Hard Lump After Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Question

Two months ago I had upper and lower Blepharoplasty. All went well, and then I noticed a hard lump under my left eye. The doctor said it might be a muscle that is twisted, and I should put a little cream on it and massage it. After several weeks of massaging it, nothing has changed. Can it be fixed and how?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It may be a cyst or the result of something like a fat injection. It should have gone away by now.  You should return to your surgeon to have it looked at and removed.

John Kang, MD · Answer

Hi
It is unusual to have an isolated bump like this so late in the post-operative period.. based on your doctor’s explanation, it appears to be a solid bump rather than a fluid filled bump (cyst).... I would definitely follow up with your physician and let him know there has been no change with massaging the bump.. in a case like this, only your surgeon knows exactly what might be happening... I am sure if you chose your surgeon wisely, he/she would wants to see it resolved as much as you do and it doesn’t appear to be a difficult task.. good luck!

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

I would try steroid injection in the area to see if the scar will resolve. I would return to the surgeon and explained your concern and see if they will consider injection of steroid in the area.

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

The cause of your bump following surgery cannot be determined from your photograph. It should be easy for your surgeon to simply remove it. This will have no impact on your final results.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Review of your pictures
suggest that you may have some type of cystic lesion of your left lower eyelid.
A variety of lesions of this type can occur following eyelid surgery. These
include cystic lesions, foreign body reactions, localized fat collections and
scar tissue. In the initial post-operative period conservative management is
appropriate, if this fails then simple excision is indicated.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an uncommon presentation and may warrant a surgical revision if the bump does not resolve conservatively. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photo. The bump looks like a reaction to a stitch or perhaps some scar tissue. Without knowing the exact approach used in your procedure, it is difficult to say. Gentle massage or sometimes some steroid injections can help. I recommend close follow up with your surgeon. Best of luck!

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

It may be a cyst or fat deposit. A lancing with a small instrument would be in order initially then after a few more weeks explore if not gone away.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

2 months is very early to reoperate after lower eyelid surgery.
Only your surgeon knows exactly what was done during your surgery.  If fat injection was performed at the same time, for example, he or she will determine whether steroid injections to the area or removal of the lump may be in order. 
Problems such as this are not uncommon after eyelid surgery, and close communication with your doctor is a must. 
If your last interaction with your doctor was him advising you to massage the area, and he hasn't heard from you since, he may assume that you are getting better.  If you are not, you should communicate this with him to get a speedier resolution to your problem.  If you are quietly dissatisfied with your treatment, your doctor may have no idea, and no chance to help you properly.

Sean Paul, MD · Answer

Depending on the extent of lower lid fat manipulation and if your surgeon used permanent or absorbable sutures, I would first recommend asking your surgeon what they think. Next, I would consider having an Oculoplastics specialist take a look if you are still concerned. You do not want to rush back into surgery unless an abscess is suspected. Hopefully warm compresses and some massage will calm the area down and you will have a great result!

Hard Lump After Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty

Answers (20)

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