How long does it take before I will see the full results of my lower blepharoplasty?

Question

I'm wondering how long it takes to see full results after a transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty. At what point can it be determined whether the lingering puffiness in the lower lids is swelling or residual fat?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The posters are circling the wagons for their colleague but the reality it that there is an issue if this process takes more than 6 to 8 weeks to see a benefit.  That does not mean that eventually things won't get better.  It is my experience that when there is an issue, it is evident from day one.  It is possible to have persistent inflammation in the lower eyelid from transfer of fat.  It is possible to have under addressed lower eyelid fat.  Once there is an issue, patience is essential.  At 6 months issues that have not resolved may benefit from revisional surgery.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi,Thank you for your post. Every patient heals differently. However, it usually takes any where between 6 months to a year for the swelling to resolve completely. Around 3 months you start to see the results. Please follow up with your plastic surgeon if you have any questions or concerns.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Every patient heals differently but usually not much changes are expected after 3 months. Discuss with your surgeon or get second opinion from oculoplastic specialist. Skype consult available.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It can take as long as 6-12 months for all of the healing to occur after a lower blepharoplasty, but I would say in most cases, the swelling has resolved by 6 months.  I would wait at least 6 months after the surgery before considering any revision procedure to deal with residual fat.

Hyun-Taek Lee, MD · Answer

I think 1 month would be adequate. If you slightly press down on your eyeballs with your eyes closed the contour of the fat would accentuate which might help you with the diagnosis.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be from several causes BUT you should easily see an obvious diminishment of the puffiness of the lower lid bags.  Malar bags can sometimes be persistent and troublesome and if present, will require additional procedures to resolve.  The lateral lid bags are the most challenging to flatten smoothly.  And if you have puffiness below the trough, I'm not sure what you have then.  But after 6 months, if someone says its just swelling, they are simply buying time as if not subtle or resolved, there will also be some lingering issue.

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

In my experience, most swelling/puffiness subsides before the 3 month mark, although occasionally tight lids will have some residual healing that occurs beyond that point and can still alter the result. You did not say in your original post when your surgery occurred but perhaps somewhere in this thread you did? Photos would also help the doctors here opine on what may be a potential cause of your concerns. Obviously, close communication with your surgeon and routine followup is required.

Shoib Myint, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello feverdream23,
Great question. Typically any lower eyelid blepharoplasty should attain its "natural" look after 90-120 days. Of course there are those patients who take longer based on there healing properties. I would give it at least 3-4 months and have a discussion with your surgeon regarding a touch up or revision 
Cheers

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Feverdream23,Everyone heals differently after surgery, but as a general rule of thumb, by 2 weeks 80% of your swelling from surgery is gone and by 2 months 90%.  However, it will take a full year for the last little bit of swelling to go away and see your final result.  I hope this helps and good luck.

J. Timothy Heffernan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would agree and say that typically patients must wait 6-12 months to see final result. Everyone heals very differently. Best of luck and try to be patient. Dr. Heffernan

How long does it take before I will see the full results of my lower blepharoplasty?

Answers (13)

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