I had blepharoplasty. Bags with fluid developed in my upper cheeks. Is this normal? How long will it take to resolve? (Photo)

Question

My Blepharoplasty surgery, upper eye and "lower tuck, was done 11 days ago. Overall, I am very pleased. Following surgery, I had bruising/ swelling without any pain. Most has resolved except for the "fluid bags" on my cheeks. After I wake up the morning the bags have repositioned, but they migrate down to my cheeks. I believe that is gravity; however, my concern is they do not appear to be changing in size, is this normal? Will they resolve naturally? Is there anything I can do? Thanks!

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that overall your eyes look good!  The swelling in your cheeks is simply fluid and some blood that has gone from the surgical site through the path of least resistance to the areas of your face that have more soft tissue and loose skin.  A ligament called the orbito malar ligament is what is actually trapping the fluid in your cheeks and preventing the fluid from collecting in your lower face or jowls.  The post operative edema will ultimately resolve with very conservative measures such as head elevation, some ice, and time.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Gtaylor5457Thank you for your question and photos!  Some swelling is normal- and mostly resolves in the first few weeks.  Some of this shape may be pre-existing. Massage, icing and some supplements like arnica will help move things along. If you have some swelling in this area prior to surgery, it may take longer to resolve.With Warm Regards,Trevor M Born MD

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This means that you are still bruised and swollen.  This brings out the bags that you are seeing.  Generally they resolve as the swelling settles down.  This may take many weeks but in a rare patient this swelling may persist for several months.  Try to be patient and let your body heal.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. You seem to be healing well and will probably have no problems as time goes on. For extreme swelling, oral steroids might be useful. You should first be evaluated by your surgeon and then discuss your concerns. Good luck,

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This looks like swelling and some patients have more than others post-op. Best of luck with your results.

John R. Burroughs, MD · Answer

This is very common especially in the first few weeks after surgery.  I call these areas the "sponges" of the face, and will swell after surgery, with allergies, excess salt intake etc.  i recommend  compressing the areas during the day.  You can also tape some duoderm patches over the areas at night to compress the areas, and/or a tight sleep mask over your eyes while in bed.  I sometimes will consider oral NSAIDs like allege and/or a few days of oral prednisone to get things resolving more quickly.Alternating warm/cold compresses can help as well as gentle massage around the area of swelling.  Over time these areas should return to baseline, but it can take weeks to months and is usually worse in the mornings when you are recumbent.Be in touch with your surgeon regarding your concerns.Best regards!

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

No worries! You are right that gravity brings the fluid from the lids down to the cheeks.  In the morning depending on what position you have slept, one side may look worse. This should get better every week but you can have some fluid up to a full 12 weeks following your surgery.  At this point normal exercise will create blood flow that may help "wash" this away.  Hang in there as you are going to look fabulous.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

That is the gravitional effect on ALL of us, a downward displacement of swelling. Apply iced bags, external ultrasound therapy, diuretics help. Time of 1 month or more will be needed.

I had blepharoplasty. Bags with fluid developed in my upper cheeks. Is this normal? How long will it take to resolve? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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