Possible Ptosis After Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty?

Hi there

I would strongly suggest you give this some time as long as the eyelids open and close well.  While it can be hard to do in recovery -  patience is important.  Differential swelling is common. 

If after 2 months no change is ocurring then a more detailed look is needed.

As the orbicularis muscle is the muscle which closes the eyes, its normal weakness after surgery can cause assymetries in the aperture of the eye (especially when the muscle on one side is weaker than the other).  However, it is typically the mechanical effect of swelling which causes the ptosis, as orbicularis weakness can often lead to an eye which is too open (does not close well).

As was sated previously be another doctor - you should check your photos before surgery.  Was there ptosis present which was undetected.

When you are completely healed - a ptosis repair, if needed, can be performed simply and quickly so try to stay positive. 

If there has been significant swelling and you feel that the eyelid remains at the same level, it is possible that you may require enhancement. It is important you speak to your physician and discuss the possibility of having an enhancement procedure. In my practice when I perform ptosis surgery, I allow for swelling to resolve to the point where I am comfortable performing additional surgery. Swelling can be a factor in a surgeon’s ability to lift the eyelid in a predictable manner. The problem is that the amount of swelling is difficult to predict so until it subsides, you will have to wait until a valid reassessment can be made.

Hi,

The eyelids are likely going change come more over next few days to weeks as all the swelling goes away and the muscles recover.  Regarding the ptosis, it is likely that you had latent ptosis before surgery (looking at old photos would help assess that).  I would let things heal up and then reassess the eyelid asymmetry. 

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD