Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent? (photo)

Question

Two months ago, I had my upper eyelids lifted. The procedure was medically-necessary. My left eyelid will not close all the way unless I shut it consciously. It's not obvious to onlookers, but is irritating to me. Worse, my vision is blurry in that eye. Please, someone, give me some reassurance that this will not be a permanent affliction. At this point, I would prefer my exhausted, baggy eyelids. I did see the surgeon with this complaint, who told me to massage the eyelid every 15 minutes.

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Your eyelid incisions are in approximately the normal position, about 10 mm from the eyelash margin, and the skin of your upper eyelids do not appear to be overly thin.  The reason your eyelids don't close totally is due to micro scars that are connecting the dermis of your eyelid to the tendon of the muscle that elevates the eye (levator aponeurosis). 

	The treatment is incredibly simple.  Put your index finger holding one eyelid down and then open and close the other eyelid.  Since the levator muscles work in unison, your other eyelid will attempt to open and close, stretching out the levator aponeurosis of the closed eye and breaking, or at least stretching, the micro scars preventing complete closure.  Then repeat with the other eye and the other index finger.

	In my practice, I have patients begin this treatment on the 8th post operative day for 3 minutes, then again on the 9th post operative day for 3 minutes, and that usually cures the eyelid closure problem.  At 2 months after surgery, it make take a few more stretching exercises, but be careful not to overdo it.  To be safe, discuss this with your personal plastic surgeon, and don't forget, the incision was made at the right place and your surgeon did a great job.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Massage and proper lubrication as well as followup at this point in your recovery is a reasonable course of action.

	 

	 

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Usually two months is enough time for blinking issues to resolve. As long as there is ongoing improvement I think you have little to worry about.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Massaging is not a bad idea. It is still relatively early in the healing period and more improvement is possible in next 2-3 months. In the meantime, lubricate your eyes for better comfort and vision. If the problem does not resolve by then, discuss with your surgeon and/or see an oculoplastic surgeon.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

This may involve damage to the muscle or nerve  surrounding the eyelid. This should be investigated since it has been 2 months now. I would see an ophthalmologist as you may suffer damage to your cornea if this does not resolve. There is always a chance it might continue to get better without treatment.

Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent? (photo)

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Answer: Unable to close eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Unable to close eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent?

Answer: Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent?

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Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent? (photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Unable to close eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Unable to close eye after upper blepharoplasty

Answer: Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent?

Answer: Eyelid Doesn't Close All the Way After Upper Blepharoplasty, Is This Permanent?

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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.