Is this ectropion after lower blepharoplasty or swelling? (photos)

Question

Hi, I had blepharoplasty two days ago and was panicked by the appearance of my right eye. It has retracted quite a bit and after some research I believe I have ectropian eyelid. Is this normal 2 days post op and might just be the swelling ? or is it more likely to require further surgical attention? Pre-op my right eye was more lax and was showing some white of the eye making me have an unsymmetrical look. I believe right eye required more work surgically and thus encountered more swelling

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It should not be necessary to use this many steristrips to hold up the lower eyelids.  Ultimately, this will not get the job done and you may need corrective surgery to address the situation.  Unless your surgeon is an oculoplastic surgeon, I would be careful of the proposed solutions to this situation.  Your surgeon will reasonably try to let this settle.  However, in my experience, when things look like this it is because the eyelid surgery has destabilized the lower eyelid margin.  To be fair, this is not always foreseeable.  If your surgeon is making sense, work with them.  They will be motivated to help you.  However, if you are not comfortable, I would encourage you to ask your surgeon for a referral to the oculoplastic surgeon they work with to look in on the situation and advise on options for helping the eyelids settle down, recommend supportive treatment, and be prepared to provide expert surgical repair if needed.  It is reasonable to give this a couple of weeks to settle down before deciding if some type of canthal surgery is needed. Keep us posted at Realself.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

You do appear to have some degree of ectropion, but this is entirely normal 2 days after surgery.  You also have so much tape on your eyelid and this could be pushing things out and exacerbating the problem.  Please see your surgeon who can best advise you.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

I can certainly understand that it may be unsettling to see your eyelid in that position after surgery. However, many of these situation resolve on their own as the swelling goes down and you massage the lower lid. You appear on the younger side, so your eyelid probably has reasonable strength to it, and that should improve your chance of a favorable result. Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions, but if the issue does not resolve, it can usually be corrected surgically.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

You are at the worst of your swelling at 2 days. You look very swollen and your appearance looks worse temporarily because of the tape that is a fixed spot below your eyelid margin. You should look much better in a few days.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to have swelling 2 days following your eye surgery.  It is too early to say if you have a problem or not.  You would have to wait untill all the swelling and bruising are resolved and it may take a while.  Make sure to follow up with your doctor.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Swelling!!!! It has been ONLY TWO DAYS!!!! Best you learn patience and allow a few months of healing time.......

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

Ectropion does not occur this soon after surgery.  Swelling does however.  If there is anything of concern to you, always go and get re-examined by your doctor.  hope your recovery goes well!

Edwin Ishoo, MD · Answer

Please do not look at yourself for at least a week after blepharoplasty. You have typical swelling at this point. Ectropion is when the lower lid is pulled down. Yours is just swollen.

Is this ectropion after lower blepharoplasty or swelling? (photos)

Answers (8)

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