Why Do I Have Bruising Even After a Month of Lowerlid Blepharoplasty?

Question

I had my lower lid Blepharoplasty along with fat grafting to remove puffy eyes about a month ago. I still have bruising and puffy left eye. Will it go away? My doctor said that bruising will go away in 7 days but it is still very dark and obvious. What should I take to reduce the bruising and get normal skin appearance back?

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question.

	I am Dr. Speron, a proud member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).  I am also certified with the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

	Recovery time for blepharoplasty surgery varies depending upon the patient and the extent of the surgery. In a simple upper lid blepharoplasty with skin and only mild amounts of fat being addressed, the recovery is relatively quick. You will feel well in a few days but, you can expect bruising and some discoloration of the incision to last longer. 

	Lower lid surgery that involves skin or lid tightening tends to have a longer recovery period. You will feel well shortly after surgery however swelling and discoloration will last significantly longer than the upper eyelid surgery. Makeup can be applied within a week of surgery, but, if the surgery is extensive, you will have changes that can take several weeks to subside.

	I have provided a direct link below for additional information and before and after pictures.

	If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at 847.696.9900.

	Best of luck and have a great day!

	Regards,

	Dr. Speron

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

If you post pictures, it would be very helpful.  In most cases, any bruising is gone within 7 to 10 days.  However, some patients do have extended bruising.  If this occurs, the V Beam Perfecta laser is fantastic at significantly reducing the bruising.  You should check with your doctor if they have this laser or refer you to one that does for the treatments.  If you are in the NYC area, we have the V Beam laser in our office.  For patients having their surgery with us, we include any necessary V Beam treatments after surgery if needed.

	 

	Good Luck.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Bruising and swelling after blepharoplasty can take several weeks to months to go away. As you recover try to be patient and be confident that the skin will recover and be back to normal before too long. You may benefit from a consultation with an esthetician who may have some tips and tricks to help minimize the abnormal appearance while you heal.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually bruising after a lower lid blepharoplasty goes away within a week to ten days or so. On rare occasions it can last longer.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

We certainly wish that all surgical procedures were predictable and that no one ever got any bruising or swelling. Each person is unique. While one month is a long time it is still not out of the ordinary. Some things to try are alternating warm and cool compresses, 5 minutes on 5 minutes off 2 - 3 times per day. Also a herbal medication such as Bromelean has been show to help resolve established bruising. As for as camouflage make up, a purple foundation will cover yellow and a yellow foundation will cover purple.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Actually, this is not something that is rare.  Because of the unique anatomy of the lower lid, bruising can linger for a LONG time.  Fortunately, it is not all that common, but it does occur.

	I don't think that there is anything that you can do besides makeup to conceal the color.  Your doctor may have something to offer, but patience is in order here.

	sek

Michael E. Jones, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Bruising and puffiness after eyelid surgery may take up to 12 months (in some rare cases) to subside. Try to be patient, but here are some tips for the healing process: 1. From 1-3 days you can reduce swelling with the use of ice compresses and the elevation of your head during the recovery period. 2. After a week to 10 days you may want to consult with an esthetician or other skin care expert for ideas on normalizing the appearance of the eye while you heal for the long haul. 3. There are some natural remedies for swelling like Arnica that have been useful to patients in reducing swelling.

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