Blepharoplasty does leave a scar, but it is usually one of the least noticeable in cosmetic surgery. Upper-lid scars are hidden in the natural crease and are only visible when the eyes are closed; lower-lid scars sit just beneath the lashes, and fat can often be treated from inside the eyelid with no visible scar at all. How noticeable a scar is depends on the technique, your skin and how it heals.
Why eyelid scars tend to be discreet
Eyelid skin is the thinnest on the body and has an excellent blood supply, which allows it to heal quickly and with minimal thickening. The natural folds and creases of the eyelid also provide ready-made hiding places for an incision.
The skin of the eyelids moves constantly with blinking, yet it is under very little tension, so scars rarely stretch. Together, these features mean that most people find their scars far less obvious than they expected before surgery.
What the scar looks like, technique by technique
- Upper blepharoplasty: a fine line in the upper-lid crease. With the eyes open, it folds into the crease and is usually hidden. The outer end may extend slightly into a laughter line.
- Lower lid, transconjunctival: the incision is on the pink inner surface of the lower lid. There is no external scar.
- Lower lid, subciliary: a thin line a millimetre or two beneath the lower lashes, sometimes continuing into a crow’s foot line at the outer corner.
- Lower lid, skin pinch: a very small strip of skin removed at the lash line, leaving a fine scar that sits in the shadow of the lashes.
- Double eyelid surgery: a scar within the newly created crease, visible when the eyes are closed.
How appearance changes over time
Early on, the scar is a pink line, sometimes with slight firmness or small lumps where stitches were placed. Over the following months, the colour fades from pink towards the natural skin tone and the scar flattens and softens. For most people, by around a year the scar is a pale, fine line that blends into the crease or lash line. The full maturation process can continue for up to eighteen months.
Scars on different skin types
People with lighter skin tend to see a pink scar that fades to a pale line. In medium and darker skin, the scar can develop temporary darker or lighter pigment along its length, which usually fades but can take longer. Raised or keloid scars are rare on the eyelid itself, even in people prone to them elsewhere, although the outer extension onto cheek skin needs more care.
Tell your surgeon if you have a history of raised scars, pigment problems or slow healing so the plan can take this into account.
What makes a scar more noticeable
- Extension beyond the corner: scars running onto the thicker skin of the temple or cheek can take longer to fade.
- Infection or wound breakdown: uncommon, but can widen a scar.
- Smoking: reduces blood supply and slows healing.
- Sun exposure: can darken a healing scar.
- Rubbing or picking: irritates the wound and can lead to thickening.
Most of these are within your control, which is why aftercare advice matters.
Common myths
‘Laser blepharoplasty leaves no scar.’ A laser is simply a different cutting tool; an upper-lid incision still leaves a scar in the crease. ‘Scars always show in photographs.’ Once healed, eyelid scars are rarely visible in everyday photographs with the eyes open. ‘Lower-lid surgery always means an external scar.’ When the main problem is fat, the inside approach avoids one.
For detailed advice on caring for your scars week by week, Mr Nassab provides written aftercare instructions and reviews scars at follow-up. Further detail about the operation is on the blepharoplasty page, and poor scars can sometimes be improved with scar revision once fully mature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people tell that someone has had blepharoplasty?
When healed, the scars are usually very hard to see. Most people notice only that you look more rested.
Does lower blepharoplasty always leave a scar?
No. If fat is the main issue, it can be treated from inside the eyelid with no external scar.
Do eyelid scars show on darker skin?
They can develop temporary pigment change, which usually fades over months. Raised scars on the eyelid itself are rare.
How long until eyelid scars are barely visible?
Many people find the scar hard to see by six months, with further fading up to eighteen months.
Can make-up hide blepharoplasty scars?
Yes, once the wound has fully healed. Your team will advise when it is safe to start using eye make-up.
