The Comprehensive Management of Chemosis following Cosmetic Lower Blepharoplasty

Abstract

Chemosis is a common complication of lower blepharoplasty. Pharmacologic, mechanical, and surgical therapies may be used alone or in combination for the successful management of chemosis. Prevention by minimization of triggering factors intraoperatively and immediately postoperatively is important.

Dry Eye Symptoms and Chemosis Following Blepharoplasty

“…Chemosis following blepharoplasty has been more consistently reported in the surgical literature, with incidences ranging from 1% to approximately 12%. 18,22,23 The pathogenesis of chemosis is not clearly understood but may be due to exposure, edema, or lymphatic disruption. 22 Postoperative lagophthalmos may lead to desiccation of the conjunctiva, which may cause fluid extravasation into the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera.…”

“…18,22,23 The pathogenesis of chemosis is not clearly understood but may be due to exposure, edema, or lymphatic disruption. 22 Postoperative lagophthalmos may lead to desiccation of the conjunctiva, which may cause fluid extravasation into the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera. The lymphatic system of the eyelids, which is formed along the tarsal borders and drains into the preauricular and submandibular nodes, 22 can also be disrupted by skin-muscle flap elevation in lower eyelid blepharoplasty.…”

“…22 Postoperative lagophthalmos may lead to desiccation of the conjunctiva, which may cause fluid extravasation into the space between the conjunctiva and the sclera. The lymphatic system of the eyelids, which is formed along the tarsal borders and drains into the preauricular and submandibular nodes, 22 can also be disrupted by skin-muscle flap elevation in lower eyelid blepharoplasty. The objectives of this study were to examine outcomes among long-term blepharoplasty data to better understand the incidence of and risk factors associated with DES and chemosis.…”

Comparison between two surgical techniques for lower eyelid rejuvenation: safety analysis and outcomes

“…In two patients the scars were hypochromic and in another one there was a hypertrophic scar; however, no scar revision was performed. The mechanism of chemosis is poorly understood; it is believed that surgical dissection causes conjunctival edema from increased vascular permeability and dissection of lymphatic venous channels [30]. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of chemosis between the two different surgical groups in this study.…”

Step-by-Step Treatment of Post-blepharoplasty Chemosis

“…Conjunctivoplasty has been reported by Weinfeld et al ( 2008 ). This procedure can be done in the offi ce and consists of making small snips in the conjunctiva affected by chemosis, in order to induce scarring between the conjunctiva and the sclera (Fig.…”