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Chemosis

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Restore clarity by addressing chemosis, a condition characterized by the eye appearing swollen, irritated, and jelly-like. You may notice excessive tearing, difficulty blinking, or a puffy membrane around the eye. As a dual-fellowship trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. David Isaacs offers minimally invasive solutions to resolve chemosis quickly and restore natural function.

Relieve Irritation and Improve Healing

Chemosis is a condition in which the conjunctiva, the thin, transparent tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelid, becomes swollen, inflamed, and filled with fluid. It often presents with a jelly-like bulge around the eye, discomfort, tearing, and difficulty blinking. Chemosis can occur after eyelid surgery due to disrupted lymphatic drainage, tissue irritation, or excessive surgical trauma. While not dangerous, it can significantly affect comfort and appearance, sometimes lasting weeks or even months without proper treatment.

However, Dr. Isaacs’ patients rarely get chemosis because he uses advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques. By using transconjunctival incisions, preserving eyelid support structures, and minimizing tissue disruption, he ensures optimal healing with minimal swelling. His precision and conservative approach allow for faster recovery and significantly lower the likelihood of post-operative complications like chemosis.

Common Symptoms of Chemosis:

  • Swollen, jelly-like appearance around the eye
  • Excessive tearing or watery eyes
  • Irritation or a gritty sensation
  • Difficulty or discomfort when blinking
  • Partial eyelid closure or exposure
  • Puffy, fluid-filled conjunctivae visible near the eyelids

Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Chemosis Treatment

Whether caused by allergies, irritation, or post-surgical swelling, chemosis can be frustrating and persistent. Without treatment, chemosis can linger for weeks or even months. For patients who develop chemosis, Dr. Isaacs offers advanced, customized treatments to resolve the issue quickly and restore normal eyelid function. With Dr. Isaacs’ intervention, most cases are resolved within a week.

Medication-Based Treatment

For mild to moderate cases, Dr. Isaacs typically starts with a targeted regimen of medications to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Lubricating eye drops and ointments help soothe the irritated tissue and reduce dryness, while anti-inflammatory drops decrease swelling. In cases where fluid retention persists, oral medications may be prescribed to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce puffiness. This tailored, conservative approach is effective for many patients and often prevents the need for further intervention.

Minimally Invasive Suture Placement

For persistent or severe cases, Dr. Isaacs offers an in-office procedure that involves placing one or two tiny sutures on the inside of the eyelid. These gently reposition the swollen conjunctiva, allowing trapped fluid to drain and restoring the tissue to its normal position. The technique is quick, requires no general anesthesia, and often resolves the issue within a week. Because Dr. Isaacs performs this procedure with exceptional precision, most patients experience rapid relief with minimal discomfort and no visible scarring.

Schedule Your Consultation

David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon known for his meticulous, minimally invasive techniques and conservative approach to eyelid surgery. By preserving natural anatomy and minimizing tissue trauma, Dr. Isaacs significantly reduces the risk of complications like chemosis and offers rapid, effective treatment when it does occur. If you’re experiencing persistent eye swelling, irritation, or post-surgical puffiness, schedule a consultation for chemosis in Beverly Hills today.

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