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Dr. Wolf:
I had my eyes done about four weeks ago. I’m feeling some hard spots along the incisions, and my eyelids are still numb. Is this normal, or should I be concerned? Do I need to go back to my doctor?
This is an excellent question—and one I’m glad you asked. Many patients experience these sensations after eyelid surgery, but few think to ask about them.
When I perform upper eyelid surgery, I make a point of explaining what to expect during recovery. Swelling continues to improve gradually over six weeks and, in some cases, up to a year. Numbness of the eyelids is also common and typically lasts six to eight weeks.
The firmness you’re noticing around four weeks is expected. This is when the incision undergoes its maximum contraction as it heals. I routinely see patients at this stage to reassure them and explain these changes. Small, firm areas—sometimes described as little “balls,” especially toward the outer corners of the incision—usually soften and resolve on their own with time.
While some patients look terrific just one week after surgery, most will still have mild residual swelling that can persist for several months—and occasionally up to a year. That’s normal.
Temporary eye dryness is also common for six to eight weeks after surgery and almost always resolves. Artificial tears can be very helpful. I especially notice dryness in patients who spend long hours on computers after surgery. I encourage them to consciously blink more often to keep the eyes lubricated. In nearly all cases, this improves as healing continues, assuming no excessive skin was removed.
Lower eyelid surgery can involve some similar healing changes, although numbness is less common. Occasionally, patients may notice a temporary change in eye shape due to chemosis, which is swelling of the conjunctiva (the inner lining of the eye). This swelling can push the lower lid downward but typically resolves on its own over time.
The key to a smooth recovery from this very popular—and highly gratifying—procedure is simple: listen to your surgeon, ask questions, and be patient. Eyelid surgery has one of the highest satisfaction rates for both patients and surgeons, and most healing concerns resolve naturally with time and proper care.
If something doesn’t feel right, never hesitate to check in with your doctor—but based on what you’ve described, what you’re experiencing sounds entirely normal.
Dr. Carlos Wolf is a partner at Miami Plastic Surgery and is board certified. Email your questions to cwolf@miamiplasticsurgery.com or call 305-595-2969. You can also follow him on Instagram @CarlosWolfMD or visit www.miamiplasticsurgery.com.
