I had one of my upper eye lids lifted just a little, to match my other eye lid. Now after one week, I'm still noticing that the swelling comes and goes after sleeping. I'm wondering if my doctor injected some kind of saline or some kind of filler because if I lay down, it becomes swollen all over again, just on that one side of my face. Half my face is swollen and the swelling seems to move around on that one side of my face only!
upper eyelid swelling is not abnormal after blepharoplasty for up to 6-8 weeks. cold or warm compresses, reducing activity level, and rest helps resolves this. Obviously, you also need to see your plastic surgeon to make sure that you don't have an infection, etc. Finally, anti-inflammatory eyedrops might also help.
yours,
Sean Younai, MD, from beautifulfigure.com
Hi Freakin',
No need to keep freaking out. Be patient and the swelling will resolve. I agree with the other docs answers. Sometimes it takes a little time for the lymphatic vessels to re-establish their connections.
Try to continue sleeping with your head elevated on a few pillows so that your eyes are above the level of your heart. You may also try Bromelene (pineapple extract) or daily fresh pineapple, along with other anti-oxidant foods (berries, etc.). Some patients swear by Arnica.
Also limit your alcohol intake and smoking as they both retard healing. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
Swelling is normal after upper eyelid surgery, and may last longer than a week in many cases. Most commonly, the swelling is worse when patients awake from sleep, since their heads and faces are at the same level as the heart. Typically, as patients remain upright over the course of the day, the swelling diminishes because the lymphatic tissue fluid that has built up overnight can now drain away from the eyelids with the assistance of gravity, so the swelling is usually at it's minimum just before bedtime.
http://www.plasticsurgery90210.com/facial_cosmetic/blepharoplasty.html
Your doctor would not have injected filler into your face without your consent. As the tissues gradually heal and regain their normal lymphatic connections, the swelling dimishes and your eyelids will no longer appear puffy in the mornings any more than the usual.
While swelling after any surgery is of course normal, it would be best to see your doctor to make sure you have not developed an infection in the operated area. It is a bit unusual to see significant swelling in the face a week after a simple blepharoplasty.
If there is no evidence of an infection, he may recommend warm or cool compresses and elevation of the head at nighttime. You may also want to discuss with him your activity level (i.e. working out), which can worsen early postoperative swelling.
Contact the doctor
