What is going on with my eyelids 7 weeks post upper blepharoplasty? Still red, lumpy and a little sore. (photos)

Question

I would appreciate any advice from surgeons to help me with concerns with my upper eyelids. I have had multiple post op consults with my surgeon, but would just really love to hear what other surgeons say. What upsets me most is the layer of skin tissue that has developed on the scar on my inner eyelid. Please help. thanks so much

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

On the right side you have some nodules that appear inflammatory.  They may be over a buried suture.  A steroid injection will often help these to resolve.  They will often also slowly improve with time.  You have a web on the left eye which is pulling the inner lid down.  Warm compresses, massage and some steroid injection will usually help this to flatten out.  If these do not work, you will need a revision after a few months.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. Sorry to hear you are still struggling. It looks as though you might be having some inflammatory reaction to the suture material as well as some scar webbing on the eyelid. You might benefit from a steroid injection but I would see your surgeon to discuss those options before proceeding.Good luck!Dallas R. Buchanan, MD, FACSOwner & Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonVIVIFY plastic surgery

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

I’m sorry you are experiencing this during recovery. The eyelid skin is extremely thin, so even a small amount of swelling or thickening of the scar can look dramatic. The good news is that with time, most inflammation and scar thickening improves. Scar massage will help, and a steroid injection into the thick area of scar could also be considered. If this doesn’t improve to your satisfaction by 6 months post op, revision may be needed.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your pictures and concerns. One of the most common reasons for lumps to upper eyelids are due to lymphatic fluid build up or scar tissue. Normally there is no need to interfere with this as it will slowly resolve with little to no help. Continue your scar treatment as directed in your post op. This can also be due to retained sutures, address this with your PS as treatment can be done in office. Healing stages differ per person so keep close contact with your PS as a revision may be needed in the future.

Melih Erogul, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Your photographs reveal a medial canthal web at the left eye which is pulling down the upper eyelid. There are also 2 masses involving the right upper lid which may be inflammatory in nature.
Inflammatory swelling occurs after surgical intervention. The extremely thin eyelid skin will demonstrate lumps and bumps which will eventually flatten. The skin may feel tight. Your eyes may water. However, the swelling should be subsiding. 60-80% will resolve by the 6th week with the remainder slowly abating by 6-12 months. 
Presently, I recommend you pursue a conservative course of scar massage and some may add steroid injections. If this fails to flatten and soften the scar, a multiple z-plasty scar revision would be required, but not until 6 months have elapsed to allow for healing from the previous procedure.
Make sure your plastic surgeon continues close postoperative care to ensure a satisfactory result.
Best wishes...

What is going on with my eyelids 7 weeks post upper blepharoplasty? Still red, lumpy and a little sore. (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Inflammation

Answer: Inflammation

Answer: Medial canthal web and increased inflammation 7 weeks post blepharoplasty

Answer: Medial canthal web and increased inflammation 7 weeks post blepharoplasty

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What is going on with my eyelids 7 weeks post upper blepharoplasty? Still red, lumpy and a little sore. (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Inflammation

Answer: Inflammation

Answer: Medial canthal web and increased inflammation 7 weeks post blepharoplasty

Answer: Medial canthal web and increased inflammation 7 weeks post blepharoplasty

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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.