Droopy eyelid due to acoustic neuroma surgery: I am 60 now. (Photo)

Question

My left side facial nerves are very weak due to an Acoustic Neuroma surgery 20 years ago. Ever since (plus the aging, I am 60 now), my left side of face including eyelids have become droopy. Am I a good candidate of the eyelid surgery? I am concerned if I can be recovered from the eyelid surgery since my facial nerves are so weak. (I have not been able to raise my left eyebrow since Acoustic Neuroma). If eyelid surgery is not a solution to me, any suggestion you may have?

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

Without examing you, it is difficult to comment on what procedures would be best for you. However, upper eyelid surgery can generally be done safely and will improve your appearance. I would consult with a surgeon experienced in treating patients with facial nerve palsies to examine the best options for you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If the facial nerve branches were sacrificed during the tumor surgery, there can be a loss of facial expression. This can make the eyelid droop more on the affected side. An upper blepharoplasty procedure can accomplish removing the extra skin on the upper eyelids, and a direct brow lift located in the eyebrow lifting the paralyzed eyebrow on that side for static purposes. For more information and many before-and-after examples, please see the link and the video below

Jasmine Mohadjer, MD · Answer

Dear Vonniepie,      Many people have at least a partial facial nerve (also called Cranial Nerve 7) injury after acoustic neuroma surgery.  This generally leaves people with the inability to raise their forhead, difficulty closing their eyes firmly, and perhaps inability to smile or a droopy lip.  People may have these problems in various degrees.  Often when the brow droops, it can cause the lids to be heavy.  Eyelid surgery is definitely an option in these cases but must be balanced out due to how much trouble you have closing your eyes completely.   I would recommend a full eye exam by an oculoplastic surgeon who is also an ophthalmologist to make sure that any surgery contemplated addresses the health and safety of the eye itself.    I do surgery in facial palsy patients often, but tend to be quite conservative to minimize risk.

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

A direct brow lift on the left side and a blepharoplasty on the left side would give you good symmetry in the relaxed position. The left brow will always appear lower than the right when you are animated with facial expressions, but at least you would have symmetry in the relaxed position. This surgery could be done in an office setting if you are healthy. Best wishes.

Droopy eyelid due to acoustic neuroma surgery: I am 60 now. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: It appears that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery...

Answer: It appears that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery...

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Droopy eyelid due to acoustic neuroma surgery: I am 60 now. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: It appears that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery...

Answer: It appears that you are a good candidate for eyelid surgery...

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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.