Day 5 post upper and lower blepharoplasty. I cannot open eyes fully. Is this most likely due to swelling at this time? (photos)

Question

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

A before picture would be very helpful. I suspect that your eyelid surgeon performed just blepharoplasty surgery and made no effort to correct or stabilize your underlying upper eyelid ptosis. As these eyelids heal, the upper eyelid ptosis will persist as will the high upper eyelid crease, the upper eyelash ptosis, the high hollow upper eyelid sulcus, and the compensatory eyebrow elevation. In short, I think as you heal, you will continue to be unhappy with these eyelids. In the past, patients were told that there was no way to fix this situation and creases cannot be lowered. That is not true. These types of surgeries can be fixed by reconstructing the eyelid, repairing the ptosis, and lowering the crease. You could productively have a consultation for that type of work as early as 2 months from now. Generally it is best to let the eyelid tissue heal for about 6 months before doing the reconstruction. Your eyelids don’t have to be like this.

Jeffrey Joseph, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.  It would be best to answer this if you would provide a pre op photo as well.  This could be normal swelling, but could also be ptotic lids.  If it’s swelling, your lids will improve over the next couple of weeks.  If your lid position stays the same, you may need ptosis surgery.

Mark L. Mazow, MD, FACS · Answer

You appear to have a normal amount of swelling and bruising for 5 days post op from a blepharoplasty. This can cause your eyes not to open fully until it has resolved. I always tell my patients to expect that it will take about two  weeks for 50% of the swelling and bruising to resolve. , one month for 90% resolution and several more months for the remaining 10% to resolve. You should follow up with your surgeon as scheduled and follow their post op instructions. If you feel there is something wrong you should contact your surgeon.

Matthew Sniegowski, MD · Answer

I suspect that this is all from swelling in the upper eyelids. So long as things are not worsening this is likely a post surgical change. You will find the the eyelids will improve over several weeks. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon if you feel like things are starting to worsen though.

Day 5 post upper and lower blepharoplasty. I cannot open eyes fully. Is this most likely due to swelling at this time? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post op

Answer: Post op

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Day 5 post upper and lower blepharoplasty. I cannot open eyes fully. Is this most likely due to swelling at this time? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Post op

Answer: Post op

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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.