Possible Ptosis After Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty?

Question

I had upper/lower blepharoplasty 12 days ago. I’m concerned that my R & L eye do not look the same, as the R eye looks like it developed ptosis post-surgery. The dr says I have more swelling in the R eye (also had chemosis) and I need to give it time. He attributes the difference in the eyes to a “weak” orbicularis muscle because it is cut (?) during surgery, but he says with time, that both eyes will even out. Is this possible? Or will I need revision surgery to correct the ptosis?

Guy Massry, MD · Answer

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.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Alan B. Brackup, MD, FACS · Answer

I have certainly seen the same appearance before at only 12 days post-operatively.  In these cases what I have found is rather than any weakness in the orbicularis, which would actually make it more difficult for the eye to close, the problem is that due to swelling the levator muscle in the right upper lid cannot move normally.  As a result, the eyelid is droopy.  If this is indeed the case, the problem will resolve spontaneously over the next couple of weeks.  As difficult as it is, I would counsel patience.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

I see your concern about the position of the right upper lid.  It sounds like you had more inflammation and swelling on the right post operatively.  In this instance it is most likely that the difference in lid position is related to swelling 12 days post op, which will even out.  I recommend continued close follow up with your surgeon to insure this resolves.

Amiya Prasad, MD · Answer

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.

Possible Ptosis After Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty?

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Answer: Difference in eyelid position likely due to swelling

Answer: Difference in eyelid position likely due to swelling

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Possible Ptosis After Upper/Lower Blepharoplasty?

Answers (10)

Answer: Difference in eyelid position likely due to swelling

Answer: Difference in eyelid position likely due to swelling

Answer: Enhancement..

Answer: Enhancement..

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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.