Help! Did my quad blepharoplasty go wrong? 10 days post-op.

Question

One eye looks significantly different than the other, and I'm not sure either is looking very well. I'm trying not to panic that I ruined my face. I acknowledge that I had slight asymmetry before but this goes beyond. I also acknowledge that I'm 10 days post-op and I understand there is still swelling but this doesn't seem right. I really like my surgeon, he did great work on a body procedure on me earlier this year but this is too much.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

As you state, you are very early in the healing process.  You have some swelling, but not too bad.  You appear to have some ptosis in the right upper lid, so that eye appears smaller.  You did not have a ptosis pre-op, so this may just improve with time.  The only other thing I see at this point is the left lower lid is pulling down a bit in the corner.  This side is more bruised and swollen, so at that resolves, the lid may come back up.  Warm compresses and a little massage upward will help.

Benjamin Caughlin, MD, FACS · Answer

I would contact your surgeon. Do keep in mind though that you are in the very early stages of wound healing and asymmetries are expected and normal.  It can be from as simple as the way you sleep at night so that more fluid goes to one side.  Your surgeon will have tips to help with the edema and increase the symmetry with time.Best of luck,DrC

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

I know it can be distressing to have asymmetry after eyelid surgery but do not worry. It is very common and usually resolves. This is because you may have increased bruising or swelling on one side or the other. Trust the process and I would not make any definite judgment till at least 6 weeks, and really it usually takes longer to see the final result. Hope this helps.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to assess asymmetry of the eyes after blepharoplasty in the initial few weeks.  He also have to notice the right eyebrow that is higher than the left.  Over the next few weeks the asymmetry should get better.  If it is not better in 4-6 weeks then you should get a second opinion for possible correction.RegardsDr. J

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without photos, it is difficult to tell.  But I will say that being only 10 days out, you re very early in the healing process. Good luck.

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

It doesn't look like anything went wrong from your photos... You are exactly right - it is very soon after the surgery, and you do have some differences from side to side. It is pretty normal to be a little different from side to side, as anything such as head positioning while sleeping, normal head tilt, etc can cause swelling differences from side to side. I'm glad you like your surgeon!! Please keep in touch with him/her as they know the details of your exact case better than anyone on this site. 
Hope this helps!
dr. silver

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

Don't panic.  It is VERY early in the healing process and asymmetries at this point are not uncommon.  One side frequently swells or bruises more than the other in the early post-operative stages.  It may be a few more weeks before things begin to normalize.  Stay in contact with your plastic surgeon so that they can guide you through the healing process.

Help! Did my quad blepharoplasty go wrong? 10 days post-op.

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