Lower eyelid retraction: Will this go any better? 17 days post-op. Is this still temporary? (Photo)

Question

I've been massaging it, and I'm afraid that this might pull my lids down even more as it heals. Thoughts?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy drug that inhibits fibrosis.  It is used to modify the scar tissue that is forming in the lower eyelid and can help.  I would keep the expectations down however. Part of the retraction is due to motor nerve injury that occurs with this lower eyelid surgery. You are less than 3 weeks out.  Generally, we recommend conservative management for the first 4 months.  At that point, reconstruction of the lower eyelid position can be considered if the eyelid is still unsatisfactory.  That decision should be based on aesthetics and functional considerations like drying.  After healing for this period of time, you might find that the lower eyelid retraction is relatively minor and not worth the effort to revise the eyelid.

Sanjay "Jay" Keni, MD · Answer

Hi bcris,Sorry to hear of your frustration.  You are still early in the healing process.  Follow closely your surgeon's recommendations, but you may also consider massaging 'up and out' and taping the lower lids up and out at nighttime and when at home.Take it day by day.  Most surgeons wouldn't consider a revision until the 6 month mark.  By then you may have significant enough improvement that you wouldn't need anything else done.Best wishes,Dr. Jay

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

There is hope of improvement over the next 3 months. Do eyelid massage and squinting exercises. Scar medication injection may help too. Examination is required. Communicate with your surgeon too. If the problem persists after healing, then revision lower eyelid retraction surgery may be considered.

Lower eyelid retraction: Will this go any better? 17 days post-op. Is this still temporary? (Photo)

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Lower eyelid retraction: Will this go any better? 17 days post-op. Is this still temporary? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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