Is Yellow/purple Bruising Normal 14 Days After Lower Eyelid Surgery? (photo)

Question

Hello. I had lower eyelid surgery 14 days ago. I realize everyone heals differently, however my concern is that I've read numerous times that bruising should be gone by 10-14 days. My doctor even mentioned this bruising would be gone about a week ago. The purple part is slowly fading...however I haven't noticed much of a difference with the yellow bruising. It has been about the same this entire time. Please let me know if this is normal and if I need to continue to be patient.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I don't think you have anything to worry about because bruising has no long-term effect on the outcome of an operation. However, your bruising has persisted somewhat longer than usual.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your photograph.  Everything you described is completely normal.  All these issues will go away with time.  Best Wishes.

	Dr. ES

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Bruising after surgery takes a variable amount of time to go away.  The bruising that you show in the photo would beast be treated with a V Beam laser.  This works great on making dark bruising fade in  days.  I would consider this if you are anxious to get rid of the bruises.  Otherwise they will go away but may take another week or two to completely go.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Yes it will go away.  Just be patient and your body will take care of it.  You don't need to go to the health food store and get arnica-this product is completely ineffective.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In most cases, bruising normally will resolve after about 1-2 weeks after lower eyelid surgery. As you mentioned, everyone does heal differently, so it's not out of the question to still have some bruising at 14 days after your procedure. You do just need to be patient and wait a bit longer and the bruise should resolve completely. Some doctors feel that Arnica cream helps the bruising to go away a bit faster, so you could check with your surgeon about that possibility.

Is Yellow/purple Bruising Normal 14 Days After Lower Eyelid Surgery? (photo)

Answers (10)