Muellerectomy two days ago for ptosis in my left eye that now appears slanted. Will this go away? (Photos)

Question

I had muellerctomy by an occularplastic doctor to repair a mild ptosis in my left eye. After the surgery, I noticed the eye had a diagonal shape to it which does not match the natural shape of my right eye. I am now two days post procedure and despite minimal swelling and bruising, I still notice a diagonal/slanted shape. It appears as though the inner area of my eyelid still has ptosis. Will the shape even out once the posterior sutures are removed resulting in a more symmetrical look?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The slant is most likely doing to resolve. It is normal to have some eyelid heaviness.  It is possible to do the excision with improper alignment of the ptosis clamp.  This seldom results in a misalignment when the tissues finally settle.  My real concern is that your eyelid in the before picture is consistent with a central levator disinsertion. While this will respond to the neosynephrine test in the office, the surgery is a bust.  For the Mullerectomy to be effective, the levator aponeurosis must insert into the tarsus.  When it does not, the surgery will not result in a repair of the upper eyelid ptosis.  It is normal to be swollen after surgery.  It will take several weeks before you have a better idea of the result of surgery.  If it does not heal satisfactorily, it can be revised but it should be allowed to heal for about 6 months.

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

I notice from your preop photo that your right eye is more prominent than your left. Your right lower lid sits beneath the colored part of your eye more so than the left.  I mention this because when a droopy upper lid is elevated with surgery and sits on a relatively sunken in eye the inner corner is harder to elevate than the outer.  It may be that this is the best result possible for your anatomy. That being said I always recommend waiting to see where things end up over time. Hoping you continue to heal and obtain the desired result.

Byron A. Long, MD · Answer

You are very early in the postoperative time period so hopefully it is just swelling causing the "slant". It is possible that the surgeon just removed tissue from the temporal(outer side) of the eyelid but that would be unusual. Definitely follow up with your surgeon with your concerns.

Mark L. Mazow, MD, FACS · Answer

The outer corner of the lid is too high relative to the inner corner. There may be some swelling but I would send this photo to your surgeon today. He or she may need to tweak this. If younger my patient I would want to see you in the office asap

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

Thanks for the question.  I believe strongly that the best person to ask a question that relates to the surgery performed as well as the time line to consider always should be the operating surgeon at this very early juncture.  There will not be as accurate a  response to a question as would be offered by the surgeon who knows you best, the surgeon who most recently performed the procedure for you.  So  much will be based on the technique followed, and you may expect to see changes that will occur because of the time spent in recovery.  As you might expect the best person to answer these questions for you will be your surgeon.  Good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Muellerectomy two days ago for ptosis in my left eye that now appears slanted. Will this go away? (Photos)

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Muellerectomy two days ago for ptosis in my left eye that now appears slanted. Will this go away? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Uneven brows after Botox.

Answer: Uneven brows after Botox.

Answer: Will my left eyelid correct itself after a ptosis procedure performed two days ago?

Answer: Will my left eyelid correct itself after a ptosis procedure performed two days ago?

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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.