Left eyelid retraction. Can this be corrected without another surgery? (photos)

Question

I had eye lid surgery superior and inferior eyelids about 4 weeks ago overseas, and there is a slight separation of the lower eyelid when I look up , causing dry eye and some blurriness, what should I do?

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

The left lower lid is retracted because of scaring and the fact that you might have needed lower lid support through a canthopexy procedure. Without reading your operative report it is not possible to determine if this was done. At this time you need to message your lower lids and push them up. It is possible that the scar tissue would remodel over time and the lid retraction would get better after a few months. If not you may require surgery. While waiting for a recovery you have to protect your eyes from drying by using artificial tears frequently during the day and ophthalmic ointments at night. You need to do this under the supervision of a plastic surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You have a problem.  You have no surgeon to take care of your post surgical problems.  I suspect that you have an internal issue in your right upper eyelid with retraction of the levator aponeuosis.  Massage of the right upper eyelid might help improve the right upper eyelid retraction but it should be done under the supervision of an oculoplastic surgeon.  The upper eyelids are over resected and the skin and muscle of the upper eyelid platform was not controlled by the eyelid surgery.  The lower eyelids are ectropic and pulled down.  Too much white is showing under the lower eyelids.  This may be acceptable to you but if you are having dry eye and eye irritation, this lid malposition will need to get fixed.  Consider finding a local oculoplastic surgeon to assess your situation and see if they will provide management of the healing eyelids.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Immediately start lid push ups where you put your finger under the lid and push it towards the upper lid 30 times a day. Also use night time taping where you push the lower lid up and to the side to give support almost like a bra. You might want to discuss possible kenalog or 5-FU injection with your doctor as that can soften the scar contracture that is pulling it down. Give it at least 3 months before you decide to undergo any revision surgery Good luck.RegardsDr. J

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You do have some pull on the left lower lid.  At 4 weeks you are still early in the healing phase.  You should use some warm compresses, and gently massage the eyelid up several times a day.  Taping the lid up at night will also help.  Sometimes the lid will slowly elevate and look good after a few months.  At other times it will stay retracted and you may need a revision at 6 months.  Keep the eye well lubricated as it may dry out due to the low lid height.  If any irritation or more pull of the lid, see an oculoplastic surgeon for evaluation.

Left eyelid retraction. Can this be corrected without another surgery? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ectropion

Answer: Ectropion

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Left eyelid retraction. Can this be corrected without another surgery? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Ectropion

Answer: Ectropion

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.