2.5 weeks post op eyelid surgery incision lines are dark purple. Thoughts on recovery? (Photo)

Question

2 and a half weeks post upper eye lid surgery. Skin removal only. incision lines are dark purple, blackish, very lumpy and right eye created tiny hole at the end of the incision. I know it's still early but my surgeon expressed absolutely no concern about eye pain and my other concerns. Should I get a different doctor look at it or am I being impatient? And is it ok to cover incision lines with heavy make up? It's been almost 3 weeks. Is there any topical cream to speed up recovery? Thank you!

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Hi ZuzulaIt is still very early days with regards to healing. Everyone does at a different rate but generally you should wait about 3 months before being concerned.If you are unhappy about the scars then - go back to your PS and seek revision surgery. However it's likely it will settle and you will find you are happy with the outcome.Good Luck

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photos. You appear to be healing fine from your photos. Application of steroid cream might be beneficial. Speak with your surgeon about possible topical steroids. You will improve significantly over the next few months. Good luck.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that this dark color will persist.  It is probably staining by blood at the time of surgery.  This often does resolve.  I would be patient with this and it is very likely to get better in the next week or two.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.You are still very early out from your surgery, and from the pictures, it appears as though you should go on to heal quite well.  I would continue to follow closely with your surgeon and follow their recommendations.  Best of luck!

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Based on your photographs, it looks as if you are recovering nicely and appropriately.  Incisions are typically pink for 2 to 3 months after blepharoplasty but always lighten in color. Be patient and continue to let your surgeon take care of you. He will best reassure you.Regards,J. Phillip Garcia, M.D.

Robert J. Smyth, MD · Answer

At 3 weeks post-op, you are very early in the healing process. Everything that is seen in your photos points to a normal healing progression. Personally, I would not recommend eye makeup until the incisions are completely healed with no gaps which will happen. It's not so much as to putting on the makeup as it is taking it off and rubbing too hard along a healing incision line. Check with your surgeon for the go-ahead.

Sean Paul, MD · Answer

Your skin incisions appear to be healing well.  Typically 2 weeks after surgery, the incisions are healed enough to allow for makeup to cover up the incisions. There are various choices for scar management including Vitamin E Oil and other creams.

2.5 weeks post op eyelid surgery incision lines are dark purple. Thoughts on recovery? (Photo)

Answers (7)