Is it normal for blood to gush out of the eye after a lower blepharoplasty?

Question

My mother had a lower blepharoplasty done today and she is very swollen under the eyes. One eye much more than the other. A few minutes ago, that eye started gushing a lot of blood. It has now stopped and I am wondering if this is normal and if it is just a blood vessel that burst or something? Should we be concerned? The surgery was done from within the eye.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

After a lower lid trans-conj bleph, you may see some blood come up out of the eye.  The incision is on the inside, so if there is any drainage, it will come up over the lid.  This can be blood that has been sitting there since the surgery, or fresh blood if some new bleeding has occurred.  If it has stopped we would usually do nothing further  - just ice compresses.  If it continues then you may need to go back in and find the vessel.  Speak with your surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Although a minimal amount ofplan the drainage as possible after any surgery, "gushing out" infers that this is a large amount. In this case it is always best to contact your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer to your question is no, it is not normal for blood to "gush out the eye after blepharoplasty."  Minor bleeding however is common and typically not reason for concern.  Sometimes when a small amount of blood becomes mixed with tears it can appear to be more significant bleeding than it actually is. My advice is for you to call your surgeon and discuss the situation with him or her. They will be the best person to determine whether or not you need an evaluation.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

It can occur post operatively, especially in the first 24 hours.  It can be inconsequential and a little bit of blood can seem like a lot.  For this reason, I strongly recommend immediately contacting the surgeon and discuss the situation.  They may provide reassurance or they may want to see your mother immediately.  Pain, bleeding, expanding swelling, and change in vision are all important signs after surgery that must not be ignored and require immediate discussion with the operating surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Minor oozing can be normal, gushing blood is not!  Contact your surgeon to make sure everything is ok.  Best of luck.

Is it normal for blood to gush out of the eye after a lower blepharoplasty?

Answers (5)

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