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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15 answers to “Remaining eyebag and slight...”

A: Wait for 4-6 weeks for evaluation after Blepharoplasty

By Hisham Seify, MD, PhD - Orange County Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Too early to tell final Blepharoplasty results

By Wilfred Brown, MD - Connecticut Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Give it some time, communicate with your surgeon

By Paul L. Leong, MD - Pittsburgh Facial Plastic 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... more

A: The lower eyelids take several months for full healing

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Need to give it more time

By Samson Lee, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

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... more

A: Patience is the toughest thing to have

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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,... more

A: Keep the faith

By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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!

A: Wait a bit longer

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Everyone wants immediate gradification - just needs more time

By Jeffrey Zwiren, MD - Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

You are still very early in the healing process and you need to give it more time. I usually advocate early gentle massage of the lower eyelid from medial to lateral. This generally helps to keep the lower lid supple. As far as the asymmetry, this is extremly normal and will just take more time to resolve. ... more

A: Don't Bag on Your Surgeon Just Yet

By Athleo Louis Cambre, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

At just over two weeks after Blepharoplasty surgery, it is normal to have some asymmetry. This may affect both the skin and the fat of the lower eyelids, and may also affect the shape of the eye. There can be more swelling or bruising on one side versus the other, even if the identical procedure was... more

More answers to Remaining eyebag and slight asymmetry after lower Blepharoplasty
Dallas - Difficult to tell
Los Angeles - Too Early to Tell
New York City - Give it some more time
Seattle - Time will tell

Comments

aliu
109 posts
6 Nov 2008

I understand your concerns regarding what you are seeing as a post-op result so far. You are still early in the healing process so the final results are not going to be known for at least a few more weeks. Swelling versus residual fat can sometimes be differentiated by pressing gently on that area. If an small indentation is obvious right away, then it is likely swelling which will go away. If it bounces right back or feels firm, especially if you squeeze your eyes and press, it is probably residual fat. Healing is like snowflakes; everyone is different. Some patients heal within 1-2 weeks while some can take several months. The most important thing is to follow-up with your surgeon with any concerns you have to make sure that you are healing normally.