I have an excessive skin above scar line after bilateral upper eyelid surgery. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had upper blepharoplasty three months ago, my right eye has healed perfectly with no problems, however my left eye has an almost "baggy" appearance just above the eye socket (scar line) towards the outer area of the eye. My surgeon has explained that the scar tissue is in a phase of slight contracture and this often creates excessive skin just above it. However, I have not seen any improvement of this area whatsoever. How long would it normally take for this issue to resolve?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You do appear to have a little extra skin on the left side.  You may still have some edema, but probably not too much at 3 months.  You should always wait about 6 months, and then you can consider having some extra skin removed.

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

I would recommend waiting at least six months prior to considering a revision. The position of the eyebrows can change after upper eyelid surgery and can make eyelids look asymmetrical. The changes need to be stable for several months prior to revision surgery.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

It isn't unusual for the swelling to persist for several months following surgery and your surgeon is giving you good advice to wait. If the loose skin does not contract with healing and persists, you may need a minor revision where a small amount of additional skin is removed. Remember in eyelid surgery it is always better to err on the side of caution and not remove too mich skin.

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is correct that sometimes there can be a little excess skin appearance above the incision that improves with time.  Sometimes the eyelids can be a bit swollen just above or below the incision.  Looking at your pictures and since you are now 3 months out I would talk to your surgeon as a it looks like you may have a little retained excess upper eyelid skin on the side of your concern.  If this was a medical/insurance blepharoplasty then more removal would be cosmetic, but you would need to discuss with your surgeon.  Best regards.

David F. LaPatka, MD (retired) · Answer

In review of your photos, it appears as though the  left lateral brow is lower than the right. I doubt if this will improve over time . A conservative revision ,so as not to "pull" the brow down further, could be done. Most likely , the brow asymmetry was present prior to your blepharoplasty.

I have an excessive skin above scar line after bilateral upper eyelid surgery. Is this normal? (photos)

Answers (5)