I had an upper Blepharoplasty 6 weeks ago. My eyelids still do not shut all the way. I can make my eyelids shut if I “muscle” them down, but if I shut them gently then about 2 mm of sclera shows, particularly from the center of the eyes to the inner corner. My eyes also open now when I sleep. My plastic surgeon said that the amount of sclera showing is mild and will correct itself over time. Is this normal, and is he being honest? I really worry that I’ll need to have skin grafts or some sort of corrective surgery.
A: Incomplete eyelid closure after blepharoplasty
If you had an upper blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) about 6 weeks ago, it’s normal to still have incomplete eyelid closure (lagopthalmos) due to swelling. You should be sure to use eye drops and lubricants to ensure that your cornea does not become dry during the night. Unless your surgeon removed too much skin during the surgery (which is rare) your swelling should resolve over the course of weeks.
Be sure to follow up closely with your surgeon or see an ophthalmologist if you have any visual symptoms such as dry eye, excessive watering of the eye, or any visual change.
Best wishes,
Dr. Bruno
