Blepharoplasty rejuvenates your eyes by getting rid of excess skin and fat for a younger-looking you. While this procedure is very effective, it can cause scarring and is a frequent concern.
Whether you’re opting for upper eyelid surgery to decrease droopiness or lower eyelid surgery to get rid of dark circles, there are steps you can take to minimize any signs of the procedure. In most cases, you will heal smoothly and even be so imperceptible as to allow the beauty of your nature to come through without visible scars.
Scar Management After Eyelid Surgery
- Keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection and support healing.
- Use sunscreen and moisturizers to protect and nourish the healing skin.
- Adopt healthy habits, including a balanced diet and avoiding smoking.
- Advanced options like silicone gel sheets and laser therapy reduce scar visibility.
- Becker Plastic Surgery ensures expert care for natural results and minimal scarring.
What Causes Scars after Eyelid Surgery?
Since scarring is a normal part of the natural healing process that occurs after blepharoplasty and is affected by a number of factors, including surgical technique, genetics, and postoperative care, scars cannot be avoided altogether. During the procedure, surgeons make precise cuts along the natural folds of the eyelids or even below the lash line, remove or adjust excess tissue, and close these cuts with thin sutures when possible to reduce the visibility of scars. How accurately these steps are performed, along with a person’s skin type and their compliance with aftercare instructions, will greatly impact how scars look.
Finding a good facial plastic surgeon is very important because an experienced doctor will reduce scar visibility and achieve a more desirable aesthetic outcome. Studies reveal most patients had little or no visible scar after the procedure, with further improvements seen over time, and by one year, almost all participants had no visible scars.
Eyelid Surgery Patient Results
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
Immediate Post-Op Care for Scar Appearance
Keep the Area Dry and Clean
Maintaining a clean and dry environment around the surgical site is crucial for minimizing scarring and avoiding complications like infections. Proper hygiene creates optimal scar healing.
- Wash the area daily with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to remove bacteria and impurities.
- Pat the area dry with a soft, clean towel after washing to avoid irritation or bacteria buildup.
- Avoid letting the area stay wet for extended periods, as excess moisture can encourage bacterial growth and slow healing.
- Use a fresh towel each time you clean the area to prevent reintroducing bacteria.
- Gently wipe away sweat if you’re exercising or in a warm environment to prevent moisture buildup.
Be Gentle on the Area While Washing It
Caring for your surgical site delicately is key to reducing scarring and ensuring proper healing. Washing the area properly during recovery prevents irritation and supports tissue repair. Here’s how to do it:
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as it can irritate delicate tissues and increase the risk of larger scars.
- Use lukewarm water to clean the area, as extreme temperatures can be harsh on healing skin.
- Gently dab away dirt or debris with a clean, soft cloth rather than rubbing, which can preserve fragile tissue and prevent stretching.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions if they’ve prescribed medications or ointments, applying them as directed after washing.
Sunscreen
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of scarring, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation. To protect your healing skin and minimize scarring, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days or indoors near windows.
- Consult your doctor to determine when it’s safe to start using sunscreen after surgery. The area needs time to heal before applying any products.
- Opt for sunscreens designed for sensitive or post-surgical skin, such as mineral-based formulations containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are gentler and offer excellent protection against UV rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and pair it with additional protection like sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats to shield scars from direct sunlight.
Regular Habits to Minimize Scarring
Skin Moisturizing
Proper moisturizing is crucial in your recovery from blepharoplasty, helping to ensure minimal scarring and enhanced healing of the delicate eyelid skin:
Choose the Right Moisturizer
Select a formula that is rich in antioxidants and designed for sensitive skin. Look for ingredients such as vitamin A and vitamin C, green tea extract, licorice root extract, and honey.
- Apply your moisturizer gently, using a patting motion instead of rubbing the skin. This technique avoids stressing the skin and helps maintain the integrity of the healing tissues.
- Moisturize twice a day following cleansing to lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
- Ensure your moisturizer does not contain any harsh chemicals, fragrances, or other ingredients that could irritate the post-surgical site.
Skin Exfoliation
Exfoliating the skin around your eyes is a gentle way to enhance scar healing after eyelid surgery. It removes dead skin cells, promotes new cell growth, and improves circulation, which all help reduce the appearance of scars and restore a youthful look. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Opt for soft brushes or mild chemical peels designed for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.
- Always moisturize after exfoliating to protect the skin from free radical damage and prevent discoloration.
- Before starting any new exfoliation routine, especially involving chemical peels or microdermabrasion, talk to your medical practitioner to ensure it’s safe for your skin type and healing stage.
Massage away tender areas
Massaging around the skin surrounding the upper and lower eyelids can greatly improve the healing of surgical scars from blepharoplasty. This gentle approach dissolves scar tissue, softens the area, and promotes better blood flow, resulting in faster healing and less redness.
- Technique: Light taps or small circular motions. No direct pressure on the cars.
- Routine: After your surgeon authorizes, make massage a daily part of your skincare routine, done with gentleness for optimal results.
Always check with your surgeon before starting any massage to determine whether it is appropriate and safe for your healing stage. The skin around your eyes is thin and sensitive, so be careful of massage and follow your doctor’s advice closely to avoid irritation.
Have specific concerns about eyelid surgery?
Ask our expert surgeons directly.
Advanced Treatments for Visible Scarring
Try silicone gel sheets
Silicone gel sheets work very well for scar reduction after blepharoplasty. Here’s how to get the best results with them:
- Duration: For best results, wear the sheets for up to 24 hours a day, for four to eight weeks. This extended contact also enhances their healing properties on scars.
- Application: Use the sheets on the scarred area directly. They are made to be worn in everyday life, including when showering and exercising, so they’re an easy option to keep managing your scars.
- Benefits: The gel flattens and softens scar tissue, allowing a protective layer to form which counteracts itching, swelling, roughness, discoloration and redness. This will make the appearance of the scar better and also be more comfortable during the healing process.
Talk to your medical practitioner about laser treatments
Laser therapy is an effective outpatient procedure for diminishing noticeable scars from eyelid surgery. It uses targeted beams to break down scar tissue, promoting smoother skin and improved texture.
- How It Works: Lasers precisely target the collagen within scars, reducing redness and enhancing the skin’s natural healing process.
- Types of Lasers: Options include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Thermage, and Fraxel, each chosen based on the scar’s characteristics and your skin type.
- Recovery: Recovery time varies by laser type, usually spanning several weeks to months. Specific post-treatment care is essential for optimal healing.
Always consult with a specialist to choose the appropriate laser treatment for your needs and to understand the risks and recovery details.
Why Choose Becker Plastic Surgery for Eyelid Surgery
Becker Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination for eyelid surgery, combining expertise, personalized care, and advanced techniques to achieve natural, transformative results. Here’s why you should choose them:
- The practice features a skilled team of surgeons, including Dr. Nicole Schrader, Dr. Kirk Lozada, Dr. Joanna Kam, Dr. Anni Wong, and Dr. Alisa Yamasaki.
- Personalized consultations to align with your goals.
- Supportive pre- and post-operative care to ensure a smooth experience.
- Cutting-edge procedures to minimize scarring and recovery time.
- Results designed to blend naturally with your features.
- High patient satisfaction with natural-looking outcomes.
- Fully accredited surgical facility adhering to the highest safety standards.
Consult with Experts in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you’re looking for minimal scarring from your plastic surgeons and cosmetic eyelid surgery in New Jersey, book an appointment with us today! At Becker Plastic Surgery , our experienced team of plastic surgeons can provide you with the best care and advice to ensure that you get the results you want. With our expertise, we can help you achieve natural-looking results with minimal scarring. Contact us now to learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired look!