Blepharoplasty scars: will people be able to tell?

The short answer: once healed, eyelid surgery scars are usually very hard to see. For upper eyelid surgery, the scar sits in the natural crease of the eyelid and fades to a fine line over three to six months. For lower eyelid surgery, it sits just beneath the lashes, and with one approach there is no skin scar at all.

Eyelid skin is some of the thinnest skin on the body, and it tends to heal very well. That is one reason blepharoplasty scars are rarely a concern for my patients once they have settled.

Upper eyelid surgery scars

The incision follows the natural fold of the upper eyelid, the crease you can see when your eyes are open. When you look straight ahead, the scar is tucked inside that fold. When your eyes are closed, it lies along the line of the crease.

In some people the scar extends a little beyond the outer corner of the eye, into one of the natural laughter lines. This is often needed to remove all the loose skin at the side, and it usually blends in well once healed.

Lower eyelid surgery scars

There are two main approaches.

• Just under the lashes. When there is excess, crinkled skin to remove, the incision is placed just beneath the lower lashes. Once healed, it is usually very difficult to see.
• From the inside of the eyelid. When the problem is mainly fat and the skin is in good condition, the fat can be treated through the inside of the eyelid. This is called the transconjunctival approach, and it leaves no visible scar on the skin.

Which approach suits you depends on your eyes. I will explain my recommendation at your consultation.

How the scars heal

• The first week: stitches in the upper eyelid come out after seven days. Bruising and swelling are the main thing people notice, not the scar.
• Weeks two to four: the scar is pink and may be slightly lumpy. Most people go back to make-up after about two weeks, once the wounds have healed, which helps disguise it.
• Three to six months: the scar fades to a fine line in the crease.

Looking after them

• Follow the wound care instructions you are given, and do not pick at any scabs.
• Protect the area from strong sun while it heals. Sunglasses help in more ways than one.
• Avoid smoking, which slows healing everywhere, including the eyelids.
• Do not judge the scar too early. It keeps improving for months.

Can anything go wrong?

Visible scarring after eyelid surgery is rare. Asymmetry, dry or watery eyes for a while, and difficulty closing the eyes fully at first are more common, and usually temporary. After lower eyelid surgery, the lower lid can be pulled down slightly, which is why careful technique matters so much. I go through all of this before anyone decides to go ahead.

You can read more on my upper eyelid surgery and lower eyelid surgery pages, and guide prices are on the eyelid surgery cost page.