Why Do Nose Jobs Cause Black Eyes

Dark circles under the eyes are a common side effect of rhinoplasty but permanent black eyes are very rare. Normally, it only takes a few weeks for the bruising to disappear.

However, prolonged black eyes after rhinoplasty can be caused by particular factors, including blood accumulation under the skin, a slow healing process, and individual factors like skin type.

It is very important to consider these factors as a possibility before the surgical procedure. As with effective pre and post-operative care and safe surgical techniques, the chances of dark circles can be reduced.

Can A Nose Job Cause Permanent Black Eyes?

Rhinoplasty, or in simple terms nose job, can only cause black eyes in rare circumstances. Firstly, it also matters if the patient had dark circles before the procedure or not.

Also, the condition is considered a complication when the dark circles are persisting even after normal healing time of two weeks. However, to prevent this, the knowledge of causes and prevention ways can greatly help.

Some potential causes of prolonged bruising under the patient’s eyes may include:

1. Slow Healing: Some patients have a slow healing process either because of genetics or any medical condition.
2. Blood Accumulation: Conditions like periorbital hematoma, where blood becomes trapped under the skin, can occur because of blood clotting disorders or particular skin type.
3. Age: Old patients are more susceptible to bruising for prolonged time due to decreased skin elasticity.
4. Surgical Techniques: Certain methods that are used during rhinoplasty may increase the risk of bruising.
5. Post-op Care: Patient not properly following the pre and post-surgical care guidelines.
6. Medications: Patients on blood thinning medications have a high risk of getting sunken eyes after rhinoplasty.

How To Treat Dark Circles After Rhinoplasty?

Although it is rare to have permanent dark circles after rhinoplasty, if it has happened, do not worry! There are many promising treatment options for you:

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

The treatment options in which the problem can be resolved without surgery include:

• • • Skin Whitening Creams – To even out the skin tone and reduce discoloration in affected areas.
    • Laser Therapy – Helps in the gradual fading of affected areas.
    • Cooling Gels – To reduce swelling and edema.

Surgical Treatment Options

In some cases, surgery is required and following techniques can be used:

• • • Fat Grafting: To restore the volume beneath the sunken eyes.
    • Blepharoplasty: A surgical procedure that tightens the skin by removing excess skin, muscle or fat and enhances the overall appearance of the area.

How Long Do Black Eyes Last After Nose Job?

It is very common to have black eyes after rhinoplasty. However, within two weeks, there should be a visible improvement.

It is not necessarily a two-week period when the bruising is noticeably recovered. The patient should wait and continue the care. This is because the healing timeline also depends on the patient’s skin type and the type of surgery techniques used.

What Precautions Reduce Bruising Post-Nose Job?

With some measures, both the surgical team and the patients can work towards decreasing the risk of permanent bruising after a nose job:

For Surgical Team

The surgeons and associated medical professionals must take the following measures as part of their standard procedure. This will help to lower the risk of permanent bruising of patient’s eyes after surgery:

• • • Comprehensive Patients History: Detailed knowledge of the patient’s medical history and individual risk factors.
    • Appropriate Surgical Techniques: Choosing the suitable surgical methods during nose job helps in precise tissue handling and reduces the risk of hematoma formation and trauma.
    • Protective Measures: Use techniques that minimize the blood vessel damage during the procedure.

For Patients

Patients can also play a key role in decreasing the risk of black eyes after nose job by:

• • • Compliance: Strictly following pre and post-surgery guidelines like not using herbal supplements and medications that can increase risk of bleeding.
    • Cold Compressors: Apply cold compresses every hour in the first two days after surgery and 3-4 times per day afterwards. The patient must not apply the ice directly to the skin and wrap it in a cloth.
    • Medications: Medications like Vitamin K, Acetaminophen and Arnica Montana are well known for their positive impact on reducing swelling, but should be used after doctor’s advice.
    • Limit Activity: During the healing time period, patients must limit their physical activity, preventing any heavy exercise.
    • Head Elevation: Keep the head elevated to decrease the swelling.

When To Consider That Dark Circles Are Permanent?

Other than the healing time period, there are some signs that patients should look out for:

• • • If the post-op swelling is not resolving over time.
    • If the pain is either persistent or increasing over time.
    • If there is unusual discharge from the incision sites.
    • If there is prolonged bleeding even after the healing period.

In case of any of these symptoms, the patient must not wait and quickly contact their surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my eyes black after surgery?

It is a common post-surgical effect and the blackness will gradually resolve during the 2 weeks healing time.

How long are eyes bruised after nose job?

Bruising normally heals within the healing period of almost 14 days.

Why do I have so many blackheads after rhinoplasty?

It is a common post-surgical effect and will hopefully be resolved on its own over time. 

Can a black eye heal in 3 days?

You will notice a prominent improvement in your black eye within the 2 week healing period.