Lower Blepharoplasty. Is there anything else I can do for swelling and bruising apart from massaging? (Photo)

Question

9 weeks after surgery still have lot of swelling and brusing Dr. suggested that a need to masage the area, is there any thing else I can do

Eric J. Yavrouian, MD · Answer

Bruising generally resolves on its own with time. However, many patients use topical or oral Arnica and find that it helps with bruising. Swelling may take months to resolve. However, if it persists, seek the advice of your current surgeon or obtain a second opinion. Without seeing preoperative photos, it is difficult to differentiate between swelling and persistent fat herniation that may not have been adequately addressed.

Chris Moss, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

I do not usually recommend “massage” as such for the eyes as this can damage the delicate surgery performed beneath the skin and cause further inflammation. For my patients I occasionally prescribe muscle contraction exercises for the eyes to help shift any oedema in the early days after surgery. This can be performed a couple of times every hour. You can have gentle lymphatic drainage massage, but I always recommend this be performed by a trained professional. As always, slight elevation of the head when resting plus avoiding salty and spicy foods - as well as alcohol - can assist with reducing fluid retention and swelling. You should always seek advice from your surgeon before trying any alternative therapies or treatments.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my opinion any massage that is reasonably aggressive probably aggravate swelling. This is a matter of opinion but on balance wounds heal at their own rate for the most part  Unaffected by anything the surgeon or patient does.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is probably keeping you from healing.  Arnica does nothing so I do not think there is any value in this recommendation.  You are beyond 2 months after surgery.  I think if you are getting no where with the recommendations of your surgeon, at some point a second opinion might be of value.

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a couple of things that may be helpful after your lower eyelid blepharoplasty to improve the bruising.  While time alone will help to resolve this problem, patients often use arnica montana,  either topically or orally.  While I cannot say that this absolutely helps, many patients seem happy using this.  In addition, if you are already several days post-op (after your eyelid surgery), then warm compresses may be helpful to increase the blood flow to the bruised region.  This will help resorb the blood that is sitting in the tissue (bruising).Hopefully these things will help.

Lower Blepharoplasty. Is there anything else I can do for swelling and bruising apart from massaging? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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