3 weeks post lower bleph there is some hollowness and puffy bags. Is it just swelling? Is it normal? (photo)

Question

It will be 3 weeks this Friday since I had lower Blepharoplasty. I'm getting really nervous. As the swelling goes down it looks as though there may be some hollowing. And when I look in the mirror in certain lights I can still see small puffy bags. I hope I'm just over analyzing all this. I talked to a nurse at my doctor's office and she said this is normal, that once the swelling goes down that it will lift back up and even out. I'm worring myself so much over this, I so wish I would have researched before the surgery. I rushed into it way to fast. Please tell me, is this really normal?

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Izzy2008, Please be patient, it is still very early after surgery. You will continue to see chances over several weeks to months as the swelling resolves and the tissues settle. This is due to healing characteristics which go through a normal progression over 6 weeks to 3 months. During this time the collagen is building up and remodeling, which takes time. I hope this is helpful. David Shafer, MD New York City

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

I would be patient. A lot can change in the next weeks. If there is hollowing it can usually be corrected with a HA filler or fat. if there is additional tightening or fat to be addressed you are better off waitingg a bit regardless

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since it has only been three weeks since your blepharoplasty, patients need to wait until at least two to three months postoperative until full healing has taken effect to assess whether too much or too little fat has been removed from the orbits.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Three weeks is way to soon to evaluate your eyes after Blepharoplasty. In fact, I still see some brusing around your eyes in the photo. Relax and give it some time.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

In spite of some others who have screamed that something is wrong, I do not see that at this time. Three weeks is way too soon to be screaming. The bumpiness that you talk about is normal for many within the first 2 months after lower blepharoplasty. The pulling down of your lower lids can be the result of swelling. I often ask my patients to perform excercises to help resolve the swelling and lift the lower eyes. return to your doctor and discuss all of your concerns.

3 weeks post lower bleph there is some hollowness and puffy bags. Is it just swelling? Is it normal? (photo)

Answers (5)