With nearly 10 years of experience in the cosmetic industry, Dr. Xuan Quan has helped thousands of clients improve their appearance and overcome eye-related problems. The inability to close the eyes after eyelid surgery is a common concern for many people, causing them to worry about safety and long-term results. Join Dr Xuan Quan Clinic in this article to learn about the causes, solutions, and whether revision surgery is necessary.
Reasons why eyelids cannot close after blepharoplasty
The inability to close the eyelid completely after eyelid surgery is a fairly common complication. The most common cause is that the surgeon removes too much excess skin or fat, creating a crease that is too large or too small, causing the eyelid to become stiff and unable to close completely.
Other cases occur when the sutures affect the levator muscle, causing dysfunction in the opening and closing of the eye. Additionally, people with congenital protruding eyes or deep eye sockets who undergo eyelid surgery are also prone to experiencing eyelid retraction after surgery.
Besides these main causes, other factors such as infection, post-operative inflammation and swelling, lack of eyelid fat due to excessive removal, or asymmetrical removal of skin and fat on both sides can also prevent the eyelid from closing completely.
Some mild cases are simply due to post-operative swelling and may resolve on their own, but most causes related to surgical technique require prompt examination and intervention.

The severity of eyelid retraction complications
Post-blepharoplasty complications can cause serious problems if not detected and treated promptly. This condition directly affects aesthetics and can lead to dry eyes, infections, or reduced ability to close the eyes completely, impacting quality of life.
Early and proper treatment is crucial to prevent long-term complications.
If these symptoms appear, especially after blepharoplasty, you should seek immediate medical attention to avoid long-term complications.
Can eyelid surgery that prevents me from closing my eyes be corrected?
If you experience difficulty closing your eyes after eyelid surgery, correction is entirely possible. Depending on the severity of the complication, the doctor will assess the situation and provide an appropriate treatment plan. Usually, eyelid revision surgery can restore normal eye-closing function and improve aesthetics.
However, to ensure the best results, it is essential to seek out doctors with expertise and experience in the field of cosmetic eye surgery.
How to fix the problem of being unable to close your eyes after eyelid surgery
When experiencing eyelid surgery and inability to close the eyes, proper and timely treatment is crucial for the eyelid’s recovery.
Early stage home care
For mild cases of cleft eyelids or recent surgery, you can apply self-care measures to reduce discomfort and help your eyes recover:
- Moisturize the cornea: Apply artificial tears during the day and eye ointment at night to avoid dryness.
- Massage – eyelid muscle training: Brush your eyelids down every 5 minutes and perform the exercise of closing your eyes tightly for 10 seconds/time, 10 times, 3 – 4 times/day to help your eyelid muscles become more flexible.
- Warm compress: Maintain for the first 3 months to soften the eyelid skin and increase elasticity.
- Eye protection: Wear glasses when going out, avoid dust, wind and dry environments.

Consult a doctor and receive specialized treatment when necessary
If the inability to close the eyelid after surgery persists or worsens, a doctor’s examination is mandatory to avoid corneal damage. The doctor will assess the degree of eyelid retraction:
- Mild eyelid retraction: You will be advised to increase moisturizing, use proper massage techniques, and monitor the situation further.
- Moderate to severe eyelid retraction: Surgical correction may be necessary, such as scar release, eyelid skin grafting, lowering the levator muscle, or repositioning fat to reconstruct the eyelid.
Especially if the eye is wide open, severely dry, irritated, sensitive to light, or painful, you should not attempt self-treatment to avoid the risk of corneal inflammation and vision loss.
Solutions for examination and correction of botched eyelid surgery at Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic.
At Dr. Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic, cases of eyelid surgery that prevent the eyelid from closing properly are received and treated according to a specialized protocol, ensuring corneal safety and restoring natural eyelid function.
Clients will be examined directly by Dr. Xuan Quan, who has nearly 10 years of experience in non-invasive cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures. Dr. Xuan Quan graduated from Hanoi Medical University and has studied and trained in developed countries in the field of aesthetics.
With extensive knowledge of eyelid tissue structure and the mechanism of upper eyelid movement, the doctor will base the treatment on each client’s specific condition, such as the degree of eyelid retraction, the amount of excess skin removed, or damage to the levator muscle, to provide a personalized intervention method that best suits each case.
With a modern equipment system and a standardized sterile procedure, Dr. Xuan Quan applies many advanced corrective techniques to safely restore eyelids, minimizing invasiveness. Procedures such as scar release, eyelid fat grafting, levator muscle reduction, or eyelid crease reconstruction are meticulously performed to restore the softness and natural opening and closing ability of the eyes.
Thanks to precise techniques and experience in handling complex complications, the facility has helped many clients regain harmonious, expressive eyes and avoid the risk of long-term corneal damage.

Cost of surgical correction for eyelid complications
At Xuan Quan Aesthetic Clinic, the cost for corrective surgery for eyelid complications is 12 million VND. The surgery is guaranteed for 6 months, with long-lasting and safe results. After 7 days, the stitches will be removed and the results will be monitored to ensure complete recovery.
Frequently asked questions about eyelid surgery and inability to close eyes
Is it necessary to wait 3-6 months after eyelid surgery to have it corrected?
It’s not necessary to wait 3-6 months before correction. However, after eyelid surgery, if you experience complications such as inability to close your eyes, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Correction can be done immediately after the incision heals, depending on the specific condition of each patient.
Can the inability to close eyes be completely resolved?
With modern eyelid correction techniques and the intervention of experienced doctors, the inability to close eyes can be completely corrected. However, the results depend on the severity of the complications and post-operative care.
Does the inability to close eyes after eyelid surgery affect long-term health?
If not treated promptly, the inability to close eyes can cause dry eyes, infection, or affect vision. However, with proper corrective surgery, these problems can be completely resolved.
How to avoid the complication of being unable to close your eyes after eyelid surgery?
To avoid this complication, choosing a highly qualified doctor and a reputable cosmetic clinic is crucial. Simultaneously, strictly following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments on time will help reduce the risk of experiencing the problem of being unable to close your eyes.
The above information covers important aspects of the inability to close eyes after eyelid surgery, its causes, and safe solutions. If you experience this problem, you should seek prompt examination at a specialized facility for proper assessment and treatment, ensuring your eyes recover naturally and healthily.
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