Difficulty closing eyes after double eyelid surgery: what are my options?

Question

I underwent Asian eyelid surgery last November. Surgeon removed a narrow strip of orbicularis oculi along the incision line & 2mm of skin. I can't fully blink or close my eyes and it has led to severe dry eyes. The gap is about 1mm in each eye. My lids feel tight and always in discomfort. I consulted an oculoplastic surgeon; he said the inner scarring seems tethered & if the gap is still there after 1 year, he might surgically remove the scars. What are my options going forward? Would 5-FU work?

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

A lot more information would be needed to properly answer your question. The most common cause that I've encountered for your situation would be preexisting ptosis (quite common in Asians) which was repaired as part of your procedure. In some cases, getting the eyes to look good may also end up making your eyes dry, so the procedure may need to be partially reversed. This is something you'll need to discuss with your surgeon and also get a copy of your preop photos and records to get a second opinion from a plastic surgeon that specializes in eyelid surgery and preferably with experience in Asian eyelid surgery.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a complex issue that need photos and consultation to determine what is the cause of you not being to close your eyes and determine possible treatment. It could be due to scar, lack of enough skin, weak orbicularis muscle, etc.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

This most commonly occurs in younger patients with a shallow orbit (aka the eyes are shallow set and prominent).  This creates a situation where it's hard for the lid to completely close over the eyeball.For sure 5-FU injections are a good idea for now.  If this doesn't resolve the issue surgery may be in order but it's impossible to say what you may need without a full evaluation.This is a case that really can't be examined or explained over this platform.  Get more than a few opinions before proceeding with surgery.The possible surgeries you may need could be excision of scar tissue, reversal of the surgery itself if possible or skin grafting.Chase Lay MDAsian eyelid surgery specialist

Difficulty closing eyes after double eyelid surgery: what are my options?

Answers (3)