Permanent black eye?

[realanna]

Hi,

I was hit and kicked in the face two and a half months ago - my nose was broken but straight without any obstruction - the injury resulted in massive, closed racoon eyes - emergency doctors did extensive eye checks and an MIR scan which showed the broken nose, no orbital damage and healthy eyes. Further, the ear, nose & throat surgeon said there wasn't much to worry about and that the swelling would go down in two to three weeks - while the original swelling has gone down, I still have very dark circles under my eyes that extend down past the orbital in the same way that the racoon eyes did when they were fully swollen and purple - a few times a week, one side of my nose and eyes, still swell and the skin is itchy as if healing but I still wonder if the discolouration is going to be permanent? (it certainly looks like it at this stage). Make-up doesn't really do the job and it looks like I am worn out all the time.Is it possible that the darkness is permanent or will my body eventually decide to mop up the damage?

Thanks,

Realanna

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear realanna,

It is important to make sure that you do not have a skull fracture.  I would recommend that you seek the care of an eyeMD and undergo radiological workups.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California

[JodieJ]

The darkness is from blood staining.  It will fade over time but may not entirely disappear.  I'd suggest that you see a cosmetic dermatologist.