Complications After Double Eyelid Surgery: Infection Signs and Treatment - Ophthalmology

Share to:

Double eyelid surgery


Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a situation.
I had double eyelid surgery on May 25, and about two months later, I noticed a suture knot on my right eye.
After returning for treatment, the wound healed, but there was a small hard lump where the suture knot had been, which was not painful.
Recently, it suddenly became swollen, purulent, red, and painful.
After expressing the pus with a cotton swab, I clean the wound with saline and apply the mupirocin ointment prescribed by the clinic, but pus continues to accumulate.
When I pull the eyelid tight, I can see a slightly yellowish, translucent hard lump inside.
Could this be an infection? Is surgical intervention necessary for cleaning, or can it be treated with medication? Thank you for your response, and I appreciate your hard work!

Miss Hong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/19

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Ms.
Hong: If you are experiencing this phenomenon, you should promptly return for a check-up to see if there is any sign of infection.
It is best to have a physician assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.

Reply Date: 2021/08/19

More Info


After undergoing double eyelid surgery, it is not uncommon to experience complications, including signs of infection. Based on your description, it appears that you may indeed be experiencing an infection at the surgical site. The presence of a hard lump, redness, swelling, pain, and pus are all indicative of an infection.
Infections can occur post-surgery due to various reasons, including improper wound care, the introduction of bacteria during the procedure, or even the body's response to foreign materials such as sutures. The yellowish, translucent hard lump you mentioned could be a collection of pus or a suture that has not dissolved properly, leading to localized inflammation and infection.

Here are some steps you should consider taking:
1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: It is crucial to return to your healthcare provider or an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They can perform a thorough examination and determine the extent of the infection. Self-diagnosing or treating without professional guidance can lead to complications, including worsening of the infection or potential damage to the eye.

2. Possible Treatments: Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor may recommend different treatment options. If the infection is mild, they might prescribe topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics to help clear the infection. However, if there is a significant accumulation of pus or if the infection is severe, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the infected area and remove any non-dissolvable sutures.

3. Wound Care: While waiting for your appointment, continue to keep the area clean. Using saline solution to gently cleanse the area is a good practice. Avoid squeezing or manipulating the lump, as this can exacerbate the infection or push bacteria deeper into the tissue.

4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you notice an increase in redness, swelling, pain, or if you develop fever or chills, these could be signs that the infection is worsening, and you should seek immediate medical care.

5. Follow-Up Care: After treatment, ensure you follow your doctor's instructions for care and follow-up appointments. This is essential to monitor healing and prevent recurrence of the infection.

6. Preventive Measures: In the future, ensure that you follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. This may include avoiding makeup, keeping the area dry, and not touching the surgical site to minimize the risk of infection.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing are concerning and suggest an infection at the surgical site. It is essential to seek professional medical advice promptly to address the issue effectively. Your health and safety should always be the priority, and timely intervention can help prevent further complications.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Surgery Complications of Double Eyelid Surgery

Hello Doctor, I underwent double eyelid surgery at a well-known chain aesthetic clinic last August. I was dissatisfied with the results and had the stitches removed in November. After the surgery, I encountered two issues: 1. Since the surgery, my eyes have become very easily f...


Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
It is advisable to visit a hospital for consultation. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Complications of Double Eyelid Surgery


Managing Complications After Eyelid Surgery: What You Need to Know

Recently, I noticed that my double eyelids have developed multiple layers. Upon closer inspection, I found a small bump, and next to it, there is a small uneven area left from a chalazion surgery I had in high school, located near the upper lash line. Is there any way to address ...


Dr. Huang Bozhen reply Ophthalmology
Description: It is uncertain whether eyelid ptosis has occurred, which can happen in individuals who wear contact lenses for an extended period. Additionally, if the eyelid ptosis fluctuates, it may be associated with myasthenia gravis (similar to Director Tang Fei). If it is sim...

[Read More] Managing Complications After Eyelid Surgery: What You Need to Know


Understanding Double Eyelid Surgery: Risks, Recovery, and Expert Insights

Question 1: When the eyes are closed, there is already a line present for double eyelids. Will the scar from double eyelid surgery look like this line? Are there any side effects from double eyelid surgery? Question 2: It is said that there is an eye specialist in Qiaotou Townsh...


Dr. Jiang Baicong reply Plastic Surgery
Xiao Hai: Any type of surgery that cuts beyond the dermis layer in humans will result in scar formation. Indeed, if you undergo a surgical double eyelid procedure, there will be a linear scar. If your eyelids have a natural double eyelid or multiple layers, it is generally safer ...

[Read More] Understanding Double Eyelid Surgery: Risks, Recovery, and Expert Insights


Dealing with Uneven and Thick Double Eyelids After Surgery

Dear Doctor: I underwent double eyelid surgery and canthoplasty with fat removal five months ago. However, the surgeon made the incisions too large, resulting in my double eyelids appearing thick and swollen. Additionally, there is a noticeable asymmetry between the two sides. Wh...


Dr. Luo Qihua reply Plastic Surgery
After five months, most of the swelling should have subsided. If there is still a feeling of thickness or swelling, it may be due to a wider incision or an excess of fat. A thorough evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.

[Read More] Dealing with Uneven and Thick Double Eyelids After Surgery


Related FAQ

Double Eyelid Surgery

(Ophthalmology)

Double Eyelid Surgery

(Plastic Surgery)

Double Vision

(Ophthalmology)

Post-Chalazion Surgery

(Ophthalmology)

Eyelid Disease

(Ophthalmology)

Eyelid Cyst

(Ophthalmology)

Post-Lasik Surgery

(Ophthalmology)

Trichiasis

(Ophthalmology)

Vitrectomy Surgery

(Ophthalmology)

Eye Allergies

(Ophthalmology)