Cosmetic Question: I had a mid-face lift through an eyelid incision. Now one eyelid is pulled down. How long does it take for this to go away?
Cosmetic Answer:
The mid-face lift is an excellent operation, but distortion of the lower lid is one of its complications.
You may have a problem called ectropion. Ectropion is the pulling down of the eyelid by a scar. When this surgery is done, a scar is left in the middle layer of the eyelid (middle lamella). This is where the eyelid meets the muscle. Ectropion occurs because the eyelid is weak and the pull of the scar is strong.
Mild ectropion after surgery often corrects itself. You should see improvement no later than 3 months after surgery and continued improvement for another 6 months. However, until the ectropion is gone the eye will be over-exposed and this can result in dry eye. The eyelid may need support with tape until the ectropion subsides. The dry eye may need to be treated with Natural Tears preservative free eye drops every 2 hours during the day and at night Lacrilube preservative free eye ointment applied before bed.
Ectropion can be severe and require the affected eye to be patched. If it is severe, a surgery that involves a wide release of the scar and possibly a small graft would need to be done.
If the surgeon who did your mid-face lift is not concerned, you should get a second opinion at once to have the problem treated. Informed and experienced plastic surgeons always take ectropion seriously.