Restore comfortable eyelid closure and a natural appearance with upper eyelid retraction surgery by David Isaacs, MD, our expert dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon. This highly specialized procedure treats eyelid retraction, scleral show, lagophthalmos, high eyelid position, and upper eyelid ectropion, often caused by prior blepharoplasty or ptosis repair. Dr. Isaacs tailors each surgery to your unique anatomy and functional needs.
- Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery Treats
- Your Private Consultation With Dr. Isaacs
- Advantages of Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery
- Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Upper Eyelid Retraction Correction
- Non-Surgical Correction
- Levator Muscle Recession
- Muller’s Muscle Recession
- Scar Band Release
- FAQs
- Schedule Your Consultation
Correct “Wide-Eyed” Appearance
After Surgery
Upper eyelid retraction occurs when the upper eyelid is abnormally elevated, exposing too much of the eye and often creating a wide-eyed or startled appearance. This condition is commonly caused by surgical trauma from previous blepharoplasty or ptosis repair, leading to scar tissue formation, over-correction, or nerve and muscle damage. The retracted eyelid may tether upward due to contraction or tightness of the levator or Müller’s muscle, resulting in both cosmetic and functional concerns.
Eyelid retraction surgery aims to restore normal eyelid positioning and improve comfort and aesthetics. Dr. Isaacs typically relaxes or repositions the upper eyelid retractors, the levator and Müller’s muscles, either from inside the eyelid (via a hidden conjunctival incision) or through a fine external incision. In more complex cases, he may also release scar bands or use tissue-sharing techniques to correct tethering and achieve a smooth contour. Each procedure is tailored to your unique anatomy and symptoms.
Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery Treats:
- Upper eyelid retraction after blepharoplasty or ptosis repair
- Scleral show caused by elevated upper eyelid position
- Lagophthalmos or incomplete eyelid closure
- Ectropion of the upper eyelid
- Weak or reduced blinking function
- Ocular dryness, tearing, and irritation
- Discomfort from eyelid tightness or scarring
- Asymmetry between the upper eyelids
Your Private Consultation
With Dr. Isaacs
During your 90-minute consultation with Dr. Isaacs, you’ll receive his full attention as he listens to your concerns and reviews your surgical history. He will perform a thorough examination to assess eyelid position, muscle function, scarring, and blink mechanics. Using this information, he’ll walk you through the underlying causes of your condition and explain your options in detail. Dr. Isaacs then develops a highly customized surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Advantages of Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery:
- Restores natural eyelid position and contour
- Improves eyelid closure and blinking function
- Reduces dryness, tearing, and ocular irritation
- Enhances overall eye comfort and appearance
- Addresses asymmetry caused by prior surgery
- Minimizes visible scarring with hidden or discreet incisions
- Custom-tailored to your unique anatomy and needs
Dr. Isaacs’ Approach to Upper Eyelid
Retraction Correction
Dr. Isaacs takes a thoughtful, customized approach to correcting upper eyelid retraction. He identifies which structures (muscles, scar tissue, or previous incisions) are contributing to the retraction and determines the safest, least invasive method to restore a natural eyelid height, improve closure, and alleviate discomfort without causing new trauma.
Non-Surgical Correction
For mild cases or as an initial step, Dr. Isaacs may recommend non-surgical treatments for upper eyelid retraction. Lubricating eye drops, gels, or ointments help protect the ocular surface and alleviate symptoms such as dryness and irritation. In some cases, botulinum toxin injections may also be used to temporarily relax the muscles that elevate the upper eyelid. These treatments can help reduce discomfort and delay the need for surgery.
Levator Muscle Recession
The levator palpebrae superioris is the muscle responsible for lifting the upper eyelid. In many cases of retraction, this muscle has been overcorrected, tightened, or scarred during previous surgery. Dr. Isaacs can perform a levator recession to relax or reposition this muscle, lowering the eyelid to a more natural level. This can be done internally through a hidden incision on the inside of the eyelid or externally, depending on your anatomy and previous incisions.
Muller’s Muscle Recession
Müller’s muscle is a secondary eyelid retractor, and in some cases, it contributes to upper eyelid retraction. If Müller’s muscle is found to be excessively tight or scarred, Dr. Isaacs may recess or release it to reduce its lifting effect on the eyelid. This is performed through a conjunctival incision, allowing for a scarless correction from the inside. Adjusting Müller’s muscle can fine-tune eyelid height and symmetry when combined with levator recession.
Scar Band Release
In patients with significant scar tissue tethering the eyelid in an elevated position, Dr. Isaacs may release these adhesions to restore normal eyelid mobility. This may involve dissecting and separating the scar bands that limit eyelid descent and repositioning soft tissue to create a smoother contour.
In some cases, additional support such as a spacer graft or tarsal-sharing technique may be required to rebuild a stable eyelid platform.
Upper Eyelid Retraction Surgery FAQs
Can This Surgery Help With Dry Eyes or Irritation?
Yes. Many patients experience chronic dry eye, tearing, or redness due to incomplete eyelid closure or exposure of the sclera. By lowering the eyelid, upper eyelid retraction surgery helps protect the eye, restore proper blinking, and improve moisture retention.
Is There Visible Scarring After Surgery?
In most cases, Dr. Isaacs performs surgery through a hidden incision on the inside of your upper eyelid (a transconjunctival approach), which leaves no visible scar. If an external incision is required, it is placed within the natural eyelid crease and typically heals discreetly.
How Long is the Recovery?
Most patients return to light activity within a few days and see improvement in eyelid positioning and comfort within 2 to 3 weeks. Bruising and swelling gradually subside over several weeks, with full healing continuing for a few months.
Schedule Your Consultation
David Isaacs, MD, is a dual-fellowship trained oculofacial plastic surgeon specializing in complex eyelid revision procedures, including upper eyelid retraction correction. With fellowship training and an unmatched attention to detail, he takes the time to understand your concerns fully and customizes a safe, precise treatment plan tailored to your anatomy. If you’re struggling with symptoms or appearance changes after previous eyelid surgery, schedule your private consultation for upper eyelid retraction surgery in Beverly Hills today.
