1 day post-op upper eyelid surgery: I've noticed that my eye isn't closing. (photos)

That is not my concern for you.  I am concerned that you may have tethered ptosis.  That occurs when eyelid structures are inadvertently sewn to the septal tissues.  The solution is to first diagnose the problem.  Unless your surgeon is an eyelid specialist, they may not even have heard of the complication.  A physical exam is needed to determine if the upper eyelid is stuck by putting traction on the eyelid.  If it is confirmed that the eyelid is stuck, you need urgent surgery to take the eyelid apart and separate the structures that have been sewn together.  This is an urgent problem because the eyes are not properly protecting the corneal surface.  Contact your surgeon today and let them know you are concerned that you might have a tethered upper eyelid due to surgery. Do not take no for an answer. Frequently use ointment in the eyed to protect the eye surface.  Please let us know how you do.

1 day after eyelid surgery it is not uncommon to have some difficulty in closing the eyes. That is why it is extremely important to aggressively lubricate the eyes with artificial tear solutions and ointments to maintain the eye's hydration. I send my patients home on a number of eye drops including hydrating, antibiotics and steroids. If you notice any redness on the white part of the eye, contacting your surgeon and discuss your concerns.RegardsDr Guy Watts

Dear Jules131Thank you for your question and photos! Swelling plus the local anesthesia can cause the eyelids not to work properly early after surgery.  Depending on the surgical procedure - this should resolve. Please follow up with your surgeon.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Dear Jules131
Thank you for your enquiry. Due to swelling post surgery you may experience difficulty in closing one or two eyes for up to two day., This is completely normal to experience this and you should sleep elevated, use cold packs or witch hazel on your eyes and continue using eye ointment to lubricate your eyes. If after a couple of days you notice no difference, I would suggest to go back to your consultant for advice.
All the best

It is common to have an inability to completely close your eye after surgery, especially post operative day 1.  This is most likely due to swelling and bruising. Swelling tends to peak at 48 hours after your surgery. While you wait for your swelling to improve and your eyes to fully close, be sure to keep your eye well lubricated at night and use artificial tears throughout the day.  

In the early post operative phase, the inability to close the eyelid is multi-factorial. Swelling can be implicated in a majority of cases. Therefore, you should wait and see how your results progress. You should consult with your original surgeon if issues arise. 

Thank you for your question. It is too early to be concerned about this lack of closure. The muscles that close the eye can be temporarily "stunned" by surgery and the adrenalin in the local anesthetic can also have a temporary effect on closure. I wold continue whatever wound care your surgeon has suggested and use artificial tears several times a day and lube at bedtime. If this is still a problem when you return to have the sutures removed then you and your surgeon can discuss other options.

So it is very early to be worried. Swelling after eyelid surgery always happens and that will be the cause. Of course if you are still having trouble 2 weeks from now then that could be a sign of a problem. You must keep your eyes well lubricated with drops in the day and lacrilube at night and try and wear an eye patch so it doesn't dry out if it wont close while you sleepHope that helps Adam Goodwin

This early in the healing process you will certainly have swelling and scar tissue that masks your result and cause asymmetry. This is a part of recovery and is to be expected at this point after a blepharoplasty, icing and staying away from salt can help. Be patient with your recovery and give your body time to heal. Be sure to keep any follow ups you may have with your surgeon for his or her advise and evaluation. Best wishes. 
Dean Vistnes. Vistnes Plastic Surgery San Francisco Bay Area
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