Graves and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hello, 

I have been living with Graves/hyperthyroidism for 2 years now. I’m  euthyroid (all blood lab in normal range) and on a very low dose of antithyroid meds for maintenance.

I’m considering getting eyelid surgery for cosmetic reasons (born with hooded lids) I do not have TED but I do have graves so wondering if getting eyelid surgery may or may not affect me due to my condition. Anyone with experience and advice is welcome please smile

Thanks in advance! 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    I don't know if I can answer your question.  I had eyelid surgery twice, once when I was in my mid twenties for both upper and lower lids (doctor said he had never seen so much skin!) and again upper lids in my early forties (before I had Graves).  I was happy both times after getting this done.  I am sure though your surgeon would be examining your eyes for everything.  I would make sure your surgeon knows you have Graves and ask him or her if you have any signs of Graves ophthalmology.  If you do, you can have both surgeries done at the same time.  If you don't have eye swelling or protruding, and your thyroid values are in good range, since eyelid surgery mainly involves the excision of excessive skin, I don't see that there would be any problem for  you to have this but your surgeon can really advise you if you ask about this.  

    • Posted

      Actually Linda you totally answered my question lol. I’ll def let the surgeon know  I have graves. On his website it says he sometimes send patients to an ophtamologist first but good to hear that you’ve had it done and graves hasn’t affected your eyes (or the other way around).

    • Posted

      On a different note, how was recovery for eyelid surgery and were you happy with your results? 
    • Posted

      I was very happy with my eyelid results both times.  However, I live in Toronto where there are many good teaching hospitals and many specialists.   In my twenties, I had a bout of depression and lost weight and had very baggy eyelids.  People always commented that I looked tired.  On the day of surgery, a Friday, I went home with two incredible shiners and I put a lot of ice on them and when I returned on Tuesday to see the doc, he was astounded because the bruising had all gone.  For the second one in my 40's for only upper lids, I really hated the way the upper lids looked and thought they really aged me.  Afterwards I was very pleased with the results.  However, I did research and interview a few surgeons before I selected one.  I trusted my instincts about my choices.  There's a website that rates MD's here and if you have something similar where you live, it would be good to see other patient's opinions of your surgeon and to perhaps meet a couple of them before you make your choice.

    • Posted

      I’m in Toronto too! Any recommendations? I have one cosmetic doctor who I regularly see (for other stuff) but would like to get a second opinion.

      Thanks for your insight! This actually made me feel better about getting eyelid surgery. 

    • Posted

      I sent you a private email.  I am not sure if it went through or whether you got it.  If not, please let me know.
  • Posted

    Sorry I used a wrong word.  It's Graves ophthalmopathy not ophthalmology.  The dictionary correction of my email was not correct!

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