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: 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: Give it some more time

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

This is a good question. After any surgery, you are bound to have swelling and bruising that can last for several weeks to months. Blepharoplasty is not an exception. The skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest in the body. Likewise, these tissues are even more susceptible to prolonged swelling after... 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: Time will tell

By Richard P. Rand, MD - Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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.

A: Relax and enjoy your new looks.

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

With all due respect, 2 and 1/2 weeks is way too early to examine your blepharoplasty to determine if it was done well or not. Even when we start with symmetrical eyes, it is difficult to have post-operative swelling that is identical on both eyes. When you start with severe assymetry, the swelling will most... 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

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: 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: 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: 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

More answers to Remaining eyebag and slight asymmetry after lower Blepharoplasty
Connecticut - Too early to tell final Blepharoplasty results
Dallas - Difficult to tell
Los Angeles - Too Early to Tell
Orange County - Wait for 4-6 weeks for evaluation after Blepharoplasty
Pittsburgh - Give it some time, communicate with your surgeon

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.