3 weeks post op of Blepharoplasty, I have uneven eyes. Should I Be Worried?

Question

I had upper blepharoplasty 3 weeks ago, partly to remove excess skin & partly to address some asymmetry of the lids. Doc assured me he could improve the asymmetry of my eyes, but it's actually a lot worse now. I know 3 weeks is still pretty early & things need time to settle, but I can't help worrying that this surgery may have done the exact opposite of what I wanted. (Wasn't expecting perfection, just some sort of improvement.) How long should I wait before seriously evaluating the symmetry?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Great eyelid surgery looks serene and great almost immediately after surgery.  Even when surgery is performed well, swelling, and bruising can interfere with what we see and how we assess and judge our early results.  Generally by three weeks most blepharoplasty patients should confidently know they are headed in the right direction.  The fact that you are not feeling this is frankly a concern.  Generally unless there is a compelling functional reason such as a tethered ptosis with corneal exposure or other issue related to corneal health and comfort, it is best to let the eyelids heal 6 to 12 months before having revisional surgery.  Without photographs or a personal examination it is really not possible to be more specific.  I don't think there is an eyelid surgeon who has not seen all sorts of issue resolve on their own with a little time.   On the other hand, I fix eyelids after others have operated on them.  In every case, the patient knew immediately or shortly after surgery that there was a problem and rather than resolve the problem persisted.  The dilemma is that it is hard to sort out which ones will resolve on their own and which ones will need further work without giving them time to heal on their own.  It is difficult to deal with that uncertainty.  I would say by 3 months it is reasonable to consider seeking second opinions.

John Bitner, MD · Answer

Asymmetry both before and after surgery is very common.  Remember that we are not built evenly from one side to the other.  Most of the time, unless you are specifically focusing on it, you don't notice the asymmetry before surgery, but it seems obvious afterwards.  Generally the asymmetry will improve with time and get back to being about the same or better than it was before the operation.  Make sure you discuss this with your surgeon.  If you needed to be taken back to the operating room, I would not go back until you are 6+ months out from surgery as you probably will not need to go back.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Sorry hear that you are  having issues with your upper limit blepharoplasty. You're only three weeks out. As you said things need to settle. I would wait three months before critically evaluating your result. At that time if you're still dissatisfied then visit with your plastic surgeon to discuss revision.

Robert J. Spies, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for that question.  Without seeing a picture of you, I am unable to give you an answer that may help.  However, 3 weeks is just not enough time.  Better to wait 3 months.  Usually at three weeks, you can pretty much tell how your result will be especially with symmetry and improved contour.  If you are that concerned, maybe see another doctor for second opinion.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

You are correct that 3 weeks is too early to evaluate the results of your blepharoplasty.  It can take several months to see the result.  I would wait at least 3 months and it may take 6 months or longer to see the complete result.  As the healing progresses, the appearance of your eyes should improve.

3 weeks post op of Blepharoplasty, I have uneven eyes. Should I Be Worried?

Answers (5)

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