Will I Have Noticeable Scars After Eyelid Surgery?

By on February 25th, 2019

When performed by a talented plastic surgeon, eyelid surgery can successfully transform tired, older-looking eyes into youthful and energetic ones. San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Reagan frequently meets with men and women who are interested in eyelid surgery. Understandably, many of them want to know whether they will have noticeable scars after the procedure.

Here, Dr Brian Reagan answers the question in detail.

Eyelid Surgery Scarring: What to Expect

Ultimately, whether or not your scars will be noticeable after eyelid surgery will depend on several factors. The first factor to consider is the placement of the incisions. For upper eyelid surgery, the incisions are usually made in the crease of the upper eyelid, making the resulting scars discreet. For lower eyelid surgery, the incisions can be made in the lower eyelid lash line or on the inside of the lid, concealing any visible scarring.

The second factor to consider is the surgeon’s skill. The skin around the eyes and on the eyelids is very delicate. An experienced plastic surgeon will lift and tighten the skin and tissues carefully and meticulously to avoid putting too much pressure on the incisions once they are closed. The surgeon must also be careful when creating the incisions to avoid trauma to the surrounding skin.

The recovery period also plays an important role in how well your scars heal. For the first two weeks of recovery, you will need to rest with your head elevated as much as possible. Strenuous activities, including exercise, will be off limits. You will also need to protect your healing scars from UV exposure for the first year after eyelid surgery. Exposure to UV light can cause the scars to thicken and darken. It is also a good idea to avoid smoking after eyelid surgery, as it can impair your body’s immune system and delay your healing progress.

Learn More About Eyelid Surgery

To find out if eyelid surgery can help you look like a younger and more energetic version of yourself, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Reagan. Contact our La Jolla cosmetic surgery office to speak to a member of our team today.