6 weeks after lower bleph. Is it too late to try taping lower lid at night? (Photo)

Question

I have lower lid droop on one side 6 weeks after. My doctor is on vacation for another week. I just recently got tape from drugstore to try. Is it too late to tape? Or is it worth a try?

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo. You can give the tape a try also try a warm compress. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

There are many things that you can try to help with this.  Warm compresses with massage upward will help and taping can also be useful.  Injections of steroids and 5-FU into the area are also good if there is some scarring that is pulling the lid down.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

However, they are relatively ineffective.  Time is needed to let the tissue soften.  Generally I recommend waiting 6 to 12 months before revising the lower eyelid.  Fixing these is very specialized.  Do not let this surgeon "put a stitch in" or "tucking" the eyelid.  Those measure do not work and simply use up resources that are needed for a definitive repair.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Lid retraction is a common side effect of lower eyelid surgery.  Taping your eyelids for support at night is very helpful. Lid massage up and out is also helpful.  FInally, applying lubricating eye ointment at night and drops during the day will help keep your eyes moist and decrease inflammation which can make the lid retraction worse.  Try these steps and see your surgeon upon his return.  Best wishes.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

try the tape until your doctor is returned from vacation. there are other alternative treatment that can help with this issue, including steroid injection and massaging the eyelid. make sure to see your doctor.

Brian A. Pinsky, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Your right lower eyelid may be tethered by scar tissue or tight skin closure.  As you suggested, taping the eyelid at night and frequent massage can help.  It takes several months for the scar tissue to remodel and this may improve to some degree with time.  Be sure to keep your eyes well lubricated with artificial tears or ointments to avoid any exposure issues if they are present.  Excess laxity of the lower eyelid unfortunately may require more surgery to fix, but I would advise waiting at least 6 months to see the ultimate result before committing to anything else.  It's important to follow-up regularly with your surgeon and express your concerns.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tape can be used during the day, but massage and warm compresses can help.  Check with your doc or his coverage.

Sean Maguire, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear you have this problem. It certainly is not too late to begin taping the lower eyelid in an upwards, outwards direction. You can also begin aggressive massage in the same direction. You should gollow up with your surgeon as soon as possible.

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

I don't believe it is too late, but upward massage on a consistent twice daily schedule will probably do more than taping. You have nothing to lose by trying both for several weeks. By now your surgeon is probably back and can give you very specific instructions. Best wishes.

James McMahan, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. The scar tissue is still maturing, so taping at six weeks is still worth a try.  Be religious about it and keep it on as long as you can. Good luck.

6 weeks after lower bleph. Is it too late to try taping lower lid at night? (Photo)

Answers (10)

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