How long until my eyelid closes fully after Blephoplasty? I am 5 days post OP and as time goes by it feels tighter. (Photo)

Question

It is my 5th day post op. As time goes by it feels tighter and there is no progress on my eyelid closing. I also feel a bump in the inner of eyelid. Maybe scar tissue. Please advice, I’m freaking out

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I can understand your concern.  You have a  considerable way to go.  You will get improvement with time, but it is difficult to know if you will achieve complete eyelid closure with conservative treatments alone.  At this point I would be in close communication  with your surgeon.  Stretching and massage exercises can help considerably, and you need to protect your eye at night with a mask and ointment or taping, or other measures suggested by your surgeon. I am certain it will improve considerably, and hopefully completely with time.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Swelling can be variable and it can takes weeks to months for pull on the eyelid to fully resolve. The right eyelid may have had too much skin removed, which will not resolve on its own. Make sure you keep your eye well lubricated with gel tears, and tape your eyelids at night. Close followup with your surgeon is imperative to prevent long term consequences to your vision.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Closing your eyes after Upper Eyelid surgery can take a week - a few weeks depending on the swelling and bruising. Once this starts to settle your eyelids will close.  Please follow up surgeons protocol.  I give my patients chloramphenicol eye cream or drops to use of a night time to help lubricant the eye whilst they cannot completely close.  It will just be patient.  All The Best

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

Incomplete eye closure may occur following upper eyelid surgery. This is most often due to swelling and inflammation, particularly of the muscle that closes the eyes, and should improve as the swelling resolves. It may take a few weeks until swelling fully subsides so 5 days postop is still pretty early in the process. It is important to use lubricating eye drops throughout the day and ointment at night, until you are fully able to close your eyes. Another rare cause for incomplete eye closure includes excision of too much upper eyelid skin. I recommend following up with your surgeon.

Chaneve Jeanniton, MD · Answer

There are a few different reasons why eyelids may not close properly after eyelid surgery.  The muscle that closes the eyelids -- the orbicularis muscle -- may be weakened after surgery.  Another reason may be that too much skin was removed during surgery.  Nonetheless, you  should be in close contact with your surgeon about your progress.  I recommend using lubricating drops and ointments to keep the eyes moistened.  You will also want to start some gentle lid massage to encourage eyelid closure.  Best of luck and do keep in touch with your surgeon!

Erez Sternberg, MD · Answer

Swelling of the upper eyelids is normal after surgery and can last several months. This can prevent complete closure of the eyelids in the early post operative period. Of course, taking too much upper eyelid skin can also cause this problem and that will not improve with time. At this point, you are too early to begin worrying too much. I would suggest a medical tear film drop to keep your eyes well lubricated and protected. Also, begin to massage the upper eyelid gently to help relieve swelling. Finally, make sure you are wearing something to cover your eyes at night while you sleep to prevent drying. I have heard of patients using saran wrap and tape or a sleep mask over the eyes at night. See your plastic surgeon to discuss.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Schedule a follow up with your surgeon to evaluate this.  If the eye is exposed to air while you are sleeping or you aren't blinking properly you run the risk of too much dryness in the eye.  Ask for recommendations on keeping the eye moist, like lacrilube.  Your surgeon may also recommend exercising the muscles around the eye.

How long until my eyelid closes fully after Blephoplasty? I am 5 days post OP and as time goes by it feels tighter. (Photo)

Answers (7)

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