How can I get rid of thin, wrinkled, swollen eyelids? Upper and/or lower bleph? Lateral Canthopexy? Brow lift? (Photos)

Question

Hi, The past few years I've been experiencing occasional bouts of significant eyelid swelling lasting either several days to several weeks. Sometimes it is severe enough that my eyes are nearly swollen shut. I've had to use prednisone to get rid of the swelling. I've noticed that my eyelids have become quite thin and wrinkled. The outer corners now droop down quite a bit. Should I consider surgery to lift the corners? Should I consider a brow lift or upper bleph to raise the upper eyelid?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.I would encourage you to first determine the cause of your eyelid swelling before considering a surgical procedure to address the excess skin of your upper lids.  Once you have gotten the swelling under control, only then would I recommend considering an upper lid blepharoplasty to remove some of the excess skin.  I do not believe that a brow lift would provide you with any improvement of your upper lids.I hope that you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

You might have a condition known as blepharoedema, so it's best that you're evaluated by a certified ophthalmologist before you start looking into surgery.

Richard W. Westreich, MD · Answer

this is more of a medical condition and would not be best treated with surgery. See an ophthalmologist to look into treatment options.

Alexander Ovchinsky, MD · Answer

I think you first need to find out the cause of your recurrent eyelid swelling (possibilities are allergic, inflammatory, renal, thyroid related). Once the cause is identified and controlled as best as possible, only then you may consider blepharoplasty option. I don't think you need a brow kid judging by your photos. In the interim you may consider non-invasive skin tightening options, like thermismooth, to improve the appearance of the eyelid skin

Darab Hormozi, MD · Answer

Your description of the symptoms possibly corresponds to an entity called Blepharochalasis Syndrome.  It is recurrent swelling of the upper eyelids that gradually leaves a stretched out , wrinkling eyelid.  I suggest to see an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.  In general these episodes of swelling will decrease as you get older.  Surgery is not advised until a year of no swelling occurs.

How can I get rid of thin, wrinkled, swollen eyelids? Upper and/or lower bleph? Lateral Canthopexy? Brow lift? (Photos)

Answers (5)