One eye is super red after upper bleph. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I received upper bleph 2 days ago. Not sure why this one eye is super red and the other don't look to bad. I realize it's very soon but just curious is to why one eye ? I've been icing for 2 days and I hear people say ice does nothing after 48 hours ?

Shayne Webb, MD · Answer

Very frequently one eye shows more bruising and edema than the other eye.  Icing after the first 48hours usually is not very effective, but sleeping in a slightly upright position for the next several days may yield some relief in swelling.  Additionally, arnica montana is an over the counter natural remedy that will lessen the duration of swelling.  Good luck and best wishes.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for one eye area to be more bruised and swollen than the other after eyelid surgery. As long as you are not experiencing any visual issues, this will resolve with time and patience.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

You are horribly bruised.  The redness is associated with this trauma.  Each day things should get better and the swelling will gradually improve. Of course increasing redness, swelling, and pain are signs that you should pay attention to and seek the advice of your surgeon for.

Dallas Homas, MD · Answer

Based on your photo, it looks like you had more post-operative bleeding / bruising on the right side.  This is pretty common, and should not cause you to panic.  After a few days, warm moist compresses may help the bruising resolve more quickly.  Good luck!

Diana Tamboli, MD · Answer

Hi Shaye44-
I counsel patients that their swelling post upper eyelid blepharoplasty will typically get worse over the first 3 days and then start to get better. Having more bruising on one side than the other is not typically concerning unless you are having pain, vision loss or significant bleeding in that affected eye. One side often does heal differently from the other for various reasons such as the way we sleep, a small blood vessel rupturing after the procedure, taking blood thinners etc. I use a CO2 laser to make all of my incisions and this dramatically helps with the incidence of postoperative bruising, but the long term results are very similar. Bruising and swelling will fortunately go away and are very common in the postoperative time period. 
To help decrease the incidence of swelling, I advice patients to use ice for 72 hours every hr 10-15 mins (it is not a one size fits all frequency- so if it seems to help or makes you feel good-->keep doing it), keep your head above your heart when sleeping(prop yourself in a recliner or on a few pillows at night), sleep on your back and decrease your salt intake. To avoid bruising, try to avoid heavy lifting, bending or straining to avoid small vessels from rupturing.
I would inform your surgeon of your concern as they are most familiar with you and your surgery. They will be able to provide you with advice that relates specifically to you and their surgical technique. I am confident they will want to hear from you!
All the best!
Dr. Tamboli

Frederick K. Park, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.The redness you are seeing is bruising which appears red in the upper eyelid. This is because it is very superficial. When we see classic bruising, it is usually through skin which is thicker or the blood in the soft tissues is at a deeper level.Having more bruising in one eye than the other occurs quite often. This should resolve completely with time. My own protocol includes ice for only 48 hrs as the vast benefit you will receive occurs in this time period. It may help to extend a little longer due to your significant swelling after 2 days. Please be assured that this discoloration will resolve. Your surgeon will be able to reassure you as well and help you watch for any post-operative problems.Congratulations on your surgery!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Best to return to see your operative surgeon TODAY. Appear more unilateral swelling and black & blue on that side. Might have blepharitis?. Seek in person examinations please..

Sara A. Kaltreider, MD (retired) · Answer

One eye might bruise more than the other, and this bruising appears red through the thin upper eyelid skin. In the cheek area it appears darker. A vessel in the eyelid may have continued oozing after your surgery - this can happen in one eyelid and not the other. See your surgeon for advice particularly if you have other symptoms such as pain or visual changes. Hematomas/ bruising usually clear in 1-2 weeks. Some of the darker areas may take a little longer. Head elevation, another day of cool compresses, avoiding aerobic activity/ lifting/ bending/ or straining, will help. Best wishes.

One eye is super red after upper bleph. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (8)

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