One Eye Looks Different After Upper Blepharoplasty

Question

I just had my upper eyelids lifted a week ago. Although still red, most of the swelling has gone down. I am noticing that one eye is smaller and 'different' than the other. I went to a well-known and respected surgeon. Is it too soon to worry? Should I wait the full two weeks to really appreciate results?

Theda C. Kontis, MD · Answer

One week after any cosmetic surgery is too soon to make any decisions about final outcomes. You will need to wait at least 2 months, not weeks, to see how you are healing. The differences you are noticing now are most likely due to swelling...even if you sleep with your head turned to the side, you can develop more swelling on the side that is down.
Sometimes after surgery, people notice asymmetries that they never noticed before. You might want to look at some old photos of yourself and see if both eyes were symmetric before your surgery.
On the outside chance that your surgical results are asymmetric, it is very easy to remove a little more skin to even things up. So be patient, give it more time to heal, and don't worry.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question -
It is too early to tell smaller differences in symmetry.  Things that can be of concern at this point would include inability to close your eyes and protect your cornea, wound healing problems, infection or major asymmetry.
As always, it is vital that you stay in touch with your surgeon as your post-op course progresses.  Self photography to document your progress can be helpful as well.
I hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since it has only been a week from your surgery, swelling still has not subsided. It can take upwards of two months for the swelling to subside. Also look at your preoperative pictures to make sure that there was not preexisting asymmetry with regards to the eyelids.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

First, take a serious look at your preoperative pictures.  Everyone is asymmetric and I'm sure you are no different.  We all have one eye that is more open than the other.  In addition even though it seems like you're healed in 2 weeks, you're not.  Tissues really take 6 weeks to finish the initial phase of healing after which scars take up to a year to mature.
So I would suggest being patient and if you still have concerns 6 month after surgery then you can discuss it with your surgeon.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Each eye will heal a little differently, and I would say that two weeks is still way too early to make a judgement.  I would advise you to have a great weekend without worry.
Although there may be some asymmetry, have your surgeon give you his honest opinion next visit.
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One Eye Looks Different After Upper Blepharoplasty

Answers (10)