My upper eyelid surgery turned out visually great! I have concern with numbness of the actual eyelid itself. It is mostly evident when applying mascara. Will the "numb" feeling improve or is it a permanent end result of the procedure?
Answer: Three months post upper blepharoplasty I still experience numbness. Will this improve? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
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Answer: Three months post upper blepharoplasty I still experience numbness. Will this improve? Hello! Thank you for your question! Numbness after any surgical procedure is expected for several weeks to months following. As the nerves to the area are traumatized and will then experience a temporary neuropraxia, a transient loss of nerve conduction. This usually resolves over the next 6-12 weeks, but depending on the procedure performed, sometimes much longer. Typically this should resolve by 1 year. As it goes past this date, the likelihood of the sensation returning is small. However, it can take up to 2 years. If no return from there, it is unlikely to return. It should be discussed that persistent sensory changes may develop following any surgical procedure. The usual signs of the nerves regenerating and neuropraxia resolving is itching, followed by a burning sensation and then occasional sharp, shock-like pains. These will be normal to experience, and actually a promising sign. Usually, normal sensation returns, but is is also possible to have decreased sensation or even increased sensation to the areas affected. Re-educating nerves postoperatively is often helpful and will allow proper instruction for the affected sensory nerves - methods include using different textures to the affected areas when showering, bathing, applying lotion, etc. If bothersome, there are some medications that may be helpful, including Neurontin for pain for hypersensitivity. You can try various textures such as washcloths, loofahs, cotton sheets, etc. Massaging the areas is also beneficial for the incision to make the finest scar possible. The last place to regain the sensation will be directly adjacent to the incision/scar as the nerves will make its way from the periphery to this location. If continual pain arises, evaluation is warranted. After ruling out other causes, one rare explanation may be that a neuroma has developed and may require surgical excision. This is very unlikely unless a large sensory nerve has been transected inadvertently during the procedure. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
January 10, 2020
Answer: Numbness after Blepharoplasty is normal The numbness you are experienceing after your blepharoplasty is quite normal. Generally speaking the numbness will last 3-6 months and is usually noticed in the central portion of the lid. This is often first noticed in women as they begin to apply mascara. I would be patient as this should resolve soon.
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January 10, 2020
Answer: Numbness after Blepharoplasty is normal The numbness you are experienceing after your blepharoplasty is quite normal. Generally speaking the numbness will last 3-6 months and is usually noticed in the central portion of the lid. This is often first noticed in women as they begin to apply mascara. I would be patient as this should resolve soon.
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March 8, 2016
Answer: The numbness can be permanent.
Sensory nerves and motor nerves are cut in the process of performing a blepharoplasty. The sensory nerves often but not aways recover and seem to regrow. This process can take many months. However, after about 6 months, if sensation has not recovered then the it is less likely that this sensation will return. Motor nerve injuries are even less likely to recover. Generally over time, patchy sensation loss is less bothersome to most people.
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March 8, 2016
Answer: The numbness can be permanent.
Sensory nerves and motor nerves are cut in the process of performing a blepharoplasty. The sensory nerves often but not aways recover and seem to regrow. This process can take many months. However, after about 6 months, if sensation has not recovered then the it is less likely that this sensation will return. Motor nerve injuries are even less likely to recover. Generally over time, patchy sensation loss is less bothersome to most people.
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March 8, 2016
Answer: Numbness after eyelid surgery -- it will (almost) certainly improve
I believe that full sensation returns in almost all cases but may take up to 12 to 18 months after surgery for this to occur. Of course there are no guarantees but I think the odds are greatly in your favor that the numb feeling will go away with time.
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March 8, 2016
Answer: Numbness after eyelid surgery -- it will (almost) certainly improve
I believe that full sensation returns in almost all cases but may take up to 12 to 18 months after surgery for this to occur. Of course there are no guarantees but I think the odds are greatly in your favor that the numb feeling will go away with time.
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January 9, 2013
Answer: Numbness Post Bleph
Most patients typically experience varying degrees of numbness following upper eyelid blepharoplasty. With time, your post-op numbness will decrease and you will regain full sensation. Most of
my patients note the return to normal sensation between 2-3 months
following upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
Helpful
January 9, 2013
Answer: Numbness Post Bleph
Most patients typically experience varying degrees of numbness following upper eyelid blepharoplasty. With time, your post-op numbness will decrease and you will regain full sensation. Most of
my patients note the return to normal sensation between 2-3 months
following upper eyelid blepharoplasty.
Helpful