Are Dark Circles After Rhinoplasty Permanent?

Question

I am 4 weeks post op from Rhinoplasty and I have dark brown circles under my eyes that weren't there before.   This is terribly distressing to me because my eyes have always been my best feature and I feel as if I may have ruined myself. Is this permanent, and if not, how long does it take to resolve?

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Dark circles under the eyes are a
very common complaint that patients experience during the recovery stage of a
rhinoplasty. The dark circles subside in most cases, but it is a gradual
process that can take a few months. Considering you are still in the early
stages of your recovery (you are only one month in, and recovery can last up to
an entire year), try not to stress too much about it. In the meantime, you can
try to hide the circles with cover-up or concealer.

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Your current concern suggests that there was moderate bruising after your surgery. This can lead to staining of the tissues with haemosiderin, a break-down chemical of haemoglobin. It affects more frequently the lower eyelids but can also occasionally affect he upper eyelids. The timeframe for this to settle is considerably longer than for simple bruising and can last for 4-6 months but generally clears completely.In some instances, the impression circles is due to the change in position of the nasal bones and the perception that the circles under the eyes are more visible. This is best addressed with fillers but after the swelling has settled better.The most likely scenario is that you will not need to do anything special about it apart from using some good camouflage makeup until they clear.

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to have modest to slight bruising under the eyes after rhinoplasty. This is more prominent when the surgery involves the nasal bones. To reduce the incidence of bruising we have our patients off of supplements and medication that increase bleeding times. Arnica Montana is helpful. Once the Bruising is there you could have signs of it for 6 to 8 weeks but that's unusual. If it's bruising then it should totally resolve. Sometimes the pigment in the hemoglobin can be retained in the skin.This could require laser removal 3 to 6 months post op.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Fortunately, what you are experiencing is very common. The dark circles will eventually go away. It may take about 6 months for them to go away completely. It is important to be patient. Best of luck!Dhaval M. PatelDouble board certifiedPlastic surgeonHoffman EstatesBarrintonOakbrookChicago

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This is normal and they will go away. It usually takes 6-12 weeks, but I have had a rare patient take more than six months.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

The dark circles you describe are blood trapped along the orbital rim. The good news is that it is never permanent. The bad news is that it can last as long as 6 months. Don't worry about the shape or looks of your eyes, because the new nose will only enhance these looks as swelling and bruising resolves. 
Good Luck!

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Dark circles under the eyes usually occurs after rhinoplasty. It is not permanent, but may take 6-10 months to resolve in unusual cases. Whether you are male or female a minimal amount of inconspicuous, professionally selected make-up will be helpful.

Are Dark Circles After Rhinoplasty Permanent?

Answers (7)

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