Under eye lumps after Blepharoplasty and fat transfer. Any suggestions?

Question

Two months ago I had a lower Blepharoplasty and fat transfer. Everything was going great but these past two weeks - nothing is improving and now I have large lumps under both my eyes. My doctor is concerned and wants to do another surgery in about 3 weeks or so. He gave me no suggestions regarding reducing the lumps - what can I do? I have an event to go to tomorrow!!

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

I am assuming that the lumps are fat.  What surgery are they planning?  Removal of the fat?  You might want to try some warm compresses and massage to help decrease any fluid retention in the fat pads.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

is what you must be, as difficult as it may be.  If residual bumps persist after you are 'healed', there are things that can be done to help with it.  Your surgeon plans a revision... you should be clear about what is going to be done and you can also ask about the bumps that concern you as it makes sense to deal with that too.

Chris Thiagarajah, MD · Answer

Two months is way too early to judge how things are. Follow your doctors recommendations. It could be scar tissue or something else. If you are not sure what they are ask your doctor to explain.

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

2 months is too soon to determine your final result.  Most often what you are seeing is going to improve with time and thus lead to a lesser need for more treatment.   It's hard to be patient but I have seen this improve substantially over many months, up to 12 months.  If you act too soon the further treatment can actually worsen your eventual outcome.  Please wait.best of luck

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Hello DJack,Thank you for your question and I am sorry for the problems which are occurring.  Obviously, your surgeon has a good idea of what is occurring.  Without seeing pictures of you, the obvious reason is likely lumps from retention of fat from either fat transfer or pseudoherniated fat from the lower eyelid.  In my experience, massage, warm compresses, and steroid injections, while helpful in some cases for lumps after fat transfer, in general, don't solve the issue. More commonly, I've had to surgically excise these fat lumps.  Good luck and trust your surgeon!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The best approach depends upon the cause of the lumps. Injection treatments can be helpful for persistent collections of fat. Time can also be beneficial to allow further healing if the bumps appear to be swelling. Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Joel E. Kopelman, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer  to the lower eyelids can produce phenomenal results but the recovery can be prolonged because the lymphatic drainage can be impaired due to the more extensive dissection and fat manipulation.After some swelling subsides it is possible that residual fat,particularly of the lateral compartment may be revealed.It is impossible to suggest the correct plan of action based on your description alone.

Under eye lumps after Blepharoplasty and fat transfer. Any suggestions?

Answers (7)

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