What to check before eyelid revision surgery
Eyelid revision involves more considerations than a first operation. What to prepare before the consultation, when revision is considered and what is assessed.
Because earlier surgery has altered the tissue, eyelid revision is more complex to plan than a first operation. Gathering information about the previous surgery and what bothers you now helps the assessment be accurate.
What to prepare
- Details of the previous surgery — when, which method (buried/incisional, ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty), how many times
- What bothers you now — crease height, loosening, asymmetry, scarring, difficulty opening the eyes, etc.
- Before and after photos — if you have them, they help compare the changes
- The direction you want — a lower crease, a more defined one, and so on
Timing
Revision is usually considered once the tissue has settled sufficiently after the earlier surgery. Revising too early can make the result hard to predict because of swelling and scar tissue. Timing is judged individually, considering age and the current state of the eyes.
What is considered
- how much skin remains and where the previous incision lies
- scar tissue and adhesions
- changes in lid-opening strength
- how much fat or tissue was removed previously
These conditions can limit how much revision can improve, so a realistic goal is set together at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
My crease has become too high — can it be lowered? Depending on the condition it may be possible, but the degree of improvement depends on the remaining skin and adhesions.
My buried-suture crease has loosened — can I have the buried method again? Depending on the eyelid, either the buried method is repeated or the incisional method is considered.