is ptosis.  Blepharoplasty does not resolve ptosis.  The dilemma is that ptosis in MG is progressive.  Ptosis surgery may not be effective.  For this reason, you want to know what is going on this the ptosis and if you have MG.  It is essential that you see a neuro-ophthalmologist or a fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon.  They will be able to work you up and determine if ptosis surgery is appropriate or not.  The other concern with MS is an increased incidence of dry eye.  That can also be a factor in deciding if eyelid surgery is right for you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Before undergoing surgery, its best to check with your neurologist and get clearance from them prior to embarking on elective cosmetic surgery. An upper blepharoplasty skin only procedure can be performed under a local anesthetic. For many examples of upper blepharoplasty, please see the link below

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

: Having
Multiple Sclerosis is not a reason to decide against having a Blepharoplasty
but one must be sure of the upper eyelid muscle involvement. An ophthalmologist
who specializes in muscular disorders of
the eye should evaluate the patient prior to consideration of surgery.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

MS by itself is not a contraindication for blepharoplasty.  However you must be certain that yo do not have Myasthenia gravis, which may require a ptosis (droop) repair. A neurologist can distinguish between these two diseases and give you good advice regarding the surgery.

Does having multiple sclerosis increase risk of Blepharoplasty surgery?

Answers (6)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Why does one eye actually look physically different to the other? (Photo)

Why should bending be avoided in the first week of upper blepharoplasty?

35 days post op upper eyelid surgery, eyelid swelling like sausage. operation considered failure? Do I need a revision? (photo)

My eyes are are too big, and I want to know if anything can be done? (photo)

I'm 19 and I have these horrible bags under my eyes. I'm not sure if it is a sign of festoon. How can I get rid of it?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS