Delayed retrobulbar hematoma after blepharoplasty: CT and MRI findings

Purpose: To describe a case of late orbital hematoma after blepharoplasty and review the literature on this subject. Methods: A healthy woman developed an orbital hematoma and loss of vision 7 days after an elective blepharoplasty. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images of the orbits were obtained 1 day after the vascular accident. Results: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance images clearly demonstrated that the site of the hemorrhage was the superior nasal fat pad. Blood from this region molded the globe and accumulated in the intraconal space behind the posterior sclera. The patient was successfully treated with conservative measures only. Conclusions: Orbital hematoma, which is the main cause of loss of vision after blepharoplasty, can be a late postoperative complication.