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.

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Fluid in cheeks following four eyelid blepharoplasty

Answer: Fluid in cheeks following four eyelid blepharoplasty

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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

Answers (8)

Answer: Fluid in cheeks following four eyelid blepharoplasty

Answer: Fluid in cheeks following four eyelid blepharoplasty

Answer: Swelling

Answer: Swelling

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.