Red bump on incision line 2 weeks after double eyelid surgery, should I be concerned? (photos)

Question

I had double eyelid surgery done 2 weeks ago and was healing great for the first 2 weeks. However, 2 weeks after the surgery, a red bump developed on the incision line and I'm very concerned? What is it and is it going to go away? A day after the stitches were removed, I found there was one stitch left on my eye where the current bump is. I couldn't go back to the doctor since I'm leaving on a trip and the stitch disappeared after 2 days. Not sure if it has anything to do with the current bump.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This could have occurred for a number of reasons - it could be the beginning of a keloid scar or it could be a reaction to the stitching used. You should return to your original surgeon for their opinion on this.

Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS · Answer

From your history and your photos, sounds like the red bump can be a suture granuloma/ suture abscess, which is inflammation/infection caused by the retaining suture or an internal suture that was used to anchor the double eyelid crease.  You should keep the area clean, refrain from wearing any eye make up for now and follow up with your surgeon as soon as you can.  If treated properly, it should not affect the final outcome.  Goretti H. Taghva MD

Umeng David Thao, MD · Answer

Thanks for your photos. The red bump could be scar tissue or suture granuloma formed by your skins reaction to the stitches.  Please follow up with your surgeon to have it treated appropriately.

Andrea Lora Kossler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your photos and history are suggestive of a suture granuloma. This can be removed in clinic with an easy procedure if it does not go away on its own. Other possibilities include: 1) hypertrophic (abundant) scar tissue which would also be expected to improve with time and can be treated with in office injections (5FU or kenalog steroid) and massage or removal, 2) atypical mycobacterium- a very rare eyelid infection that can presents a few weeks after surgery. I do not think your history or photos are suggestive of atypical mycobacterium so please do not worry about this, however it is important to have your surgeon take a look at the bump so they can treat it appropriately. I think your lid crease looks great and you will heal beautifully with treatment of the bump.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

That can be within normal limits (normal) and should go away BUT it's important that you have your surgeon or another eyelid surgeon take a look.  It could be scar tissue or also what's known as a suture granuloma.  If it's a granuloma you'll have to cut it out but it's minor.  If it's scar tissue maybe massage or kenalog+5-FU injection to the area.  As a surgeon first.Chase Lay MDAsian eyelid surgery specialist

Red bump on incision line 2 weeks after double eyelid surgery, should I be concerned? (photos)

Answers (5)