6 months post op, will prominent protruding lines under eyes need additional surgery? (photos)

Question

I had lower eyelid fat repositioning in South Korea over six months ago. Everything recovered smoothly however when I am laughing or smiling hard now, there are these line protrusions under my eyes. The doctor assured me this was part of the healing when they were very prominent two months in but they remain there. I am very sad because it is counter to the goals of the procedure, is this something that would require additional surgery? Also can anyone tell me what this is?

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Keep an open communication with your plastic surgeon regarding your concerns. If you're unhappy with your results then we would be available to see you in person to evaluate and discuss revision options. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals!

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

Thank you for sharing your question and posting your photo. Your eyelids might still improve with more time. If you are still dissatisfied, revision is possible. 
Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

We typically do not assess surgical outcomes in a dynamic state. Assessments before and after are typically done without facial expressions. Surgeons can’t really take the impact of the contraction of muscles of facial expressions into consideration during surgery. 
This is your outcome and it can not be changed without further surgery. 
If the results look good with neutral facial expression then you should probably accept the outcome as being positive. 
Trying to revise the surgery based on the look with full contraction of facial muscles will likely cause more problems. 
We typically assess outcomes with a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
If you don’t have it before, and after pictures, then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
If you live in South Korea, then follow up with your provider.
If you don’t live in South Korea, then I will say that I generally do not recommend people travel long distances for elective surgical procedures.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

6 months post op, will prominent protruding lines under eyes need additional surgery? (photos)

Answers (3)