Eyeballs Beet-Red in Far Corners After Rhinoplasty?

This is uncommon but of no concern in the vast majority of cases when it does happen. A small amount of bleeding (beneath the clear layer) of the eyeball can occur with coughing, straining, retching from post-operative nausea, etc. This is usually not due to bleeding from the rhinoplasty entering the eyeball, but from a tiny ruptured vessel(s) in the sclera of the eyeballs themselves.

This bleeding is self-limited and will reabsorb on its own without treatment. BTW, this can also happen spontaneously without relation to surgery, and typically is a response to one of the inciting causes noted above, but may also accompany aspirin or other blood-thinner use in the setting of high blood pressure or minor trauma.

If it worsens or persists, you should see your doctor, but this is rarely anything to worry about. Oral arnica montana may help your body reabsorb the blood faster. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

 

Sounds like you have some subconjunctival hemorrhage. This can happen with a rhinoplasty but is relatively rare. It is more likely to happen when osteotomies are required.  It is like bruising that has extending to the tissue surrounding the eye.  It is unlikely to have any long term consequences BUT you should have it evaluated by your surgeon to know for sure. 

 

I have found that working with the anesthesiologists here in Austin, Texas with rhinoplasty (nose job) patients that we can reduce bruising and swelling by doing a “deep” extubation.  This involves removing the breathing tube while the patient is still fairly sedated.  The benefit of this is that there is less (usually none) coughing, hacking, and gasping.  This smoother technique results in less internal pressure and thus less blood forced into the tissues.