Did my Mullerectomy fail? What results should I see by now?

Question

I got a Mullerectomy one week ago, and I feel like it failed. My right lid is about 2-3mm lower than my left and I have not seen any type of improvement in the height of my eye. I still need to get the sutures out, but the majority of the swelling has gone down and the bruising is almost healed. It looks the exact same as it did pre-surgery. When am I able to definitively say that my surgery failed based on the results I should be seeing by now-- or is what I am experiencing considered normal?

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

The question you ask is a very good one, even without before and after images.  Certainly one can appreciate that you are feeling better after 1 week, but there is a considerable amount healing that still needs to take place.  Even a small amount of swelling that remains is a weight on the eyelid that can cause it to drop.  I would recommend following up with your physician performed the procedure to also remain patient.Be healthy and the well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

One week after a mullerectomy with sutures in place, the eyelid should look heavy from swelling.  I appreciate that you feel you are "almost healed" but you are not.  It takes a few weeks for the swelling to settle down after these procedures.  The most definitely can fail.  However, you need to be patient here.  Generally if your eyelid was fully corrected at this point, I personally would be concerned that you were over corrected by the surgery.  You are probably right on track.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

It is still early to evaluate the results after your mullerectomy.  The tissues can have some internal swelling that are not apparent that weights down the eyelid and causes ptosis.  Mullerectomy is highly successful so be patient.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question but without preop photos and an examination now it is hard to say if your surgery was a failure but you are still swollen so try to be patient.Dr. Corbin

Did my Mullerectomy fail? What results should I see by now?

Answers (4)