Remaining eyebag and slight asymmetry after lower Blepharoplasty

Unfortunately it is common to have swelling and mild asymmetry that early after surgery, particularly when a lower lid incision on the skin rather then on the inside of the eyelid has been performed. It is impossible to achieve complete symmetry in any plastic surgery procedure, but if you notice some mild asymmetry it probably will resolve. It will take several months before knowing the final result and any potential long term asymmetry that may result. Hopefully you will have an excellent result.

Since your surgery was just performed, it is way to early to assess the long term results. Usually the 6 month timepoint is a good final result timepoint. Your doctor will likely have massage exercises for you to perform and may suggest injections, taping, etc. Once the final result has been achieved, hopefully you will be very satisfied with your result. If asymmetries are present, then the really tough decisions start.

Revisional lower eyelid surgery is one of the hardest of all areas in plastic surgery. Conventional lower eyelid surgeries involve removal of skin and fat from the lower eyelids. in some patients, this can cause characteristic patterns of hollowness or pulling down of the lower eyelids, often asymmetrically. The challenge for the revision is then to elevate the corners of the eyes, restore a healthy eye shape, and restore lost volume. All this and meet the patient's expectations!

This often involves a combination of midfacial advancement techniques (cheeklifts), LiveFill for volume restoration, canthal reconstruction, and scar revisions.

Sue,
As you can see from virtually every answer that you have received, it is WAY too early to start obsessing over your results. The effects of swelling and scarring are just beginning. Relax and trust in your surgeon. You must have trusted him/her before surgery. Keep the faith. Good luck!

Like with any surgery, it is very difficult to evaluate the final result until the swelling has dissipated, and even then the results may not be fully present for several months. You really should give it some time to heal.

You are still very early in the healing process and you need to give it more time. I usually advocate early gentle massage of the lower eyelid from medial to lateral. This generally helps to keep the lower lid supple. As far as the asymmetry, this is extremly normal and will just take more time to resolve. Speak with your surgeon, voice your concerns and you can be assured that the best advice is just more time.

At just over two weeks after Blepharoplasty surgery, it is normal to have some asymmetry. This may affect both the skin and the fat of the lower eyelids, and may also affect the shape of the eye. There can be more swelling or bruising on one side versus the other, even if the identical procedure was performed, and identical amounts of fat were removed.

Four to six weeks after eyelid surgery, most of the early asymmetry caused by the above problems should be resolved. In the interim, follow the recommendations of your surgeon, keep your head elevated as much as possible, use cool compresses, use artificial tears and eye ointment as necessary, and be patient. Your final result isn't in the bag just yet!

I understand your concerns regarding what you are seeing as a post-op result so far. You are still early in the healing process so the final results are not going to be known for at least a few more weeks.

Swelling versus residual fat can sometimes be differentiated by pressing gently on that area. If an small indentation is obvious right away, then it is likely swelling which will go away. If it bounces right back or feels firm, especially if you squeeze your eyes and press, it is probably residual fat.

Healing is like snowflakes; everyone is different. Some patients heal within 1-2 weeks while some can take several months. The most important thing is to follow-up with your surgeon with any concerns you have to make sure that you are healing normally.

With all due respect, 2 and 1/2 weeks is way too early to examine your blepharoplasty to determine if it was done well or not. Even when we start with symmetrical eyes, it is difficult to have post-operative swelling that is identical on both eyes. When you start with severe assymetry, the swelling will most certainly be assymetrical. I routinely tell my patients to wait 4-8 weeks before making any judgement as to the quality of the outcome. So the best thing you can do to help your recovery is to relax and believe that your doctor did a great job. Positive thoughts lead to positive outcomes.

Hi Sue,

You should consult with your surgeon who will likely tell you that it is still too early to judge your results. Give it another few weeks.

The reward of patience is patience. Good luck and I wish you a rapid and symmetric recovery.

Dr. P

At only 2.5 weeks after surgery, there is still substantial swelling present so it won't be possible to know the answer to your question for another 3-4 months. Stay in close touch with your surgeon and be patient and give it some time. It's too soon to be worried.

At just 2 1/2 weeks after surgery I wouldn't count out healing. It is not unusual to get a fair amount of swelling under the eyes after lower eyelid surgery that can take a while to go away, sometimes even a month or two. Slight asymmetries in the eyelid as well can resolve given time and sometimes a little massage. I would highly suggest speaking with your physician about your concerns and getting his or her opinion.