One month after lower bleph does bruising mean I am still swollen? (photos)

Question

Sounds like a dumb question, but the eye that was bruised much worse and still bruised a little is much larger than my other eye. When I squint or smile, my lower lid is stiff and I can't move it. Please tell me it is swollen and preventing movement. I don't see a ton of swelling but a bruise remains...is that why it is stiff? My doctor seemed annoyed that I asked him .

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Those bruises can be very persistent.  Bruising brings swelling.  Until that bruise resolved, you will be swollen.  This is actually normal although you may be chomping at the bit to put healing behind you.  Time is on your side.

Jeffrey B. Wise, MD, FACS · Answer

Excessive bruising is unusual following eyelid surgery with an experienced surgeon.  That said, bruising accompanies inflammation / swelling or vice versa.  Therefore, if you are still bruised, this is a sign that you are not at your final result at this point.Best of luck!!!

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Bruising can last about 6-7 weeks after a Bleph. This isn't anything uncommon. If you are really concerned schedule a follow up visit with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic surgeon Hoffman Estates BarringtonOakbrook Chicago

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.It appears you are healing well from surgery, you do have some residual bruising which is normal. The eyelids are very sensitive, they swell very easily and the bruising can last quite a long time. Due to the swelling, it can limit the movement you have after surgery. Give it some time and everything should go back to normal, good luck with healing.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

If you had significantly more bruising on that side it will take longer for full healing to occur.  The swelling may make it feel a little stiff, but it should be softening up.  I have patients use warm compresses to help with the healing and decrease the bruising at this stage.  It should start to soften up and move normally.

Paul Nazemi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Swelling and bruising can still be present one month after surgery.  Follow through with your doctors post-operative instructions, and allow ample time for everything to settle.  An in-person examination would then be required if the asymmetry is still present and to determine the cause.  Follow up with your surgeon once everything is healed and ask.  Best wishes.

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

Some swelling and bruising should be expected but usually improves greatly after about a week. Ice packs over the eyes can help resolve any swelling or bruising. Swelling tends to resolve faster than bruising but this varies from person-to-person. Bruising is never a permanent issue and will eventually resolve. I would give it some more time and follow up with your surgeon.

Terrence Higgins, MD · Answer

Hello.

Most often post operative bruising resolves within the first week or two...

Occasionally bruised tissue can take a few weeks longer to resolve.

Arnica can help post operative bruising.

You should review your concerns with your surgeon...

Best of luck to you.

Dr Terry Higgins

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The bruising could have made that eye stiffer. You should review this with your surgeon. He may want you to massage the stiff eye.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

After lower lid surgery the bruising can last several weeks. You can cover with a concealer though the bruise does mean there is still inflammation and swelling in the tissue.

One month after lower bleph does bruising mean I am still swollen? (photos)

Answers (10)

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