How Can I Relieve Long-Lasting Bruising After Eyelid Surgery

Thank you for your questions. You are taking the right steps to help with bruising. Be patient and give it time. The best things you can do is wait (about 6-12 months) for all the bruising and discoloration to subside. Continue with icing and cold compresses, along with gentle massage. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel double board certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman EstatesBarringtonOakbrookChicago

Your bruising is longer than we are accustomed to seeing.  You may be taking aspirin like compounds such as aspirin, bufferin, advil, Naprosyn, or other NSAID drugs.  These may contribute to this bruising.  You may also be taking herbs like ginko biloba which also contribute to bruising.  If you are taking any aspirin or aspirin-like medication, stop until you are healed.  Also, stop herb therapy if you are taking any.  Supplementation should consist of only a multivitamin like a centrum once a day, and a healthy diet.

Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, can frequently lead to mild bruising under the eyes.  This typically resolves after 10 days.  However, persistent bruising at 3 months after surgery may be the result of hemosiderin deposits in the skin.  This may slowly fade and at times can take 6 months to 1 year before it resolves.  IPL/ light therapy or laser treatment may expedite things.