Will my under eye bags go away after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

It's been almost 2 months since my rhinoplasty. I'm very upset with the results. I'm not certain if it's because the results are truly bad or because of the way it altered my face. I've always had bags, but it seems as if they are suddenly larger after rhinoplasty. I'm starting to think this will not go away. What could I do to at least reduce them to the size they were before surgery?

Giovanna Ghafoori, MD · Answer

Hi, Okra.  Thank you for sharing your concerns and photographs.  The good news is it is extremely unlikely that any structural change or damage was done to your actual lower eyelids as a result of your rhinoplasty.  The area of dissection with a rhinoplasty does not involve the lower eyelid area at all.  However, profound swelling and/or bruising to the lower eyelids may occur after a rhinoplasty, particularly if the bones were "broken," commonly done with a hump reduction.  However, the lower eyelid anatomy is very complicated and delicate.  Some people are much more prone to swelling, and their swelling may be easily set off, aggravated, and/or delayed.  Chronic and/or recurrent swelling may cause some long-term skin changes over time.Compression massage, drainage massage, gentle squint exercises, diet/salt management, black tea bag cool compresses, silicone sheeting (for compression), close management of sinus/environmental allergies, etc. are some tips that may  provide some relief and a more prompt resolution.  Lots and lots of patience will be required, however, as the naggy swelling after a rhinoplasty can be very slow going!Best of luck, and I hope you will become happy with your results once the swelling has resolved!  Dr. Ghafoori

Jordan Rihani, MD · Answer

Hello okra28 - sorry to hear that you are upset with your results. It is difficult to assess under eye bags with smiling photos. I would recommend an in-person consultation to assess the cause and determine whether you would expect improvement.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

Hi okra28 -I can see the problem you are concerned about. The bags you see in the photo before surgery are caused by contraction of the orbicularis occuli muscle. A small amount of Botox can also help improve these bags. The bags you see after surgery are likely due to edema following your rhinoplasty. These will improve with time but you can help the appearance by sticking to a low-salt diet and massaging the area daily to improve lymph flow. Best of luck.

Anup Dhir, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is likely that you have not yet adjusted to your new look. This is not uncommon. 2 months post rhinoplasty, there is still likely to be swelling there, which can take months or even up to a year to settle. So it would be advisable to wait and let the healing take place. Follow the post operative instructions from your surgeon and see him if ongoing concerns.

Will my under eye bags go away after rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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