Subconjunctival ecchymosis due to rhinoplasty

Orbital complications of rhinoplasty show a wide range from minor complications like periorbital edema and ecchymosis to severe complications like blindness. Also, subconjunctival ecchymosis is one of the orbital complications due to rhinoplasty. A prospective study was set out to assess the incidence and progression of subconjunctival ecchymosis and to find out mechanisms of this complication. The incidence of subconjunctival ecchymosis was found to be 19.1%. Typically it appeared unilaterally or bilaterally over the temporal subconjunctival area in the first two days after the operation. Complete resolution of subconjunctival ecchymosis took approximately 11 +/- 3 days. No other ocular symptoms were found. Subconjunctival ecchymosis only prolonged the recovery period of the patient from the rhinoplasty.