11 weeks post op upper/lower bleph and face/neck lift. Do I have swollen malar fat pads? Not present before surgery. (photos)

Question

It’s been 11 weeks since surgery and trying to follow the advice that time will heal (have several areas of concern) that said, I never had these “lines” below eyes/upper cheeks until after surgery. Swellimg reduction has stalled and a sunken look is now starting. As well hope these large upper lids, sunken lower eyes and very high incision on one eye gets better. Won’t see dr until six mth mark.

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photos that you have provided you appear to have some prolonged edema.  Your short term recovery photo also demonstrated a considerable amount of swelling.  In spite of good surgical technique some patients have more edema than others.  You also appear to have fairly prominent eyes which is one of the reasons your cheeks appear more prominent.  As things settle some of the lines that you appreciate should also resolve but you may still be somewhat hollow in your under eye area.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Most of the swelling typically resolves after a few months, but in some cases the final resolution of swelling can take longer.  In patients with preexisting malar crescents, the swelling can persist for some time.  Follow up with your plastic surgeon, in the long term you should heal just fine.

Rohit Seth, MD, MRCS(Ed), PhD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photographs. You do seem quite swollen and I would expect at 11-12 weeks for the eyes to be less swollen. I would wait at least 6 months before contemplating any revision surgery however.  You need the area to fully settle down and then reassess. There might just be a greater degree of swelling in your case that is taking longer to resolve. Make sure you liase with your surgeon as your outcome will be paramount to him and and he will be wanting you to have the result you desired initially.I hope this is of helpBW

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree that you still have significant swelling which is prolonged.  I would definitely share your concerns with your physician and consider earlier followup.  However, at this time, it is certain that your appearance will slowly evolve over several more months.  You eventualy might be a candidate for some adjunctive procedures to improve the results if they do not fully resolve.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,It is difficult to tell what is going on based on the limited photos. The lighting in the last photo is also misleading. I recommend making an earlier appointment with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.Best,

11 weeks post op upper/lower bleph and face/neck lift. Do I have swollen malar fat pads? Not present before surgery. (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swollen malar fat pads 11 weeks and facelift and blepharoplasty: will they get better?

Answer: Swollen malar fat pads 11 weeks and facelift and blepharoplasty: will they get better?

Answer: Post-operative recovery

Answer: Post-operative recovery

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11 weeks post op upper/lower bleph and face/neck lift. Do I have swollen malar fat pads? Not present before surgery. (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Swollen malar fat pads 11 weeks and facelift and blepharoplasty: will they get better?

Answer: Swollen malar fat pads 11 weeks and facelift and blepharoplasty: will they get better?

Answer: Post-operative recovery

Answer: Post-operative recovery

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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.