Lumps and Swelling After Blepharoplasty

Question

I am a young woman who had upper and lower eyelid surgery almost 1 month ago. After 10 days, a lump formed in the bottom right corner of my right eye. My surgeon then gave me a steroid shot in the area, and within 2 days, it went down, but still slightly puffy. Now, the lower left eye has swollen drastically. 3 weeks after surgery, I am going in for another steroid shot. I did everything I was told to do and my lower lids were really not so bad to begin with. Is this normal?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Beastyfeasty
Surgery of this magnitude involves long term swelling and a lumpy bumpy phase.  The steroids help speed up the resolution of the swellling but ultimately this swelling will settle down on its own pace.  In fact, it is probably better to give yourself permission to be a little swollen during the first two months after surgery and not have the steroids.  Steroids are not like vitamins.  They can cause fat atrophy and thinning of the skin.  These problems don't always occur and your doctor has to weigh your lack of tolerance to this swelling with the risks associated with the steroids.
While it is true that after about 10 days it is possible to resume most social activity after belpharoplasty, this in no way means you are healed from this type of surgery.  Generally it takes about 2 months or more before you stop noticing that your eyelids are swollen.   If your surgery was combine with any type of midface procedure, this can take even longer to heal.  The problem is that if you watch the plastic surgery shows on TV, you think you have surgery and then you are perfect.  They call these shows "Reality TV" but they are reality-lite.  Sometimes surgeons drink this koolaid as well.  Please give yourself permission to heal even if it is not socially convienent.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Swelling can take months to subside, so please remain in close contact with your surgeon so they can monitor your progress. I know it can be frustrating but the swelling will go away eventually since you’re following your surgeon’s instructions.

Richard D. Gentile, MD · Answer

The inflammation and wound healing that accompanies surgery of the lower lid can take a long time to simmer down. The only other concern is whether or not this can represent a reaction to stich placement. I would ask you surgeon about that.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The small lumps that can occur after the incision are due to lymphatic edema or a small amount of scar tissue in the eyelids.  Cortisone shots are very helpful in softening these little lumps and will aid in the healing process if placed correctly.  Since it has only been a month from this surgery, the eyelid incisions are not fully healed and will probably take another couple of months for that incision to settle down.

W. Tracy Hankins, MD · Answer

It really depends on what was done, but I always caution patients that lower lid surgery often takes a couple of months before the swelling is completely gone and you can truly assess your surgical result.  Try to be patient and work with your surgeon.

Lumps and Swelling After Blepharoplasty

Answers (7)

Answer: Should settle down in a couple months

Answer: Should settle down in a couple months

Answer: Lower lid surgery can have some of the longest recovery times

Answer: Lower lid surgery can have some of the longest recovery times

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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Lumps and Swelling After Blepharoplasty

Answers (7)

Answer: Should settle down in a couple months

Answer: Should settle down in a couple months

Answer: Lower lid surgery can have some of the longest recovery times

Answer: Lower lid surgery can have some of the longest recovery times

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.