Is hollowness after a lower blepharoplasty normal? (photos)

Question

I had a lower bleth 2 weeks ago, I know I know it takes time, however the more The swelling goes down the more the hollowness is prominent. My Dr gave me the " give it time " but it seems that if the Holland this is getting worse nothing will help ,,, so frustrated

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Normally this is done for herniated lower eyelid fat, not a feature in your before photo.  Removing fat when it does not need to be removed will create hollowness.  You are only 2 weeks out from surgery and still swollen.  This needs to heal before know what was accomplished and how much of an issue you may have from this surgery.  You need about 2 months of healing to have a better understanding of the outcome of this surgery.

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear ccasey40,Thank you for your question and I am sorry about your concerns.  When looking at your "before" image I do not see a lot of herniated fat present.  If your surgical procedure involved the removal of fat, this will create a greater and more hollowed appearance.  This being said, you do have swelling along the lower part of the eyelid which will make things appear worse than they really are.  The most important thing at this time is to allow for appropriate healing and to see the final result.  This can take 2-3 months overall and you will have a better idea of what has been addressed and what may need to be.Be healthy and be well,
James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS
Bellevue & Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Hollowness under eyes after lower blepharoplasty depends on 2 factors:  how full or hollow it was prior to surgery and if/how much fat was removed during surgery.  It is usually best to preserve the under eye fat and reposition it during surgery rather than removal. See following link. At this time, it is best to let things heal and re-evaluate in a few weeks. You may benefit from filler injection. See following video.

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns. It is difficult to judge your results so soon after surgery and through your provided photos. If there is excessive hollowness, fillers or fat can be placed in the area. For now, just wait for things to heal. I hope this helps.Good luck,

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

especially if your surgeon removed fat versus shifting fat to the hollow areas.  At this point, there isn't anything you can do that will change the outcome so focus on healing and if you are excessively hollow, you should be able to express your concerns to your surgeon for options for improving your contours... and this would include fat grafting and fillers.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

I am sorry that you are disappointed with the results of your blepharoplasty.  Unfortunately, a lower lid blepharoplasty or lower lid lift is not an operation that restores your natural volume in the lower lid areas. As we age we lose volume and the in the mid-cheek area and lower lids, this leads to sunken or hollow look that is also is described as a tired or aged look.  The bags that form under your eyes as you mature, is usually normal fat around your eyes that has not changed at all.  What has happened is that you have lost the volume below those eyeball fat pockets and they then become prominent.  There are other problems that can occur as well such as excess skin but your concern appears to be volume loss.

It is only a couple of weeks after your surgery so you need to give it a couple of months but if this problem persists then you may want to have some volume replacement.  Fat grafting is an option but it is very unpredictable.  I prefer filler and in particular Bellafill.  This is a long-term filler that, in the right hands, works wonders for volume loss in the lower lids

I have added a web link and a video for you that may help.

If you find this answer useful, please up vote it with the button on the top right called report.  Thanks

Best regards.

Is hollowness after a lower blepharoplasty normal? (photos)

Answers (6)

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