Steroid shots for ectopion and lower lid retraction. Any suggestions?

Question

I had lower blepharoplasty 9 weeks ago. One eye has ectopion and lid retraction (no dry eye issues). An oculoplastic surgeon (not my original plastic surgeon who performed surgery, very little guidance from him) gave me steroid shots a week ago and requested I come back in a month. Should I see results by now, or does it take awhile for the scar tissue to soften? I'm still massaging, but I see no difference. Should I get a second dose of shots? Just not sure who to trust anymore.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer depends on exactly your eyelid problem, it extent, anatomy, etc. Steroid shots do take time to work but they only so much. See an oculoplastic specialist for experience in revision eyelid surgery.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The steroid is not going to magically undo the changes from your surgery that you showed in your post operative photographs.  It will help quite the tissue and soften the appearance.  Essentially it helps speed things up but it does not transform the factors that lead to the eyelid position which are related to a motor nerve injury to the lower eyelid.  That combined with structural issues present in the eyelid lead to this unsatisfactory outcome.  It is improbable that the eyelid will resolve to a point where you will be satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcome.  Time is needed to heal until you are ready for the reconstruction you need.  You will need to hunker down and let your body heal.  This is very frustrating and the last thing you expected following a cosmetic eyelid surgery.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Sorry to hear of your complication. It sounds like everything you are doing so far is correct. You should not have another steroid injection. You might need surgical correction of the ectropion, but this will likely be easy for your Oculoplastic Surgeon to repair. Good luck,

Steroid shots for ectopion and lower lid retraction. Any suggestions?

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Steroid shots for ectopion and lower lid retraction. Any suggestions?

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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