When Will Incision Scars Heal After Upper Eyelid Surgery?

Without a doubt, one of the most common questions from patients considering cosmetic surgery is what kind of scars they will be left with. Thanks to modern science and technology, many procedures now result in fairly minimal scarring. Furthermore, a skilled surgeon can dramatically reduce the amount of visible scarring a patient will have by strategically placing incisions in areas where they can be easily concealed or camouflaged. However, it is still important to have realistic expectations for your procedure and understand what kind of scarring you may have.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi fully understands the desire to minimize surgical scars and utilizes the most advanced tools and techniques available in Beverly Hills, CA to give patients stunning results with as little scarring as possible. Learn more about one of the most exciting and popular cosmetic procedure, blepharoplasty, including how it works, when your incisions will heal, and what level of scarring you can expect after eyelid surgery.

What is blepharoplasty?

Also known as eyelid surgery or eyelid lift, blepharoplasty is a cosmetic procedure designed to address various concerns related to the eyelids and give patients a more natural, attractive overall appearance. Blepharoplasty can be performed on the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, and is commonly used to correct one or more of the following:

Droopy eyelids
Hanging eyelids
Hooded eyes
Obstructed vision due to excess eyelid skin
Tired eyes
Bulging fat under the eyes
Puffiness under the eyes
Extra skin on lower eyelids

Depending on the nature and severity of your concerns, Dr. Hakimi may recommend upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combined eyelid surgery to help you achieve your ideal look.

How does upper blepharoplasty work?

In many cases, upper eyelid surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia, allowing patients to enjoy a quicker and more comfortable recovery. During the procedure, Dr. Hakimi will make a precise and delicate incision along the crease of the upper eyelid. Excess skin will be trimmed, and Dr. Hakimi may also perform fat removal, fat grafting, muscle repair, or another technique if needed. At the conclusion of the case, Dr. Hakimi will close the incisions with fine sutures. Typically, upper blepharoplasty takes about one hour to complete.

When will upper blepharoplasty incisions heal?

Almost immediately after eyelid surgery, patients can expect some level of swelling and bruising. These symptoms typically resolve after about two weeks, though subtle swelling may be present for up to six weeks or longer. The incisions themselves will take several weeks to heal, and it is critical that patients practice proper incision care and postsurgical care, including:

Keep the area clean
Do not submerge eyes
Do not rub or scratch the incisions
Sleep on your back with your head elevated
Take medications as directed
Do not wear contacts until cleared by your surgeon
Do not wear eye makeup until cleared by your surgeon
Avoid heavy lifting, straining, or other physical activity
Get plenty of rest
Do not smoke

What do scars after upper eyelid surgery look like?

Once the incisions have closed, your blepharoplasty scars will begin to fade from red to pink, ultimately ending up white or skin-colored. In most cases, upper eyelid surgery scars are virtually invisible. In fact, many patients are unable to identify their own scars! Furthermore, the scars are located in the crease of the eyelid, meaning they are completely hidden while the eyes are open. Helpful techniques for reducing scarring after blepharoplasty may include:

Practice appropriate incision and scar care
Avoid direct sun exposure
Use sunscreen
Do not smoke
Use scar creams, ointments, and other products as recommended by your surgeon

Soften your look and turn back the clock with eyelid surgery in Beverly Hills, CA

If you have puffy bags under your eyes, droopy eyelids, or hooded eyes – or if you simply want to refresh your face and look more youthful – blepharoplasty may be the solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about this exciting procedure and complementary facial rejuvenation options, including facelift and brow lift, call us to schedule your private in-office or virtual consultation with award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hakimi today. We look forward to helping you get the soft, natural, gorgeous look you deserve with Beverly Hills blepharoplasty!