Contact & assessment

If the change is one-sided, or new

Do not book a cosmetic consultation first. Darkness on one side only, bruising that appeared without an injury, a lump that can be felt, swelling that is persistent or painful, or an eye that is bulging needs medical assessment. If there is pain on moving the eye, double vision or any change in vision, that assessment is urgent rather than routine, and emergency care is the right route.

Arranging an ordinary assessment

Where the darkness has been present for years and is the same on both sides, appointments are made through the hospital outpatient line or through the appointment service described on the appointments page. Say that you are asking about the eye area so that the right clinic time is booked. If you are travelling from outside Chongqing, say so when you book, because the assessment can sometimes be arranged alongside any tests in fewer visits.

What to bring

Bring a list of your current medicines and allergies, the names of any conditions you are being treated for, and any previous treatment records for the area, including injectable treatments and when they were given, because the timing changes how the area is assessed. Old photographs of your face are more useful than you would expect, because they show whether this is new or has always been there.

What happens at the consultation

Expect an examination rather than a presentation. The area is looked at in light from the front and from above, the skin is stretched and the cheek lifted, the lid and the eye surface are examined, and the history covers sleep, allergy, iron, thyroid and family pattern. You should leave knowing which of the four kinds is present, whether anything should be done about it, and what the options and their limits are.

Questions without booking

Questions about the content of this site, including any correction you believe should be made to it, are welcome through the hospital administration line. Clinical questions about your own case are best answered in person, and we will say so rather than guess.