04 Feb What should be done in the event of an unsatisfactory result after blepharoplasty?
Article summary
After blepharoplasty, it sometimes only takes persistent swelling or asymmetry to think, “I regret my blepharoplasty,” even though healing is not yet complete.
Between what is normal at 10 days, what should raise concern, and what may truly justify a revision, it is easy to feel lost and worried—especially when your eyes no longer look like you. You will understand realistic timelines, the steps to take, and the correction options, along with their costs and recovery times.
Disappointing result or normal healing: how to tell the difference
After a blepharoplasty, the appearance of the eyelids can vary greatly during the first few weeks. A result that seems “botched” at first is often related to the healing process (swelling, bruising, tissue stiffness) rather than a permanent problem. The goal is to distinguish what falls within the scope of expected healing from what requires prompt medical advice from an ophthalmologist such as Dr Bela in Geneva.
Realistic timelines after blepharoplasty (swelling, bruising, temporary asymmetry)
In the first few days, the mirror can be worrying even when everything is progressing normally. Swelling, bruising, and temporary asymmetry are common, as each side does not always swell in the same way. In general, bruises change color and gradually fade, and swelling decreases significantly within 7 to 14 days.
However, the refinement of the eyelid contour and the appearance of the scar continue to evolve over a longer period: the area may remain slightly firm, pink, or irregular for several weeks. This is why the assessment of the result is best made over time, during follow-up consultations, once the tissues have stabilized.
| Often expected progression | Signs that may suggest a complication |
|---|---|
|
Variable swelling, mild pulling sensation |
Increasing pain, sudden tightness |
|
Bruising that shifts and changes color |
A hematoma that increases rapidly |
|
Slight asymmetry at the beginning |
Disturbed vision, difficulty closing the eye |
Warning signs that require prompt medical advice (unusual pain, vision issues, infection, bleeding)
Consult Dr Bela without delay in case of decreased vision, unusual or increasing pain, active bleeding, a rapidly enlarging hematoma, or if the eye becomes difficult to close. Warm, painful redness associated with discharge, or fever, may also suggest an infection. These situations must be assessed promptly, regardless of the surgical technique or type of anesthesia.
What a truly unsatisfactory result looks like (aesthetic vs functional)
A truly unsatisfactory result may be primarily aesthetic (marked hollowing, uneven crease, persistent asymmetry, or a scar that remains visibly noticeable) or functional. From a functional standpoint, the main issues include significant dry eye, incomplete eyelid closure, or eyelid malposition, sometimes at the outer corner, which may lead to discussion of a canthopexy or a canthoplasty. Options for improvement range from medical treatment of the ocular surface to targeted correction, or even filling with hyaluronic acid in selected cases and after stabilization.
Concrete steps to take if you regret your blepharoplasty
When and how to contact your surgeon again (photos, symptoms, follow-up schedule)
If the healing process worries you (discomfort, difficulty closing the eye, marked asymmetry, a scar that seems abnormal to you), contact your surgeon promptly rather than waiting for the next appointment. The goal is to confirm that this is expected healing, adjust care if necessary, and detect any complication.
To facilitate assessment, send clear photos taken under comparable conditions (front view, profile, eyes open and closed), with the date. Also describe your symptoms and how they are evolving: pain, sensation of dryness, blurred vision, degree of swelling or bruising, as well as any current treatments.
Useful medical assessment: eyelid examination, ocular surface, scars, and possible causes
During the consultation, the examination focuses on eyelid position, quality of closure, alignment of the eyelid margin, and the condition of the ocular surface (irritation, dryness).
The scar is assessed (thickness, redness, irregularities) as well as symmetry. The practitioner mainly seeks to identify the cause of the problem: prolonged inflammation, excess or lack of skin, retraction, or malposition sometimes requiring correction of the outer corner.
A touch-up or revision surgery is only planned after healing has stabilized, except in cases of functional emergency. In the meantime, symptom management (particularly dryness) can significantly improve comfort and protect the cornea.
Simple measures while waiting: care, eye protection, what is best to avoid
While awaiting medical advice, keep the area clean according to post-operative instructions, protect yourself from sun and wind, and moisturize the eye if dryness occurs (artificial tears, as recommended).
Avoid massaging a recent scar without the surgeon’s guidance, as well as self-medication that could increase the risk of bleeding (certain anti-inflammatory drugs or anticoagulants), and limit intense physical activity that may worsen swelling.
If a minor correction is being considered, it should be discussed on a case-by-case basis after examination. For administrative aspects (estimate, revision, coverage conditions), ask the clinic for a clear written document.
Correction options: non-surgical touch-ups vs surgical revision
Non-surgical treatments (scar care, injections, laser): for which cases
When discomfort is related to a scar that is still inflammatory, superficial irregularities, or mild asymmetry that is improving, a non-surgical approach may be sufficient. Scar care (according to the surgeon’s advice) mainly targets skin quality and minor irregularities.
In selected cases, hyaluronic acid injections can reduce moderate hollowing, while certain lasers may improve the color or texture of a scar, only after sufficient healing and when indicated during consultation.
Surgical revision: indications, ideal timing, expected recovery
Revision surgery is considered if the problem is structural or functional: persistent excess skin, retraction, eyelid malposition, or sequelae requiring a precise procedure. Depending on the examination, a canthopexy or canthoplasty may be proposed to stabilize the outer corner.
Timing is generally dictated by tissue maturation: most often, healing must be stabilized before reoperating, except in situations requiring more rapid management. Recovery may be simpler than the initial procedure, but new swelling and a period of social downtime are still possible.
How to choose the best option in Geneva: criteria, budget, expectations, and second opinion
The choice depends primarily on the mechanism identified during examination, the time since surgery, and the aesthetic or functional impact. A second opinion from a surgeon experienced in revision procedures, such as Dr Bela, can help confirm the diagnosis, discuss alternatives, and obtain a realistic estimate of the expected benefits and limitations. Regarding costs, the strategy and administrative framework vary depending on the situation and contracts; clarify the proposed plan, timelines, and estimate before making any decision.