Botched Lower Eyelid Surgery
When Botched Lower Eyelid Surgery, can botched eyelid surgery be fixed and eye bags after lower blepharoplasty can be very disturbing and embarrassing. We explain all aspects of Botched Lower Eyelid Surgery, including treatment options to help fix it for good.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Botched Lower Eyelid Surgery, can botched eyelid surgery be fixed, eye bags after lower blepharoplasty, and eyes look weird after blepharoplasty.
Eyelid surgery is a popular procedure that is usually performed for cosmetic purposes. It creates a more youthful appearance, improves eyelid symmetry and provides an overall rejuvenation of the face. Although many patients are happy with the results of this procedure, there are potential complications that can occur from it. In some cases, an eyelid surgery can lead to complications including drooping eye lids or double vision. If you are considering any type of cosmetic surgery on your eyes, it is important to understand what can go wrong so you know whether or not it will be worth taking this risk
A botched lower lid surgery can have a devastating effect on your appearance.
A botched lower lid surgery can have a devastating effect on your appearance. It’s important to know the symptoms of a botched lower lid surgery and how you can avoid it.
The most common signs of a botched lower lid surgery include:
- Swelling around your eyes
- Puffy eyelids that are unevenly shaped or bulging outwards at different heights above your cheekbones (this is known as “ptosis”)
- Creases in your skin where they should not be (these creases are called “crow’s feet”)
Weakness and folds can result.
- Weakness and folds can result.
- The condition is most often caused by an attempt to surgically recreate the natural crease of the eyelid by tucking a too-large portion of the lid into the fold.
The condition is most often caused by an attempt to surgically recreate the natural crease of the eyelid by tucking a too-large portion of the lid into the fold.
The condition is most often caused by an attempt to surgically recreate the natural crease of the eyelid by tucking a too-large portion of the lid into the fold. The result can be an unnatural appearance or even blindness.
To avoid this outcome, you need to be realistic about what can be achieved through surgery and your surgeon should be able to help you understand what results you can expect from surgery, how long those results will last, and how long your recovery will take.
This causes the eyelid to lose its natural definition and contour, resulting in a confused look that resembles hooded or sleepy eyes.
The skin loses its natural contour, and the eyelid loses its natural definition and shape. The result is an unnatural appearance that can make you look tired or sleepy even when you’re not.
This can be corrected with a procedure called lower blepharoplasty (BLEF-uh-roe-plas-tee). During this operation, Dr. [INSERT NAME HERE] will remove excess fat and skin from your lower lids, restoring their original appearance as well as making them more youthful looking!
If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations about what can and cannot be achieved through surgery.
If you are considering cosmetic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations about what can and cannot be achieved through surgery.
In general, the results of any procedure should last for several years before they begin to fade away. If a patient has unrealistic expectations about how long their new look will last or how quickly they will recover from their procedure, then they may become disappointed when their results do not match up with these expectations.
Your surgeon should be able to help you understand what results you can expect from surgery, how long those results will last, and how long your recovery will take.
Your surgeon should be able to help you understand what results you can expect from surgery, how long those results will last, and how long your recovery will take.
- How long should my results last?
It is important to ask your surgeon about the longevity of the procedure that he or she recommends for you. Some procedures require more maintenance than others do–for example, laser resurfacing might need touch-ups over time while other treatments may offer more permanent solutions that don’t need any further care after treatment has been completed. In addition to learning about how long a particular procedure can last before needing another one done (if at all), it’s also important to understand what options are available if things don’t go exactly as planned and certain parts of your face start showing signs of aging again faster than others do after having been treated previously by a cosmetic physician like Drs. Brownstein & Katzenelson at Cosmetic Surgery Center NYC located at 245 E 78th Street Suite 7B New York NY 10021 (212) 744-4444 .
You need to know whether you are better off leaving well enough alone, or if a surgical intervention would actually improve your situation.
If you are considering surgery to improve your lower eyelid appearance, it is important to know whether or not an intervention would actually make a difference. The surgeon should be able to tell you what they think would work and why. If they cannot give you an answer, then that should be a red flag for further consideration of another doctor.
You will also want to know if there are any risks associated with the procedure and how long recovery might take following surgery.
The main risks of eyelid surgery are that it may not improve your looks and that it might cause some physical problems such as blurry vision, excess tearing or inflammation.
If you decide to have eyelid surgery, the main risks are that it may not improve your looks and that it might cause some physical problems such as blurry vision, excess tearing or inflammation.
In addition to these risks, there are other things to consider before getting eyelid surgery:
- It’s expensive (the cost of an upper-eyelid operation ranges from $2,000 to $8,000) and invasive; the downtime can range from one week up to several months depending on what type of procedure is performed.
- You should make sure the doctor has experience in performing this specific type of procedure on Asian patients because there are subtle differences between their anatomy compared with other ethnicities.*
Less common side effects include double vision and drooping eye lids.
Less common side effects include double vision and drooping eye lids. Double vision can occur if the eyelid is pulled too tight, which makes it difficult for you to see well out of both eyes at the same time. Drooping eyelids can result from the same reason; they also may be more prone to sunburn because they’re exposed when you look up or down.
If your doctor notices these symptoms during your follow-up visit, he or she may recommend surgery again to correct them–although this will depend on how much time has passed since your original procedure took place and whether there was any other damage done in addition to the botched lower eyelid surgery itself
You need to make sure the cosmetic surgeon is experienced in performing this procedure so there will be no complications with the results.
You need to make sure the cosmetic surgeon is experienced in performing this procedure so there will be no complications with the results. The surgeon should be experienced, as well as board certified and a member of a professional organization like the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
When choosing an eyelid surgery specialist, look for someone who has done many lower eyelid surgeries before and has excellent reviews from patients who have had their eyes done by him or her.
can botched eyelid surgery be fixed
No one gets eyelid surgery with the expectation of having a problem. Dr. Steinsapir truly believes that no surgeon performs surgery with the expectation of causing a problem. Yet it happens all too often. Of course, it is best when it doesn’t happen. Dr. Steinsapir is extraordinarily meticulous in his approach, has vast training in eyelid surgery, and many years of clinical experience, which profoundly improves the likelihood of smooth sailing after surgery.
However, not everyone has Dr. Steinsapir as his or her initial surgeon. It is often only after a problem that we slow down and really take a closer look at the training, skill, and experience of our chosen surgeon. Perhaps after a problem, you realize that your surgeon is more of a breast surgeon, or focuses primarily on medically necessary reconstructive surgery. After the fact, you might realize that the surgeon really does not feature before and after photos on their website for the type of surgery you had, or perhaps the surgeon became popular because they were featured on a talk show, but their surgery just does not live up their charms on television. Perhaps you and your surgeon were just unlucky. It happens.
Reactions to these complications really define the nature of the surgeon. It is best to stay out of trouble. For most people with botched eyelid surgery, there is all too often a break down in the relationship with the original surgeon. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to get help when the surgeon won’t acknowledge a problem. Being told that you look “marvelous” when you know you don’t have the results you were hoping for is not helpful. Advice that commonly comes from websites like Realself.com is to stay with your original surgeon.
This advice is more often than not stated for the surgeon’s benefit rather than for the patient’s benefit. Dr. Steinsapir does not agree with that type of advice. He feels that one or more second opinions can be very helpful and usually necessary to at least satisfy yourself that what is being done makes sense. When there is a lack of validation or an empathetic failure by the original surgeon, this can help you identify a new surgeon to help you get out of trouble. When there has been a break down in the relationship with the original surgeon, returning to a surgeon with a “circle the wagon” mentality can be emotionally abusive.
Emotional support in the form of psychotherapy and even psychiatric intervention, and when appropriate, medication, may be needed when the surgical complications lead to clinical depression. If you feel depressed after a disappointing surgery, know that it is common enough and warrants professional help. The nature of these depressed feelings means that it can be difficult to seek this help, but Dr. Steinsapir encourages you to reach out.
While the cure for the situation may be reconstructive surgery, it is generally beneficial to let the eyelids heal for many months before undertaking reconstructive surgery. During this time, emotional support from family, friends, and mental health professionals can be invaluable. Getting supportive eyelid care and having a plan for how to move forward to make things better can and should proceed in parallel with emotional healing.
Before & Afters
This article will focus on the issues that commonly occur after upper blepharoplasty. Another article will discuss lower eyelid complications and how Dr. Steinsapir addresses those issues. Dr. Steinsapir has been at the forefront of innovations in aesthetic revisional eyelid surgery for many years. He has pioneered revisional eyelid surgery for the lower and the upper eyelid. He is one of the most experienced and skillful aesthetic eyelid surgeons operating in the world today. His command of corrective surgical approached to address failed cosmetic eyelid surgery is unsurpassed.
Revision Blepharoplasty
Overwhelmingly, most blepharoplasty complications arise when the surgeons do not understand the limitations of the surgery they are working with or misapply a surgery for a given set of anatomic issues. Most blepharoplasty surgeons view their job to be the removal of skin, muscle, and fat from the upper eyelid. They think: do that job well and you will be assured a good outcome, or more cynically, a good enough job. Unfortunately, many practicing eyelid surgeons are thinly trained for what they are doing.
They can perform a cosmetic upper blepharoplasty but they cannot always diagnose when there is a preexisting problem in a given eyelid that is likely to lead to an unacceptable surgical outcome. In some cases, it can be a matter of bad luck like developing an infection after surgery or colliding with a cabinet in the immediate post-operative period before the tissues have had a chance to heal from surgery. Despite our best efforts, setbacks can occur and fixing a given situation often requires advanced skills and knowledge.
The most common issue after upper eyelid surgery is dry eye with eye discomfort after surgery. Generally, this is temporary and only requires supportive measures like using artificial tears and bland ophthalmic ointment for a few weeks. This typically gets better on its own as the muscles that help close the eyelids regain their pre-operative strength. Supportive measures are very helpful here. However, the optimal management for post-operative dry eye requires the ability to examine the corneal surface using a slit lamp.
That is a piece of equipment found in the offices of oculoplastic surgeons but often not available in the offices of other types of surgical specialists. Another common issue is wound separation in the upper eyelid crease while you are healing. While this is worrisome, it is surprising how well this heals without the need for additional surgery.
Another common issue is residual fullness in the inner corner of the eyelids. In the immediate post-operative period, this can be related to swelling. However, once you are about two months or more out from surgery, the persistence of this fullness is generally consistent with unaddressed orbital fat that can protrude in the inner corners. Very often Dr. Steinsapir finds that this concern was present before surgery but left undiscussed as a cosmetic concern by the patient and unaddressed surgically by the surgeon.
This can be corrected but a surgical procedure is needed to remove this fat. Due to the possible contribution of lingering swelling after surgery, Dr. Steinsapir generally advocates waiting approximately 6 months before undertaking revisional surgery to remove this concern should it persist.
By far the largest group of upper eyelid issues are related. Dr. Steinsapir collectively refers to them as the Post Upper Blepharoplasty Syndrome (PUBS). Others have called this the Post Blepharoplasty Look. However, “look” makes it sound as though the changes are intentional and for the most part, they are not. Dr. Steinsapir has carefully analyzed these findings patients who have come to him for care after unsatisfactory surgery elsewhere. The related spectrum of findings include a hollow upper eyelid that looks as if too much skin and upper eyelid fat were removed, upper eyelid ptosis or droopy eyelids, upper eyelid lash ptosis, and a compensatory eyebrow elevation.
In many individuals with these changes, the upper eyelid platform, which is the space from the upper eyelid lashes to the upper eyelid crease appears too long. The two sides are often asymmetric. Unless your surgeon really understands eyelids, it is unlikely that they understand what they are looking at. They may even believe that the way your upper eyelids look after surgery is precisely what the upper eyelids should look like! Have you had that conversation with a surgeon where you are trying to tell them that you are unhappy with the outcome of surgery but they are trying to tell you how great the surgery was?
Dr. Steinsapir has made a careful study of eyelids like this to determine not just how to fix them but also what is going on inside the eyelid to make them look like this. Post Upper Blepharoplasty Syndrome is a spectrum. That means you might have every feature described or only some of the features such as a long upper eyelid platform and upper eyelid ptosis. Some of these issues may be more pronounced than others. The common basis for the syndrome is the change in the upper eyelid fold. These eyelids go from being “outies” to “innies.” What has changed? It has been a commonly held belief that too much skin and fat has been removed from these eyelids. This belief is so strong that patients are often told that their upper eyelid creases can’t be lowered after unsatisfactory upper eyelid surgery.
That is not what Dr. Steinsapir has found in repairing these eyelids. Instead, he discovered that these eyelids look this way do due to internal scaring caused by the original blepharoplasty. At the time of the original surgery, the surgeon removes upper eyelid skin and also opens a structure called the orbital septum. This is a loose membranous plane of connective tissue that separates the eyelid from the deeper orbital structures including fat that contributes to the fullness of the upper eyelid fold.
Quite often the surgeon may be conservative in the removal of this fat but scaring of the fat occurs after surgery. This mats down the orbital fat and makes the upper eyelid hollow. Also, the orbital septum will scar and contract. When this happens, the septum, which is attached to the tendon that opens the upper eyelid, will pull on the tendon.
Over time, this causes the central portion of the upper eyelid tendon to centrally separate from the lower edge of the upper eyelid. When this happens, the upper eyelid becomes heavy, droopy, or ptotic. This can happen very quickly after surgery or it can occur over a longer time frame. This trauma to the levator aponeurosis causes a specific type of ptosis called a white line levator disinsertion.
These observations are critical because it’s the basis for the rational repair of these eyelids. Surgeons who attempt to repair these heavy upper eyelids are often surprised when the fix doesn’t work. That is because surgeons often attempt to repair these heavy upper eyelids with a ptosis surgery called a Mueller’s muscle conjunctival resection (MMCR). This is a very popular form of ptosis surgery. However, it only works when the levator aponeurosis, the tendon that lifts the upper eyelid, is in the proper position.
Dr. Steinsapir discovered that is often not the case for these Post Upper Blepharoplasty Syndrome eyelids. For that reason, Dr. Steinsapir does not use the Muellerectomy to repair these eyelids. He uses a crease lowering technique developed by South Korean eyelid surgeons. He has adapted these methods for both Western and Asian eyelids.
The disinserted tendon is found in the scar tissue created at the time of the original eyelid surgery. This is carefully dissected from the scar tissue and put back down into the upper eyelid where it is used to perform ptosis surgery. Dr. Steinsapir seldom finds it necessary to graft fat into these eyelids. By mobilizing the fat that is still present but matted down by scar tissue, this fat becomes available once again to add volume to the upper eyelid fold.
By correcting the ptosis, lowering the crease, and revitalize the upper eyelid, the eyelid is not just restored but is actually made to look even better by actually achieving the type of enhancements that prompted you to seek eyelid surgery in the first place. It is possible to restore your eyes so they can once again be your best feature.
eye bags after lower blepharoplasty
1. What is cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty and what do you mean by “customized” blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is one of the most commonly performed facial procedure worldwide and the most common procedure Dr. Abboud performs. Cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty (under eye bag surgery) involves the surgical removal and/or repositioning of the fat under the eyes and, if necessary, removal or tightening of any redundant lower eyelid skin. It aims to rejuvenate the area surrounding the eyes and to give an overall more youthful and rested appearance to the face.
Since no two sets of eyes are the same, no two blepharoplasty surgeries should be the same either. Blepharoplasty should be tailored to each patient’s aesthetic desires and unique features in order to achieve the best cosmetic results. It requires that the surgeon have a keen artistic understanding of what a beautiful eye looks like, expert knowledge of eyelid architecture and function, and the advanced surgical skills to remove, reposition, and/or tighten the eyelid fat, skin, and musculature. An expert eyelid surgeon (i.e., one with extensive training in oculoplastic surgery), must additionally have the foresight to recognize when to remove and/or reposition fat, and when to combine a lower eyelid blepharoplasty with other procedures, such as a midface or cheek lift, upper eyelid blepharoplasty, or canthoplasty (tightening of the outer corner of the eyelids) to achieve the desired post-operative result.
2. What results should I expect and when will I see them?
While results do vary, you should expect to see an improvement in the under eye bags and a smoother transition between the eyelids and the cheeks after cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty. You should look natural, yet more youthful and more vibrant.
You should notice a difference in your eyelids immediately following your surgery. However, post-surgical swelling and discoloration may initially obscure your final outcome. While many patients return to work 1 to 2 weeks after blepharoplasty, it may take several weeks for your swelling to subside completely. You should be able to see your final results from cosmetic eyelid surgery in about 4 to 6 weeks following your surgery.
3. What does cosmetic lower eyelid surgery entail and what type of anesthesia is used?
Lower eyelid blepharoplasty is most often performed in the operating room, but minor enhancements can be performed in the office. Surgery is typically performed with minimal sedation and local injections of anesthetics.
Before the procedure, Dr. Abboud may mark the bulging fat pads in the lower eyelid that need to be sculpted. After sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist, Dr. Abboud injects local anesthetics, which should make the procedure painless. Based on your pre-operative consultation, he will then proceed with the necessary steps to customize the procedure and to ensure symmetry between both eyes.
4. Are there any alternatives to lower eyelid surgery?
While a lower eyelid blepharoplasty may have a dramatic and long-lasting effect on lower eyelid enhancement, it is not the only option. Dermal fillers such as Belotero®, Juvéderm®, Restylane®, and others can be injected to fill in any hollowness in the lower eyelid, particularly in the tear trough, or to lighten up any dark circles under the eyes. Neurotoxins, such as Botox®, Xeomin®, and Dysport® can also be injected to soften the wrinkles around the eyes, especially the crow’s feet (the laugh lines that appear on the outer corner of the eye). Laser skin treatments, alone or in conjunction with blepharoplasty can also soften wrinkles in the lower eyelids. Ask Dr. Abboud about the options available for lower eyelid rejuvenation during your consultation and together you can formulate a treatment plan that is most suitable for your features and your aesthetic desires.
5. Are there any risks to cosmetic eyelid surgery?
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, like any surgery, has risks. Minor side effects associated with blepharoplasty include temporary blurry or double vision, and temporary swelling or bruising. These, however, are part of the normal healing process after surgery and are often temporary as they typically resolve on their own. More serious risks include asymmetry, dry eyes, scarring, or pulling down of the lower eyelids. However, the more qualified and experienced your doctor is in eyelid surgery, the lower that risk. Permanent blindness and double vision are exceedingly uncommon and rarely do they happen in experienced hands. During your consultation, Dr. Abboud will thoroughly go over the risks of the surgery, particularly those pertaining to your procedure.
6. Will I be able to see after surgery?
Following your blepharoplasty, your vision may be temporarily blurry due to minor corneal swelling and the use of eye lubricants that we provide. However, your vision will recover fully in a few days. There will be no patches covering your eyes following surgery.
7. What is the recovery like for cosmetic eyelid surgery?
The recovery process is usually not extensive. There may be some swelling and bruising, but most people do not experience much pain. Application of ice packs and elevating your head can help reduce swelling and speed up recovery. While light activity and refraining from heavy lifting are recommended for 2 weeks following surgery, most patients may be able to return to work only a few days after surgery.
8. Will there be noticeable scars on my eyelids?
As with any surgical procedure, some scarring is to be expected. However, lower eyelid blepharoplasty can be performed either through an incision made on the inside of the eyelid (the pink part), which leaves no visible scars, or through an incision on the outside of the eyelid that is typically hidden underneath your eyelashes. Any resultant scars should be barely noticeable after healing. The approach Dr. Abboud chooses depends on the pre-operative assessment, your desires, and whether or not he will remove any redundant skin. Patients may see some redness around the incisions immediately following surgery, but this typically fades quickly in the weeks and months following surgery.
9. Are results of cosmetic blepharoplasty permanent?
The results of cosmetic blepharoplasty are designed to be long-lasting. Nevertheless, over time, the elasticity of your skin and the quality of your underlying fat and facial muscles will continue to change in response to aging and other environmental factors. Dr. Abboud recommends that patients protect the skin surrounding their eyes with routine moisturizing and sun protection in order to maintain the results of their eyelid surgery as long as possible.
10. Am I a candidate for lower eyelid blepharoplasty?
The most common candidates for lower eyelid blepharoplasty are men or women who notice wrinkles or puffy bags under their eyes, which may cause one to have an aged appearance. Ideal candidates for cosmetic lower eyelid blepharoplasty are non-smokers who are in good physical and mental health and who have realistic expectations about their results.
eyes look weird after blepharoplasty
As you begin counting down to your upcoming eyelid surgery, it can certainly be exciting to imagine your new and improved look. However, it is also important to think about the time after surgery and start preparing for a successful and comfortable recovery. This includes knowing what possible side effects to expect and how long they may last. Double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia and the expert team at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL are committed to providing exceptional patient care and service, including postoperative monitoring and follow-up, to ensure a speedy recovery and stunning result. Learn more about what to expect during blepharoplasty recovery here, including how long you may experience certain side effects, such as tightness around the eyes.
What is blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is a highly beneficial procedure designed to improve or correct certain cosmetic and/or functional complaints related to the upper and lower eyelids, including:
How is eyelid surgery performed?
Because everyone has their own unique set of concerns, goals, and anatomic features, blepharoplasty is custom-tailored to meet the needs of each patient. Depending on your case, you may need either upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or both. In most cases, blepharoplasty is performed on both eyes to ensure the closest possible symmetry and most aesthetically pleasing result possible. Generally speaking, eyelid surgery involves the following:
Eyelid surgery in Jacksonville, FL is typically performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and can take up to 1 – 3 hours to complete, depending on the complexity and nature of the case. The majority of patients are able to return home to begin their recovery the same day, though patients undergoing a combination facelift plus eyelid surgery may require an overnight stay.
How long is eyelid surgery recovery time?
Almost immediately after blepharoplasty, patients should expect some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Most men and women are able to resume the majority of their daily routines, including going to work, after about 1 – 2 weeks. Strenuous physical activity may be restricted for longer, however.
After about two weeks, the majority of bruising and swelling will have resolved, though some patients may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or tightness for a while longer.
During your initial consultation and preoperative appointments, Dr. Garcia will thoroughly discuss eyelid surgery aftercare and help you better understand what to expect during your recovery period.
How long should I have eyelid tightness after blepharoplasty?
In addition to eyelid numbness, temporary tightness around the eyes after blepharoplasty is an expected side effect. This may feel strange or even frightening at first, but rest assured that this is a normal postoperative effect that should subside with time. The majority of patients report tightness after eyelid surgery to last for about two weeks, though numbness or a change in eyelid sensation may last longer. Dr. Contoura will evaluate your healing and recovery process during your follow-up appointments to ensure everything is progressing appropriately. If you have any concerns about prolonged or exaggerated tightness after blepharoplasty, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon.
Turn back the clock and freshen up your look with blepharoplasty in Jacksonville, FL
As one of the most prominent and captivating features of the face, the eyes deserve to sparkle and stun. If you are frustrated by hanging eyelids or puffiness under your eyes that make you look older or more tired than you actually are, you may be a fantastic candidate for blepharoplasty. To learn more about the transformative benefits of Jacksonville, FL eyelid surgery, call the knowledgeable team at Contoura Facial Plastic Surgery in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roberto Garcia today. We look forward to helping you achieve the gorgeous look you’ve always wanted!