Dealing with Droopy Eyelids After Double Eyelid Surgery: What to Do?

Q: Dealing with Droopy Eyelids After Double Eyelid Surgery: What to Do?

Hello： You mentioned that after eyelid surgery, your double eyelids are wider and heavier than expected. <br>Is there a chance for improvement? If the initial plan by the surgeon was for wider double eyelids, a revision surgery may be possible. <br>However, if the issue is due to

Ptosis with double eyelid surgery?

I previously experienced ptosis, which caused my eyelids to cover a significant portion of my corneas, making it difficult for me to open my eyes fully.
As a result, my double eyelid crease was not very prominent, and during high school, I thought my double eyelids had disappeared (I have high myopia and wore glasses, so I didn't notice the ptosis).
My ptosis is acquired.
Therefore, I underwent double eyelid surgery, which resulted in my double eyelids appearing larger and thicker than expected, giving me a tired look.
I am unsure how to address my eyelid issues now.
Should I consider undergoing ptosis surgery? Will this make my double eyelids appear smaller? Do I need to remove the previously created double eyelids?

sda, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/07/11

Dr. Hu Yusheng reply Ophthalmology

Hello: You mentioned that after eyelid surgery, your double eyelids are wider and heavier than expected.
Is there a chance for improvement? If the initial plan by the surgeon was for wider double eyelids, a revision surgery may be possible.
However, if the issue is due to poor local blood circulation, it is advisable to wait for six months before considering surgery, as there may be a chance for gradual reduction of swelling.
Whether additional surgery for eyelid lifting or removal of the previous double eyelid sutures is necessary should be discussed in a face-to-face consultation with your surgeon.
Thank you for your question.
Wishing you peace and health.

Reply Date: 2009/07/11

More Info

Dealing with droopy eyelids after double eyelid surgery can be a complex issue, especially when the initial surgery was intended to correct a different problem, such as eyelid ptosis (droopy eyelids). It is important to understand the underlying causes of your symptoms and the potential options available for correction.

Firstly, it is essential to recognize that eyelid ptosis can occur due to various factors, including aging, muscle weakness, or even previous surgical interventions. In your case, it seems that the droopy eyelids were not adequately addressed by the double eyelid surgery, leading to a thicker and more pronounced eyelid fold than you anticipated. This can create a tired appearance, as you mentioned, and may not align with your aesthetic goals.

To address your concerns, here are some considerations:
1. Consultation with a Specialist: The first step is to consult with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon or an experienced ophthalmologist who specializes in eyelid surgery. They can evaluate your eyelids' anatomy, assess the extent of the droopiness, and determine whether the current double eyelid fold is contributing to the issue.

2. Potential for Ptosis Surgery: If your eyelids are significantly droopy, a ptosis repair surgery (also known as eyelid lift surgery) may be necessary. This procedure involves tightening the muscles that lift the eyelid, which can improve the eyelid position and potentially reduce the appearance of the double eyelid fold. It is important to discuss with your surgeon how this surgery may affect the size and appearance of your double eyelids.

3. Impact on Double Eyelid Appearance: After ptosis surgery, the appearance of your double eyelids may change. In some cases, the fold may become less pronounced if the eyelid is lifted significantly. Your surgeon can provide insights on how to achieve a balance between correcting the droopiness and maintaining a desirable eyelid fold.

4. Revising the Double Eyelid Surgery: Depending on the assessment, your surgeon may recommend revising the double eyelid surgery. This could involve adjusting the existing fold to make it more aesthetically pleasing and in harmony with the new eyelid position post-ptosis surgery. In some cases, the previous sutures may need to be removed or adjusted.

5. Recovery and Expectations: It is crucial to have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of any corrective surgery. Recovery times can vary, and it may take several weeks to months for the final results to become apparent. Your surgeon will guide you on post-operative care and what to expect during the healing process.

6. Non-Surgical Options: If you are hesitant about undergoing additional surgery, discuss non-surgical options with your doctor. Treatments such as fillers or Botox may provide temporary improvements in the appearance of the eyelids, but they will not address the underlying muscle issues.

7. Long-Term Care: After any surgical intervention, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration, nutrition, and sun protection, can contribute to better skin and eyelid health.

In conclusion, addressing droopy eyelids after double eyelid surgery requires a careful evaluation by a qualified specialist. They can help determine the best course of action, whether it involves ptosis surgery, revising the double eyelid fold, or exploring non-surgical options. Open communication with your surgeon about your concerns and aesthetic goals will be key to achieving a satisfactory outcome.

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