Big bags under my eyes after lower Blepharoplasty, does this seem normal? (photo)

Question

I had the surgery 6 weeks ago but I'm extremely concern about the bigger bags I've gotten now. They located on the upper part of my cheekbones, does this seem normal? please help. Thank you

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Residual bags after lower 
blepharoplasty
 
It can take a few months after the surgery for all 
the swelling to settle before the final appearance is evident. From your limited 
photo it appears that you do not have a residual fat pad bulge, but some 
swelling in the so called "malar crescent", which should resolve in due time.  
Make sure you keep all the follow up appointments with your surgeon.  I my 
practice we routinely follow our patients at least 6 months after surgery.  In 
this fashion we can address any issues that can come and assure excellent 
results.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

6 wks seems excessive, but everyone is different.  The pigmentation is unusual as well.  It looks like you are developing a little retraction with scleral show.  You might address this with your surgeon.  Sometimes massage helps this, but I would not do it without discussing it with your surgeon.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Some patients will have this sort of edema after a lower eyelid bleph.  The edema will move down into the malar (cheek) fat pads,  which is also where the thin skin of the eyelid meets the heavier cheek tissue.  This malar edema can last for many weeks.  Try using some warm compresses, and do some gentle massage to start moving the fluid out.

Joel E. Kopelman, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears that you have swelling of both upper eyelids, lower eyelids and soft tissue overlying the cheek bones. As other reviewers have said, swelling can persist in some patients for weeks to months. However, at six weeks I would check your blood  to see if you have any other underlying medical conditions like thyroid or kidney dysfunction.If these numbers appear normal then I would suggest  a trial of oral  steroids.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Not sure BUT you needed to post a before frontal view so we could compare the results.. Best to seek additional in person opinions...

Roy Ng, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Although 6 weeks is a bit prolonged for this still to be present, it is not unknown. You have swelling of you cheeks. After lower blepharoplasty, swelling (edema) occurs in the lower eyelids due to accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Gravity can cause this edema fluid to migrate lower onto the cheeks, causing swelling there. This will resolve with time. Massage can help.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Your healing is in its early stages so I encourage you to be patient and let it continue.  Some patients swell more than others, especially if they have not be extremely diligent in the first 72 hours with ice packs, etc.  Give it time.

George Commons, MD (retired) · Answer

This is simply normal swelling after surgery and should go with thime.  Be patient.  It would be nice to see your pre operative photos.  It may be some of this was present  before your  operation.   At any rate this is common after surgery about the eyelids.   Be calm and let healing progress.  Be sure and keep sunscreen on your cheeks.   My Best,  Dr C

Big bags under my eyes after lower Blepharoplasty, does this seem normal? (photo)

Answers (8)

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