At 10 weeks post op for upper eyelid surgery. What can I do to reduce painful swelling and redness?

Usually when one undergoes cosmetic eyelid surgery, there can be some pinkness of the scar especially on the upper eyelid. This usually is its brightest at around week six. It fades but sometimes may take three or four months to get to that point. Sometimes it can take longer. Give it some time and you will be surprised that the changes that may occur.

Thank you for a great question and for sharing your experience.  By 12 weeks typically significant swelling has resolved.  Especially if you are tender and there is redness and swelling that is not improving, I would ask to see your surgeon at your next visit.  hope you find this helpful. Best wishes!Consult with a Board Certified Fellowship Trained Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Generally, a majority of swelling typically has resolved by 2-3 months after cosmetic surgery. Prolonged redness, swelling, or tenderness can be due to a variety of factors, such as reaction to stitches, infection, allergy, etc. The eyelids themselves are very sensitive to other factors too, such as allergies, hormones, diet, sleep, etc. Lastly, some patients simply require more time to heal. You should continue to follow your eyelid plastic surgeon's advice.Best,Dr. Chaboki

A significant amount of the swelling should have improved by 10 weeks.  Photos would be helpful for us to see what is going on.  You may have a sensitivity to any buried sutures, or just skin that takes longer than normal to heal.  You can try taking some over the counter ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory medication).  And ask your surgeon about some steroid cream if you have a firm scar.   

Dear ZaraBelle,Surgery is a slightly traumatic process. The incisions created take time to heal and will recruit swelling or edema to the wound during this healing process. Time is truly the best remedy. With time your body will heal and the swelling and wound will become much better.Be patient with you body and speak to your surgeon about your concerns.I hope this was helpful.

It's normal to have some amount of eyelid edema after surgery, but each case is handled differently depending on what type of surgery was done and other factors as well. It is important for you to follow up with your surgeon about your progress. You could also see a second opinion with an oculoplastic surgeon.  Best of luck,

Swelling and redness should be gone by now.  Lower lids may take longer to heal than uppers. But by 10 weeks residual swelling is unusual unless something is continuing to inflame them.  If you have allergies, if you are a smoker, if you have dry eye syndrome, if you have an infection (rare), if something topical such as makeup is irritating them then redness may persist.Because it is unusual you should see your plastic surgeon very soon and get a full evaluation.I hope this helps.