I Have Had Upper Eyelid Surgery and I Cannot Open my Eyes After the Second Day, is That Normal?

Question

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would say that it is not normal to be unable to open the eyes after upper eyelid surgery.  It is possible that excess swelling could cause this problem temporarily, but the best advice I can give you would be to contact your surgeon.  Without being able to see you, or at least pictures of you, it's impossible to be any more helpful.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Postoperative swelling is completely normal, but not being to open the eyes at all is not common. It may be that you have more than normal swelling which is not in itself something to worry about, but if you should be able to open enough to check your vision in that eye. Furthermore if you are having severe pain with this swelling, then it be something more serious that you should call your surgeon about.

	A photo would be great for us to see.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Speak with your plastic surgeon, if you haven't already. He/she must guide you during your recovery process.

	Most upper eyelid surgery patients should be able to open their eyes immediately after cosmetic surgery. Swelling or bruising may contribute to puffy eyes and difficulty opening the eyes immediately after surgery, which generally resolves over days. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can an eyelid plastic surgeon help determine appropriate options for you.

	Best of luck. Dr. Chaboki

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

I hope its now a moot issue since I assume you wrote this days ago.  However, whenever in the acute phase of healing, you must trust your surgeon and keep your surgeon in the loop.  What if you had major bleeding that was causing your problem?  On-line opinions don't help.  Let your surgeon guide you through the healing process.

I Have Had Upper Eyelid Surgery and I Cannot Open my Eyes After the Second Day, is That Normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unable to open eyes after surgery

Answer: Unable to open eyes after surgery

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I Have Had Upper Eyelid Surgery and I Cannot Open my Eyes After the Second Day, is That Normal?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unable to open eyes after surgery

Answer: Unable to open eyes after surgery

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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.