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Lumps and Swelling After Blepharoplasty

I am a young woman who had upper and lower eyelid surgery almost 1 month ago. After 10 days, a lump formed in the bottom right corner of my right eye. My surgeon then gave me a steroid shot in the area, and within 2 days, it went down, but still slightly puffy. Now, the lower left eye has swollen drastically. 3 weeks after surgery, I am going in for another steroid shot. I did everything I was told to do and my lower lids were really not so bad to begin with. Is this normal?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by beastyfeasty in NYC

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Should settle down in a couple months

The small lumps that can occur after the incision are due to lymphatic edema or a small amount of scar tissue in the eyelids. Cortisone shots are very helpful in softening these little lumps and will aid in the healing process if placed correctly. Since it has only been a month from this surgery, the eyelid incisions are not fully healed and will probably take another couple of months for that incision to settle down.

Lower lid surgery can have some of the longest recovery times

It really depends on what was done, but I always caution patients that lower lid surgery often takes a couple of months before the swelling is completely gone and you can truly assess your surgical result. Try to be patient and work with your surgeon.

One month out from eyelid surgery this can be normal healing

The inflammation and wound healing that accompanies surgery of the lower lid can take a long time to simmer down. The only other concern is whether or not this can represent a reaction to stich placement. I would ask you surgeon about that.

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Not normal.

Hi. Steroid injections can have their own problems because they cause tissue atrophy. My advice is : leave things alone for a few weeks. Then, if you still have a lump, the question is : what exactly is this sudden swelling? What is the diagnosis? It is certainly unusual. The fact that you are seeking help from us means that your surgeon is not making you feel secure. Don't hesitate to get another opinion. Sometimes, it's the best thing for both of you.

This type of healing is not unusual.

Dear Beastyfeasty Surgery of this magnitude involves long term swelling and a lumpy bumpy phase. The steroids help speed up the resolution of the swellling but ultimately this swelling will settle down on its own pace. In fact, it is probably better to give yourself permission to be a little swollen during the first two months after surgery and not have the steroids. Steroids are not like vitamins. They can cause fat atrophy and thinning of the skin. These problems don't always occur... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

New swelling 3 weeks after blepharoplasty is unusual

Your history sounds a bit unusual. Usually swelling continues to go down after 3 weeks post blepharoplasty. You need to discuss this with your doctor. If you have a localized firm mass similar to what you had on the right side, then steroid injection may help. However diffuse swelling may just be fluid accumulation. Steroid injections must be used judiciously-steroids dissolve fat and can cause depressions. Discuss all of this with your doctor

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