Remaining Eyebag and Slight Asymmetry After Lower Blepharoplasty

I had a lower Blepharoplasty done 2 1/2 weeks ago where the incision was done on the outside corner of my lower lids. Before the surgery, I had a bigger eye bag under the left eye but my eyes were symmetrical. Now, 2 1/2 weeks later, I still have the bag under my left eye (some slight bruising still showing) and the left lower lid is slightly higher than the right (probably because of the skin that was excised). How can I tell if the left eye bag is still there or if it's just residual swelling?

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20 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sueesquisite in Commack,NY

Doctor Answers (20)
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Too early to tell final Blepharoplasty results

Sue, As most of the other partcipants have suggested, it's far too early to know what your final result will be. Fluid accumulation and bruising can often be noted for weeks to months post-op. Communicate your concerns with your surgeon - most surgeons welcome an open honest dialog. I often suggest light massage to the area of concern. A low-salt diet may be helpful with the fluid retention. The scarring along the incision line often takes months to soften up and mature, and the scar may... more

Need to give it more time

Unfortunately it is common to have swelling and mild asymmetry that early after surgery, particularly when a lower lid incision on the skin rather then on the inside of the eyelid has been performed. It is impossible to achieve complete symmetry in any plastic surgery procedure, but if you notice some mild asymmetry it probably will resolve. It will take several months before knowing the final result and any potential long term asymmetry that may result. Hopefully you will have an excellent... more

Patience is the toughest thing to have

Since your surgery was just performed, it is way to early to assess the long term results. Usually the 6 month timepoint is a good final result timepoint. Your doctor will likely have massage exercises for you to perform and may suggest injections, taping, etc. Once the final result has been achieved, hopefully you will be very satisfied with your result. If asymmetries are present, then the really tough decisions start. Revisional lower eyelid surgery is one of the hardest of all... more

Time will tell

At only 2.5 weeks after surgery, there is still substantial swelling present so it won't be possible to know the answer to your question for another 3-4 months. Stay in close touch with your surgeon and be patient and give it some time. It's too soon to be worried.

Eyelid healing takes time

After a blepharoplasty, like any surgery, there will be some swelling and bruising. The swelling and bruising may not be the same on each side, so you will see differences. Expect 3-6 weeks for most all of the swelling and bruising to go away - one side may clear up faster. Be patient and discuss your concerns with your doctor!

Wait for 4-6 weeks for evaluation after Blepharoplasty

I would recommend that you wait long enough for the swelling to resolve. Evaluation could be done following 4-6 weeks from surgery if necessary a revision could be done but not before 6 months.

Give it some time, communicate with your surgeon

Hi Sue, Like you've seen in most of the answers, the main thing here is to wait a couple of months and see how the swelling settles down. Very likely some of the differences you see from one side to the other will settle down. Obviously your anxious about the situation. The best way to overcome this is to communicate your concerns openly with your surgeon. He should have made clear prior to the surgery that there's a lot of variation in the healing process in different people,... more

The lower eyelids take several months for full healing

The lower eyelids take several months for full healing to settle in so that some residual edema, swelling, and bruising can be in effect for several weeks after the surgery. The goal for lower eyelid surgery is to remove fat bags, which are composed of fatty tissue underneath the eyelids. There are three fatty tissue bags in the lower lids and two in the upper lids. The bags are removed through an incision made inside the lower eyelid; this is referred to as transconjunctival approach. If... more

Keep the faith

Sue, As you can see from virtually every answer that you have received, it is WAY too early to start obsessing over your results. The effects of swelling and scarring are just beginning. Relax and trust in your surgeon. You must have trusted him/her before surgery. Keep the faith. Good luck!

Wait a bit longer

Like with any surgery, it is very difficult to evaluate the final result until the swelling has dissipated, and even then the results may not be fully present for several months. You really should give it some time to heal.