Eyelid Revision Surgery (Eyelid Crease Revision)
Eyelid revision surgery, sometimes known as eyelid crease revision, is a surgical option for people who have an existing asymmetry in the eyelid platform and/or are not satisfied with the outcome of a previous upper eyelid blepharoplasty. While Kahana Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery also performs the procedure for patients wishing to alter or augment their natural eyelid crease.
Eyelid height, contour and symmetry are critical to a good outcome after blepharoplasty surgery. When the result is suboptimal, there can be a visible difference in contour, lid height, and/or size of the platform (where makeup is placed). It can occur as a result of a variety of surgical issues. Repair can be quite complex and needs to be highly customized and individualized. Revision Eyelid Surgery is performed the correct such asymmetries, restoring symmetry and balance to a patient’s facial features.
Scarring is an inherent result of virtually any surgical process, including eyelid blepharoplasty. The beauty of this surgery is that in most cases, the scars align with the crease of the eyelid, becoming almost unnoticeable. But scarring can become prominent if there was a post-operative infection or an allergic reaction to a suture or poor incision design or poor closure technique. Revision surgery can reduce the scarring and improve the appearance of the eyelids.
After an upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery, the levator muscle may continue to pull on the upper eyelid, creating a droop. Errors made during blepharoplasty surgery can also lead to sagging eyelids. This condition can impair vision and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks such as driving a car or watching television. Eyelid revision surgery is designed to correct drooping, sagging eyelids and restore the appearance of the eye area.
Removing too much skin during blepharoplasty surgery can cause lagophthalmos, making it difficult to completely close the eyes. This can result in vision problems, dry eyes, and irritation. Eyelid revision surgery can correct lagophthalmos and restore proper eyelid function.
The type of corrective surgery performed varies depending on the complication that needs to be addressed and the condition of the eyelid. The solution could be as simple as removing fat and/or skin from one eyelid to improve symmetry or balance. Or it’s possible that ptosis (drooping eyelid) repair, scar revision, or a cheek or brow lift could be required. Other conditions may require procedures of greater complexity, including facial implants, tissue and/or skin grafts, or the placement of spacer grafts.
These are only a few of the many eyelid revision surgery options offered by Kahana Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery. The experience and expertise of Dr. Kahana will ensure that you receive the right procedure to restore the function, health, and appearance of your eyes.
The majority of eyelid revision surgeries require an initial recovery period of approximately two weeks. This might be longer than the recovery phase of your original eyelid surgery because the procedure is more complex and your tissues have undergone a previous healing process. There may be some swelling and bruising around your eyelids during this period, but you shouldn’t feel more pain than you experienced during the aftermath of your first procedure. Complete recovery usually takes a few months.
Be certain to follow your post-surgery instructions as prescribed by Kahana Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery. We recommend that you keep your incisions clean and avoid touching or rubbing the eyelid areas. This will help ensure a smooth recovery and an optimal outcome.
Finding the right specialist to address your specific needs is paramount, regardless of the type of surgery you seek. But when it comes to Revision Eyelid Surgery it’s absolutely crucial, as the technique is substantially more complex than the original procedure due to a number of reasons including the accumulation of scar tissue and an eyelid anatomy that was previously altered.
Training and experience are vitally important. Dr. Kahana, for example, has the rare distinction of a specialist with advanced training in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. He brings to the table over 20 years of proficiency in eye health and function—along with aesthetic expertise that comes with focusing specifically on the delicate eye area.
Revision Eyelid Surgery patients put their trust in Dr. Kahana and Kahana Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery because we’ve gained a solid reputation for our excellence in correcting mistakes and complications created by other facial plastic surgery providers. Additionally, as members of the Oculofacial Society, our surgeons are board-certified ophthalmologists committed to maintaining the highest standards of oculofacial plastic surgery.
Seeking out a surgeon Board-certified in ophthalmology and/or facial plastic surgery is a great place to start. Experience is important, as true proficiency in eyelid revision surgery is acquired through repetition. How long has the surgeon been in practice? How many revision surgeries are performed each year? Which type of revision surgeries are performed the most? How many revision surgeries identical to yours have been performed in the past six months?
These are just starter questions. Talk to the surgeon about your concerns and your desired results. What can be expected of this revision procedure? What are the potential risks and complications? In what ways will this surgery vary from the initial procedure? The answers to all of these questions will go a long way in determining whether or not you have confidence in the surgeon.
Also ask to see before-and-after photos of revision surgeries the surgeon has performed. Ask the surgeon if you can speak with patients that have received eyelid revision surgery. Feedback of this nature is a much better endorsement.
Eyelid revision surgery is a procedure to correct or improve the results of a previous eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). It addresses issues such as asymmetry, scarring, functional problems, or cosmetic concerns that resulted from the initial surgery.
You might consider revision surgery if you experience persistent issues after your initial procedure, such as asymmetrical eyelids, excessive scarring, difficulty closing your eyes completely, dry eye symptoms, or if you’re simply unsatisfied with the aesthetic outcome of your first surgery.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after your initial surgery before undergoing revision. This allows time for complete healing, swelling resolution, and for the final results of the first procedure to become apparent.
Yes, revision surgery is typically more complex than primary eyelid surgery because it involves working with tissue that has already been altered and may have scarring. This is why it’s especially important to choose a specialist with extensive experience in revision procedures.
Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the revision, but typically takes 1-3 weeks for most visible signs of surgery to subside. Complete healing may take several months, similar to the initial procedure.
Insurance coverage depends on whether the revision addresses a functional issue (like impaired vision or inability to close the eyes properly) rather than purely cosmetic concerns. Our office staff can help determine potential coverage based on your specific situation and insurance provider.
Look for a surgeon who specializes in complex oculoplastic procedures and has specific experience with revision surgeries. Board certification in ophthalmology and/or facial plastic surgery with additional training in oculoplastic surgery.
Revision techniques vary widely depending on the specific issues being addressed. They may include scar tissue release, fat grafting, skin grafting, canthoplasty (corner of the eye modification), or tissue rearrangement. Dr. Kahana will customize the approach based on your unique situation.
While revision surgery can significantly improve both function and appearance, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations. Perfect symmetry may not always be achievable, but substantial improvements are typically possible. During your consultation, Dr. Kahana will discuss what improvements you can reasonably expect.
There’s no set limit, but each successive surgery becomes more complex. Dr. Kahana carefully evaluates each case to determine if additional revisions would be beneficial or if alternative approaches might be more appropriate.
Your journey toward a fresh, rejuvenated look begins with a private consultation with Dr. Kahana at Kahana Oculoplastic and Orbital Surgery.
To schedule your evaluation, please call 248-800-1177 or click the link below
