Malar edema 1 year post upper and lower blepharoplasty - Is there anything else I can do? (photos)

Question

I had a lower and upper blepharoplasty exactly one year ago. I had severe chemosis afterwards. which resolved within a few months, however I still have very noticeable malar edema. I have been checked out by an opthamologist and a cornea specialist and I do not have dry eye. I am currently having lymphatic drainage massage done which seems to be helping briefly but does not complete resolve the swelling, it just appears better for a few days afterwards. Is there anything else I can do?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi IF,
I have treated malar edema with a combination of Ultherapy and fractionated CO2.  Profound RF may also help.  Make sure to choose your treating physician most carefully.  Good luck and be well
Michael Persky, MD
Encino, CA

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you have had this complication, which can be difficult to directly treat, and massage, as you have already found out usually results in only temporary improvement..  However, the use a robust HA filler appropriately injected in the upper, outer cheek region would not only help to create a more heart-shaped, oval face, but would very likely secondarily improve the under eye area and camouflage the lymphedema. Just make sure that you consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Best of luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thanks for the posted photos. I have treated postoperative malar swelling with diluted KyBella sub dermal injections with results. I recommend very diluted injections every 4-6 weeks for 2 to 3 sessions. Fee $1,000/session. Best to virtual consult with....

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

Any edema you may have had should be gone by now. What you appear to have is volume deficit of the area. If so, treatment consists of filling the area with either a filler or fat. I would see someone very experienced in treating this area and it’s nuances.

Malar edema 1 year post upper and lower blepharoplasty - Is there anything else I can do? (photos)

Answers (4)