Bumps at each suture entry/exit across left eyelid after blepharoplasty

Question

I had bilateral bleph and ptosis repair on Aug 17th with absorbable sutures. Healing was great for the first week when the left incision started to look red and become painful and swollen. The sutures appeared to be pulling out and were visible externally all along the scar. I saw my surgeon on day 9 and he thought it was fine. 2 days later the sutures were coming udone and were like pieces of dental floss hanging on my lid so I pulled them out (they were no longer tied or knotted). The next day the swelling started to decrease and I noticed little bumps along the lid. By the next day it was obvious that I have a reddish raised bump at each and every site where sutures were placed (14 total at both the entry and exit). It took 2 days to get a response from my eye surgeon's clinic because he is out of town. I saw a resident who prescribed tobradex ointment and told me to come back in a month. I am really concerned about this and I would like to know what exactly this is and what I can expect in terms of healing or long term issues. Is there anything else that should be done? Why did this happen?

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with Dr. Asaria's astute observation that you likely have milia along your incision. These bumps will likely resolve on their own or with minimal intervention. Also, the redness and swelling that you have is totally normal. It is unfortunate that you did not receive a faster response from your surgeon's office but I do not think that any harm was done. You appear to be healing well!
	Thank you for your questions.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It's not unusual for patients to have noticeable scarring in the immediate post-operative period following blepharoplasty surgery. It's important to realize that all incisions heal with some scarring, but the eyelid skin is thin and has unique qualities that tend to minimize scarring.In the immediate post-operative period, eyelid incisions tend to be lumpy, bumpy, red and raised. These scars tend to respond nicely to massage and avoidance of sun exposure. In the vast majority of cases, these incisions heal nicely and scarring is imperceptible.It's important to be patient and maintain close contact with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to reassure you and alleviate your anxiety.

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

These small bumps along the incision line appear to be milia. Milia are small inclusions or tiny "whiteheads" and are the most common complication related to blepharoplasty. The good news is that they should not likely cause any longterm side-effects. They often open on their own, or are easily treated by your surgeon by opening up the whiteheads with a tiny needle in the office.

	Best wishes,

	-Dr. Jamil Asaria

Robert W. Sheffield, MD · Answer

Hi! Thank you for your question and your attached photo. As per observing your photo, the tiny bumps along the incision may be milia. These tiny bumps will be resolved without much intervention from your end. They can actually heal on their own. On the other hand, swelling and redness are but normal after effects of surgery. These should also resolve on their own. Usually, with my patients, I notify them that full and complete recovery can be seen in about 3 months after surgery.  If these still bother you, you can visit your board certified plastic surgeon once he or she is available. You can describe what had occurred so that he or she can get an idea of what other possible solutions to be applied for hastened recovery. Hope this answers your question. Best of luck!

Harlow Hollis, MD · Answer

It would appear to me that you have two or three issues here. Initially the tissues reacted to the sutures probably a result of some infection of the suture line. This was the pain and redness that you experienced. Suture removal would be indicated in my opinion.............they usually are removed in 5 or 6 days post surgery anyway. Your removing them was wise although we doctors like to be involved in these type of decisions. And the problem was reduced a lot by your removing the sutures so that was the correct move. Each of the suture sites had a red bump after the suture removal...........this represents the local infection reaction and will gradually go away  and the Tobradex would have helped. Wait awhile for natural resolution to take place. Infrequently a thicker than normal scar can occur (hypertrophic) which can partly be resolved with topical application of special ointments containing some silicone. You may or may not be getting this scar. Months later have the scar evaluated as a scar excision might be indicated to get a good result if the poor scar persists. Have the sutures out within 1 week. Good luck. Milia might also coexcist but they are not usually painful or inflammed. They usually are just white cysts within the skin close to the incision and usually go away on their own. Occassionally they need to be removed in the office with a needle by your doctor.

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Bumps at each suture entry/exit across left eyelid after blepharoplasty

Answers (6)

Answer: Suture Entry Bumps Post Blepharoplasty

Answer: Suture Entry Bumps Post Blepharoplasty

Answer: Two or more problems can occur after syrgery

Answer: Two or more problems can occur after syrgery

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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