How Much Will my Eyelid Surgery Swelling Go Down?

Question

I had eyelid surgery 4 days ago and the swelling is huge. the stitches seem so far up and its really concerning me. About how long does it take for it to go down? when i open my eyes it doesn't fit my face at all. Is it possible to re do the incision closer to the eyes?

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

The photos that you submit show swelling which does not appear out of the norm for 4 days postop. As the selling subsides over the next few months, the lid creases will likely appear to move down closer to the eyelid margins. Although I do not have a crystal ball, I think it is likely you will be happy with the final results once the swelling resolves.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling that you are experiencing following your blepharoplasty is normal. I advise my patients that after surgery they will most likely experience some noticeable swelling that will subside within two to six weeks. Patients should know some minor swelling can remain for as long as six months, and their lid contours may continue to change. Final results may not be seen until the six month mark. There are several exercises that you can do to assist with healing as well. You may also want to massage the lids. I suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon. Best of luck, Dr. Clevens

Leo Kim, FRACS(Plast), MS(Plast), MBBS(Hons) · Answer

It's normal to be concerned because this is a new journey for you but the photo of your eyelids also look within the normal range for a day 4 eyelid surgery. It can look quite swollen and the crease can appear to be exaggerated at first but as the swelling goes and healing happens this will gradually settle down.
Need to continue with the usual postoperative care plan though-
1) Sleep with your head/upper body propped up with a few pillows although no need to sleep upright- sleeping flat will as you normally do makes swelling worse. Before your surgery when you woke up in the morning your eyelids were swollen but as the day went the swelling disappeared right? Water flows downwards and because you had surgery there's going to be swelling and keeping your head elevated will help.
2) Ice pack in the first 2-3 days as instructed by your surgeon.
3) Some surgeons advocate for some medications that may or may not help with swelling but there's no conclusive evidence on this.
I would absolutely not consider any revision this early and unless there was a good reason why such as an emergency no revision prior to 6-12 months.
Wish you the best in your journey.
Dr Leo Kim, Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney

Philip Young, MD · Answer

Asian Eyelid Surgery: Early on the crease is much higher than will be the final result. The eyelid crease always looks much higher early on after Asian Double Eyelid Crease Formation. The swelling tends to take up the space of the skin that would normally fold over the crease. You don't want to do anything at this early point in time. Your doctor will know best.  The earliest that any Asian Eyelid Surgeon Specialist would do something would be at 2 weeks&rsquo; time. Don't worry this will settle.  You always have the option of making the crease lower if you desired or higher if you desired. There are many options. You can always write me or we can do a video consult if you would like me to take a closer look
	 

	Thanks for reading, Dr Young

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after surgery on the upper lids is normal. My treatment protocol is to use ice packs the first 72 hours and then switch to a heating pad. Using heat several times a day will mobilize the old blood products and help reduce swelling. I inform my Asian eyelid patients that most of the bruising and swelling is gone after 7-10 days, but there can be residual swelling for up to 2 months (especially in patients with thick skin). It is premature to consider any type of revision at this time.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

We generally recommend that our patients expect the majority of their swelling to go down after 1 week after the stitches come out on Day 5, so because you are only on Day 4, it's important to be patient to see the final results. Swelling is completely normal and not anything to worry about- also remember that the scars will heal in the coming weeks and months, so the whole process is more like a marathon than a sprint to the finish line. I think you'll be quite satisfied with your results in the long run.

How Much Will my Eyelid Surgery Swelling Go Down?

Answers (6)

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