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Blepharoplasty involves small, carefully placed incisions to remove or reposition tissue around the eyelids. Because these incisions are typically positioned within natural eyelid folds or along the lash line, the resulting scars can become difficult to notice once they have fully healed. Where the scar is located depends on whether you are having upper or lower eyelid surgery.
Will My Blepharoplasty Scar Be Noticeable?
Once fully healed, blepharoplasty scars are typically quite subtle. The thin eyelid skin tends to heal well, and incision lines are positioned where they can be naturally concealed by the contours of the eye. Scar appearance continues to improve as the incision matures.
Where Are Blepharoplasty Incisions Placed?
For an upper bleph, the incision is typically placed within the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This gives the surgeon access to excess skin and fat while positioning the resulting scar where it can be less noticeable once healed.
Depending on how much skin needs to be removed, the incision may extend slightly beyond the eyelid crease toward the outer corner of the eye. As the incision heals and the scar matures, it typically becomes flatter and less noticeable.
Blepharoplasty Healing Stages
Healing after upper blepharoplasty happens gradually. Swelling and bruising improve first, while the incision continues to heal and fade over the following months.
- First 1 to 2 weeks: Swelling and bruising are most noticeable during the early healing period and gradually improve. The incision line may still be visible as the skin heals.
- First few months: Residual swelling continues to settle, and the upper eyelid begins to take on a more natural contour. The incision typically becomes less noticeable during this time.
- Six to twelve months: The scar continues to mature, becoming softer and less visible. By this stage, the incision often blends more naturally into the upper eyelid crease.
Healing varies from person to person, so the appearance of the eyelids and incision during the first several weeks should not be considered the final result.
What Can Make an Eyelid Scar More Noticeable?
Blepharoplasty scars do not heal exactly the same way for everyone. Several factors may affect their color, texture, or width:
- A personal history of raised or darkened scars
- Genetics and natural skin pigmentation
- Smoking or nicotine use
- Sun exposure while the scar is still maturing
- Infection, delayed healing, or separation of the incision
- Rubbing, scratching, or pulling at the healing skin
- Tension along the incision
- Previous eyelid surgery or existing scar tissue
A history of keloids elsewhere on the body should always be discussed before surgery. However, raised scarring is uncommon around the eyelids.
How To Support Proper Scar Healing
Good aftercare protects the incision while new tissue forms. Follow the instructions we provide, since the timing of wound care and topical products may differ based on the procedure.
Helpful steps generally include:
- Keep the incision clean: Use only the recommended cleaning method and prescribed ointment.
- Avoid rubbing or picking: Pulling at sutures, scabs, or peeling skin can disrupt the incision.
- Protect the area from sunlight: Once the incision has closed and sunscreen is approved, use sun protection around the eyes. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat provide additional coverage.
- Avoid smoking and nicotine: Nicotine reduces blood flow and can interfere with healing.
- Wait before using scar products: Do not apply silicone gel, vitamin E, retinoids, makeup, or other products near a fresh eyelid incision unless we have cleared them.
- Attend follow-up visits: Early assessment allows us to identify delayed healing or an abnormal scar response before it progresses.
Blepharoplasty With Dr. Boyse and Dr. Fluckiger
Dr. Brent Boyse and Dr. Jason Fluckiger are board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons whose training in facial surgery gives them a detailed understanding of the anatomy surrounding the eyes. This experience is especially important in blepharoplasty surgery, where small differences in skin removal and incision placement can influence both the appearance and function of the eyelid.
When performing blepharoplasty, they work within the natural contours of the eyelid to remove excess skin while keeping the incision as discreet as possible. Their goal is a refreshed appearance that still looks natural as the eyelid heals.
Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation
If you are considering eyelid surgery but are concerned about scarring, a consultation can help you understand where the incision will be placed and what you can expect as it heals.
To book an appointment with Dr. Boyse at our Mesa location, call or text (480) 830-5866 or visit us at 6755 E Superstition Springs Blvd Suite 103, Mesa, AZ.
To book an appointment with Dr Fluckiger at our Show Low Location, call or text (480) 830-5866 or visit us at 1941 S White Mountain Rd Show Low, AZ 85901
FAQs
How long does it take for a bleph scar to fade?
Blepharoplasty scars gradually fade over several months. Most become less noticeable as healing progresses, but it can take six to twelve months for the scar to fully mature and reach its final appearance.
How long do blepharoplasty scars stay red?
Blepharoplasty scars may remain red or pink for about two to six weeks after surgery. The color should gradually fade as the incision continues to heal, although individual healing times can vary.
Do blepharoplasty scars get worse before they get better?
They can look more noticeable early in healing. Temporary redness, firmness, mild elevation, or unevenness does not necessarily reflect the final scar.
What does a problematic blepharoplasty scar look like?
A scar may need assessment if it becomes increasingly raised, wide, painful, warm, or red, or if it pulls on the eyelid. Drainage, wound separation, difficulty closing the eye, or vision changes should also be evaluated promptly.
