Karan Chopra™ M.D.

How to fix botched
upper eyelid surgery

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If you’re unhappy with the initial results achieved with eyelid surgery, I hear you—unfortunately, many patients have poor experiences with negligent or inexperienced surgeons. 

The good news is that a revision eyelid surgery can improve your vision and restore your confidence. I understand if you feel nervous about getting another surgery after what happened the first time, but today I’d like to share the potential benefits of trying again.

Revision upper blepharoplasty is among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. Let’s explore what this surgery is, its benefits, what you should consider before making this choice, and much more.

It’s time to reclaim your confidence (and the sparkle in your eye!)

What is Revision Upper Blepharoplasty, and What Are Its Benefits?

Blepharoplasty is the name given to a procedure in which a surgeon trims away excess skin, muscle, and fatty deposits from the upper eyelid.

Revision upper blepharoplasty—also called eyelid revision surgery—is a secondary surgical intervention. It aims to rectify any complications that have emerged, improving the outcome of the first surgery.

You might opt for a revision if…

  • Your initial blepharoplasty didn’t meet expectations
  • Loose or drooping skin disrupts the natural contour of your upper eyelid
  • Excessive skin obstructs or hinders your vision
  • Your eyelids appear asymmetrical
  • You have excess fatty tissue that makes your eyelids appear puffy
  • You have other complications on your eyelids that you want to correct

This is a highly customizable surgery with many benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Permanent Results

You don’t need to worry about shelling out more money for another revision after this. The results of a revision are generally permanent. 

It’s a lasting transformation toward a consistently fresh-faced look. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that while the procedure can offer improvements, it does not halt the natural aging process.

Additionally, lifestyle choices can influence the longevity of the results. For example, smokers have an increased risk of complications. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions!

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Refinement and Correction Opportunity

If a previous blepharoplasty failed to meet your expectations or you experienced complications, revision surgery can improve your results. The process will be fine-tuned so the results are tailored to your aesthetic goals.

One common complaint is too much excess skin left behind. In this case, I will carefully help revise the prior upper eyelid blepharoplasty to safely contour the upper eyelids so that you have a crisp upper eyelid. Sometimes, the complaint is not about skin, but about extra fat being left behind in which case I will use the existing scar and contour the fat pads to reduce the bulging that is bothersome. On the other hand, if too much fat is removed from the upper eyelids then it can create a problem known as an “A-Frame Deformity” which is usually a mix of too much skin and too much fat being removed. In this case, I will typically use fat injections from your own body to gently revolumize the upper eyelids and correct the A Frame deformity. 

For the lower eyelids, one big issue is ectropion or scleral show. This happens when too much lower eyelid skin is removed and the lower eyelid pulls down or away from the eye ball during the healing phase. Typically, if this is addressed early, it can be managed nonsurgically with a few trick such as steroid injections, massage, taping, and tarsorrhaphy sutures. If you’ve had this problem for over 6 to 9 months and have not had success with the nonsurgical management, then I will typically perform an ectropion repair surgery. This involves treating the skin, septum, and muscles to recreate the height of the lower eyelid.  

Confidence Boost

Eyelid surgery can reshape your life just as much as it reshapes your eyelids. Shedding the excess skin and puffiness can reveal a more confident and lively version of yourself, influencing your self-perception and how others see you.

Upper Blepharoplasty Revision is Safe

Blepharoplasty is typically a safe procedure, especially if you choose a skilled and experienced surgeon. Revision patients tend to recover even faster than the first time since the revision is usually very targeted. I would plan for about a week of social downtime.

Youthful Eyes

As gravity and time work against us, our eyelids can be one of the first indicators of age. By excising  loose skin and sculpting a fresh eye contour, an upper blepharoplasty can dial back the years—letting your bright, youthful eyes shine through.

Appear Less Tired

Persistent heavy eyelids can make you look tired. Following a revision upper eyelid surgery, you’ll look more awake and alert. If your droopy eyes are related to upper eyelid ptosis, then I will perform a ptosis repair which is done via a technique known as a tarsolevator advancement. In this procedure, I tighten the tendon of the levator muscle that controls your upper eyelid opening and closing mechanisms. Another way to nonsurgically open up your eyes is with the use of Upneeq drops.

Correct Visual Impairments

For those obstructed by their eyelids, upper blepharoplasty can restore a full range of sight, improving day-to-day activities that were once hindered by impaired vision.

Minimal Scarring

In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, incisions are discreet, resulting in scars that blend into the natural creases of your eyelids. Minimal scarring means the secret to your youthful eyes can remain just that—a secret.

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What Should I Consider Before Choosing Revision Upper Blepharoplasty?

While there isn’t an ideal age for undergoing the first eyelid lift, most individuals opting for this procedure typically fall within the range of their mid-30s to late-50s. The decision often revolves around the signs of aging themselves.

It’s essential to have realistic expectations and ensure both you and the doctor are on the same page before committing to a revision surgery:

  • I recommend waiting at least 6 to 9 months before getting a revision blepharoplasty. This is because the eyelid tissue and skin are exquisitely prone to swelling and scarring and this inflammatory response softens after the initial healing phase. 
  • By performing the surgery at least 6 or 9 months after the initial surgery, I am able to perform the revision surgery with more natural appearing tissues and this allows for a more definitive repair and it’s also safer. 
  • Another reason I like to wait at least 6 months before a revision is because many minor issues resolve over the first 6 months and going back in for a revision while you’re still improving can lead to unnecessary downtime and risk. 

What Are the Possible Side Effects and Risks?

Any surgical procedure, no matter how skilled or experienced the surgeon, carries potential risks. However, a highly skilled and experienced surgeon minimizes all of them.

Even if you already have experience with upper blepharoplasty in the past, it’s always important to be aware of its potential issues:

 

  • Bleeding and hematomas (pockets of blood) may form in the eyelid area. Although this is quite rare, itmay be necessary to seek additional treatment if this occurs.
  • Infection is rare and if this happens, a short course of oral antibiotics usually clears this up very easily.
  • Scarring—however, these generally fade with time and become less noticeable since they are carefully placed in the upper eyelid tarsal crease.
  • Temporary changes in eyelid sensation, such as numbness or sensitivity, which normalize within a few weeks or months.
  • Dry eyes, that lubricating eye drops or ointments will quickly resolve.
  • Difficulty closing eyes, which is rare and usually related to normal post-surgery swelling which resolves on its own.
  • Asymmetry in the appearance of the eyelids—but this is less likely to happen if you choose an experienced surgeon (like me!)
  • Temporarily blurred vision or other changes are typically related to the ointment causing blurriness because it’s oily. Therefore, I typically recommend using artificial tears during the day and ointments in the evening right before bed.

What are the Post-Treatment Care Instructions For Revision Upper Blepharoplasty?

Post-treatment care is the phase where your body recuperates, heals, and gradually reveals the beautiful results of revision blepharoplasty.

It doesn’t matter if it’s revision surgery and you have a renowned surgeon performing it—you should always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions and follow these general tips, such as:

  • Shield your eyes from sunlight until the end of the healing process.
  • Adhere to all wound care instructions meticulously, including the application of the prescribed eye ointment.
  • Avoid any activities that might cause injury to the eyes. (Don’t rub them!)
  • Use cool compresses to alleviate temporary irritation, discomfort, and feelings of dryness.
  • Promptly notify your healthcare provider of any instances of bleeding, severe pain, or unusual symptoms.
  • Keep calm, and expect discomfort and swelling around the eye to persist for several weeks.

Dr. Chopra's Expertise in Revision Upper Blepharoplasty, Miami's Top Choice

You don’t want to mess with your eyes, so you need to choose a surgeon who is specialized in revision upper blepharoplasty.

 

Now, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Dr. Karan Chopra, board-certified plastic surgeon and facial surgery expert.

Unlike many practitioners, I specialize in revisions, fixing previous surgeries, and delivering natural results. I have over 12 years of surgical experience and 8 years of surgical training. 

I completed an accredited medical program, performed over 1,000 procedures, and trained in plastic surgery at one of the top global universities, Johns Hopkins University. After my residency at Johns Hopkins, I went on to perform a dedicated fellowship in Oculoplastic Surgery with one of the most skilled eyelid surgeons, Dr. Mark Codner in Atlanta, Georgia. 

If the results of your initial blepharoplasty did not meet your expectations, ask me for a revision upper blepharoplasty. My goal is to perfect and enhance the initial changes, making sure you are satisfied, delighted, and happy with your appearance.

Let’s talk about how we can revitalize your eyes and restore your natural beauty with a revision upper blepharoplasty. 

Further Reading about Facial Plastic
Surgery Procedures

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