1 year after chalazion. Eye bigger and tearing, how do I fix this? (photos)

Question

1 year ago chalazion surgery in Germany. There was something left over so I had a second surgery. Same vertical scar was used inside the lid, some docs think it pulls the eyelid down. But she also had to go very deep through the tarsus (and some say tarsus is damaged in the middle of the eyelid). Now since 3 months constant tearing when I’m outside. Makes my life hell. I hate the size and tearing issue. Who can fix this? Docs don’t have a clue. So looking for somebody when I’m back in the US?

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You do have some retraction (pull down) of the lower lid that had the chalazion. This will cause the affected eye to appear larger, and also have more surface area exposed. This leads to evaporation of the tear film, and thus some dry eye.  The tearing is a reflex to the "exposure" or dry eye.I would suggest an examination by an oculoplastic surgeon.  This would be the person to diagnose exactly the issue and offer treatment solutions. Best of Luck.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

I am sorry for your predicament. Now you have learned that no surgery is simple or easy and all surgeries have risks. I expect few if any doctors on this site will make any comments. I have treated thousands of chalazia in my career. Everyone hates chalazia, especially women. Many eye doctors perform this surgery but few are masterful. Whatever doctors you saw who "don't have a clue" likely don't have the expertise. Without an in-person exam I cannot make any definitive opinion -- however, from your photos it seems like the second surgery left you with an unstable tarsal plate, an eyelid notch and eyelid retraction. There are no easy solutions for these problems -- some doctors could consider an eyelid wedge resection as a possible repair -- another option would be a canthal tightening procedure. These procedures are not simple. Please see only a board certified, fellowship-trained Oculofacial plastic surgeon. Repairing this problem would be considered pure cosmetic surgery in my practice. Best of luck in your search and hope you will get better soon.
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

1 year after chalazion. Eye bigger and tearing, how do I fix this? (photos)

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1 year after chalazion. Eye bigger and tearing, how do I fix this? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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