Eyelids still red after 1 1/2 month post op. How long will it take to fade? (Photo)

Question

I got asian double eyelid surgery one and a half month ago, and since the start, they were very red. As per the doctor's instructions, I have been massaging them and taking vitamin C supplements, but the redness is still pretty evident. I suspect that I may be allergic to the sutures? Because some weeks ago, I also developed a bump along the incision line, but it faded after a while. I asked my surgeon, and he said the redness was common among asian skin? How long will it take to fade?

Jessica Lattman, MD · Answer

Sometimes the skin of the eyelid can stay red for several months after blepharoplasty.  This is part of the healing process.  Looking at your photos I don't think you have anything to worry about.  I would give it more time.

Parker A. Velargo, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon for the eyelids and scar to still be pink at 6 weeks post-op, especially in Asian patients.  Post-operative erythema (redness) can persist for several months after surgery.  Patience is tough when it involves the face, but try to resist the urge to evaluate the results of your 
surgery too soon.  Keep following the instructions of your surgeon and give it some more time.  I wish you well!

Luis A. Cenedese, MD, FACS · Answer

Redness after eyelid surgery is something to be expected.  It varies from patient to patient from weeks to years.  Follow your surgeon's advise as he is most familiar with your condition and what was done.  If the redness does not resolve over time IPL treatments on low energy to avoid complications may be helpful.  The skin of the eyelids is very delicate.

Joseph A. Eviatar, MD, FACS · Answer

It is quite common , especially in certain skin types, to have persistent redness at the incision site for several months.  While this often results on its own, it can usually be improved with the off label use of 5fu, an antimetabolite, which I have found to be very useful to prevent and treat scar tissue post surgery.  This medicine is injected into the area of the incision, just under the skin.  Speak with your doctor or get a consultation to see if this might be an option for you.  Steroid injections can also be used but there is a risk to thin out the skin or cause depigmentation, so I usually avoid them unless i believe there is a risk for permanent scarring.   That said, this often resolves with massage over many months (sometimes mild steroid cream is helpful for massage).Best of luck!

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

At six weeks postop, it is not unheard have to have persistent redness. It takes time for your eyelids to heal from the incisions and surgical manipulations. Please be a little more patient and in the meantime, keep following your surgeon's instructions.

Eyelids still red after 1 1/2 month post op. How long will it take to fade? (Photo)

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