Blepharoplasty scars are placed where they are least visible: in the natural upper-eyelid crease, and for lower-lid surgery either just beneath the lashes or hidden inside the eyelid. Eyelid skin heals well, so most scars fade to a fine pale line over twelve to eighteen months. Good scar care, sun protection and patience in the first few months help them settle.
Where the incisions are placed
- Upper blepharoplasty: the incision follows the natural crease of the upper lid, often extending a short way into a laughter line at the outer corner. When the eyes are open, the scar folds into the crease.
- Lower blepharoplasty, skin approach: a fine incision runs about a millimetre or two beneath the lower lashes and may continue briefly into a crow’s foot line.
- Lower blepharoplasty, transconjunctival approach: the incision is on the inside of the lower lid, so there is no external scar. This is used when fat, rather than skin, is the main problem.
- Skin pinch: a small strip of lower-lid skin may be removed along the lash line alongside a transconjunctival approach.
The exact placement is planned at consultation according to your anatomy and the changes you want addressed.
How eyelid scars heal: a timeline
First week: the incision is closed with very fine stitches and may look pink with some crusting. Stitches are usually removed at around five to seven days.
Weeks 2 to 6: the line is often pink or slightly raised and may feel firm. Make-up can usually be applied once the wound has fully healed.
Months 3 to 6: redness fades steadily and the scar softens.
Months 6 to 18: the scar continues to mature, typically becoming a fine pale line that is hard to see in the crease or beneath the lashes.
Caring for your scars
- Keep it clean: follow the cleaning instructions given, and avoid rubbing or picking crusts.
- Silicone: once the wound has healed, a thin silicone gel suitable for the eye area can help the scar mature. Keep it out of the eye itself.
- Massage: gentle massage along the scar, when advised, may help soften firmness.
- Sun protection: new scars can darken in sunlight; sunglasses, a hat and an SPF suitable for the eye area help for at least a year.
- Healthy healing: not smoking and managing conditions such as diabetes support good wound healing.
Factors that affect scar quality
Most eyelid scars heal very well, but some people are more prone to visible scarring. Darker skin types may develop temporary pigment change along the line. A tendency to raised or thick scars elsewhere is worth mentioning, although eyelid skin rarely forms keloids.
Scars that extend beyond the outer corner onto thicker cheek skin can take longer to settle than those in the crease. Tension, infection and smoking can all widen a scar, which is why careful closure and aftercare are important.
Minor issues and how they are managed
Small white bumps along the scar (milia) or tiny stitch cysts are common and can be treated easily in clinic. A slight ‘webbing’ at the inner corner or a small area of puckering often improves as the tissues soften.
Persistent redness or firmness beyond six months can be reviewed, and options include steroid treatment for raised areas or, occasionally, a small scar revision. Any adjustment is usually delayed until the scar has fully matured.
Setting expectations
No surgery is scar-free, but blepharoplasty scars are among the least noticeable in cosmetic surgery. For most people, once healed, the scar is visible only on close inspection with the eyes closed. Mr Nassab will show you where your incisions would be, explain the healing you can expect, and review your scars at follow-up appointments. To learn more about the operation, visit the blepharoplasty page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will people see blepharoplasty scars?
Once healed, upper-lid scars sit within the crease and lower-lid scars lie close to the lashes, so they are usually hard to see.
When can make-up be worn over the scar?
Usually once the wound is fully healed and stitches are out, often around two weeks. Your team will confirm this at your review.
How long do blepharoplasty scars stay red?
Redness typically fades over three to six months, with continued maturation for up to eighteen months.
Is there a scarless blepharoplasty?
Lower-lid fat can be treated through the inside of the lid with no visible scar. Upper-lid surgery always leaves a scar, although it is hidden in the crease.
What if a scar remains raised?
Raised areas can often be improved with massage, silicone or steroid treatment. Revision is considered only after the scar has matured.
