Eyelid Surgery Scar Treatment, Healing and Fading

Understanding Eyelid Surgery Scars: What You Should Know

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is frequently chosen by those wishing to change their facial aesthetics or enhance their field of vision. Despite its widespread acceptance and positive results, as with all surgical procedures, there’s always the possibility of scarring afterwards. It’s essential for anyone contemplating eyelid surgery to be well-informed about the potential for scars and their implications.

When you undergo surgery, your body instinctively starts its healing process. A primary component of this process is collagen production, which aids in mending the surgical wound. This healing action results in the creation of a scar. How noticeable and pronounced this scar becomes depends on a variety of elements. These include your genetics, the surgical approach adopted, the expertise of the surgeon conducting the procedure, and how diligently you follow post-surgical care guidelines.

In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the subject of scars resulting from eyelid surgery. We’ll shed light on their characteristics, underlying causes, effects, and most vitally, the remedies available to address them.

Centre for Surgery is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgery clinic in the heart of London. We pride ourselves on our proficiency in an extensive array of plastic and cosmetic procedures, from treatments for skin cancer to surgeries focused on the breast, body, nose, and face. Among the facial procedures we provide, blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is a sought-after choice.

RELATED: Eyelid Surgery FAQs – Q&A about Blepharoplasty

Eyelid Surgery Scars (Blepharoplasty Scars)

When we talk about scars resulting from eyelid surgery, they’re often termed as blepharoplasty scars. It’s a standard outcome following the procedure. The beauty of eyelid surgery is that the scars typically align with the natural fold or crease of your eyelid, which means they’re mostly hidden when your eyes are open. Nonetheless, not all scars are the same. Depending on how one’s body heals, these scars can sometimes evolve into hypertrophic or keloid scars. These types of scars are more prominent and might need extra treatments to manage or reduce their appearance.

It’s essential to understand what you’re dealing with when it comes to these scars. While scars are a given after any surgical intervention, the unique aspect of eyelid surgery is its strategic placement. This often leads to scars that are not just minimal but also cleverly concealed. The expertise of your plastic surgeon, paired with the post-surgery care you adhere to, plays a monumental role in determining how noticeable these scars will end up being.

Understanding the Causes and Varieties of Blepharoplasty Scars

Every surgical procedure results in some form of scarring, and blepharoplasty is no exception. The root of blepharoplasty scars lies in the body’s intrinsic healing mechanism that kicks into action post-surgery. However, how pronounced these scars become and their overall appearance can be swayed by multiple factors. Aspects like your genetic blueprint, your age, the nature of your skin, and lifestyle choices, notably smoking, can all play a part in determining the final appearance of these scars.

For the most part, eyelid surgery results in discreet, fine line scars which neatly tuck into the eyelid’s natural fold, rendering them less noticeable. Yet, there are instances where the healing process might not follow the expected trajectory. In such scenarios, these scars can elevate to become hypertrophic or even transform into keloids. While hypertrophic scars are characterised by their raised and reddened appearance but remain limited to the original incision zone, keloids are more aggressive. They not only breach the boundaries of the initial wound but also tend to adopt a darker hue.

Additionally, there’s another scar type to be aware of – the contracture scar. These scars don’t merely sit on the surface; they pull and tug at the surrounding skin. This can lead to a feeling of tightness and, in more severe cases, can even hamper the functionality of the eyelid. Recognising the specific nature of your scar is the key to pinpointing the most suitable treatment approach.

Ways to Reduce Scarring from Eyelid Surgery

The after-effects of eyelid surgery, particularly scarring, can be managed and reduced using a variety of methods. Whether you lean towards home-based natural remedies or are considering a more aggressive medical approach, the choice ultimately hinges on the scar’s prominence, your personal inclinations, and guidance from your plastic surgeon.

Home Remedies: Home remedies can be quite effective for those who favour a gentler approach, especially when the scars are relatively mild.

1. Aloe Vera: This plant is celebrated for its soothing and healing attributes. Applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the scar can assist in moisturising the area and promoting skin regeneration.
2. Vitamin E: A potent antioxidant, vitamin E can be applied topically in the form of an oil or cream. Its hydrating properties can help in improving skin elasticity and diminishing the appearance of scars.

Medical Treatments: For more pronounced scars or when faster results are desired, various medical interventions are available.

1. Laser Therapy: This procedure employs targeted laser beams to break down scar tissue and promote the formation of new, healthy skin. It’s especially effective for raised scars and can improve both the texture and colour of the scar.
2. Steroid Injections: These are suitable for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Steroids are directly injected into the scar, helping to flatten and soften it. Multiple sessions may be required to achieve desired results.
3. Surgical Scar Revision: A surgical approach might be considered when the scar is particularly prominent or causing functional issues. This procedure involves excising the old scar and closing the wound with more precise techniques to ensure minimal scarring the second time around.