Blepharoplasty is a commonly performed procedure at Centre for Surgery. Eyelid reduction is designed to make the eyelids appear more useful and refreshed. Part of the popularity of the procedure is due to the virtually invisible scarring observed as the eyelid skin is particularly good at concealing scars within the natural skin fold of the upper eyelids. In some people who may have hooded eyes, the excess fold of skin may need to be surgically removed and the incision will have to be extended laterally. Although this incision may be visible, it heals very well to leave blepharoplasty scars that are better barely noticeable to others
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Lower blepharoplasty is often carried often using a transcutaneous incision technique. The incision is well hidden just beneath the eyelashes and the resulting lower blepharoplasty scar heals excellently. In the vast majority of cases, blepharoplasty scars gradually fade over time so that they become virtually invisible. Any visible scarring can be easily concealed by camouflaging make-up.
How easily do eyelids scar?
The eyelids are well vascularised anatomical structures and therefore do not scar so easily. Tissues that have a good blood supply heal very fast compared with other body areas such as the lower legs which often take a longer period of time to heal. As with any type of surgery, all incisions will result in the formation of a scar although eyelid scars are barely noticeable after six months as they will have faded to a pale white colour.
Can blepharoplasty produce eyelid scars that are well hidden?
The ability to hide eyelid scars after blepharoplasty surgery depends on the skill and expertise of your surgeon. Centre for Surgery is home to some of the most experienced consultant plastic surgeons in the UK. They are fully trained in all aspects of eyelid reduction surgery and will be able to position incisions so that any resulting blepharoplasty scars are positioned within the natural folds of the upper eyelids. Lower eyelid surgery involves expert placement of incisions just beneath the eyelash line and these are virtually invisible once full blepharoplasty recovery has taken place.
How long do blepharoplasty scars take to fade?
Blepharoplasty recovery takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks although it can take longer for the scars to fade with anywhere between 6 to 12 months being usual.
What is the best way to prevent scarring after blepharoplasty?
Thanks to its rich blood supply, the skin of the eyelids heals remarkably quickly and with the formation of excellent scars in the vast majority of cases. Many people notice as early as six months after eyelid surgery for their scars to be virtually invisible. There are certain methods we recommend to improve the appearance of scars after blepharoplasty. Silicone gel sheets are a clinically effective method to flatten eyelid scars. In the first four weeks after eyelid reduction, you should refrain from applying any topical skin care products to the eyelids as this may interfere with healing. Please speak to a member of our postoperative nursing team for advice on ideal topical products to use on your eyelids during the healing period.
The best way to minimise scarring and optimise your healing is to comply with all of your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions in full. Doing so will help to minimise the risk of complications occurring after blepharoplasty surgery.
Ice packs can be applied against the eyelids for the first few days after surgery to help reduce bruising and swelling. This should be combined with lying in an elevated position to accelerate the resolution of bruising. You should avoid getting the area wet for the first seven days after surgery and this includes the avoidance of showering. Strenuous exercise including going to the gym and sexual intercourse should be avoided until you have been assessed by your surgeon. It is important to protect your healing blepharoplasty scars from direct sunlight exposure. Wearing sunglasses will help to prevent your eyelids scars from developing excessive scarring. You should also avoid smoking and smoking has been linked to delayed healing and an increased risk of wound complications after blepharoplasty. You should also avoid wearing contact lenses as these can irritate the incisions. Similarly, habitual rubbing off your eyes should be avoided as this can traumatise the delicate healing incisions which could potentially lead in wound breakdown and the risk of prominent scarring.
Centre for Surgery is home to the leading consultant plastic surgeons in London and they work closely with our expert aesthetic practitioners who have access to the full range of scar management techniques including laser scar reduction. If you would like to learn more about blepharoplasty surgery and ways to reduce the appearance of blepharoplasty scars, please get in touch with us today at 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to start your patient journey today at our state-of-the-art cosmetic surgery clinic in Marylebone.
