Blepharoplasty, known as eyelid surgery, is a surgical procedure used to remove excess muscle, skin, and fat from the lower or upper eyelids. As people age, skin tissue can weaken. This can lead to dark bags under the eyes, sagging eyelids, impaired vision, or inflammation. In addition, blepharoplasty may be needed due to health conditions affecting the eyes and eyelids, such as ectropion, ptosis, brow ptosis, entropion, or eyelid retraction.
Blepharoplasty can be performed to correct aesthetics or provide functionality. Since eyelid skin is small and delicate, the surgery must be thorough. Although eyelid skin can heal better than almost any other skin of the body, external eyelid wounds must not only be placed symmetrically, but also closed meticulously to avoid scarring that can damage the eyelid.
Normal Scarring After Blepharoplasty
Normal scarring can occur after blepharoplasty. While doctors and experts will work to reduce the significance, slight scarring may still be visible. This type of scarring is normal and may be alleviated with topical ointments. During early postoperative care, there are several ways to manage eyelids.
Short-term topical steroids can be beneficial. Patients will be shown how to apply creams and the motions to avoid pain in the eyelids. The eyelid should be slowly massaged upward. This process helps alleviate retraction and may minimize scarring. Doctors will take precise measurements to reduce the risk of scarring after surgery.
Minimizing Scarring From Blepharoplasty
Blepharoplasty surgery carries certain risks, including irregularities in tissue, uneven contours, lid retraction, or scarring. However, if scarring occurs, there are various ways to minimize its appearance.
Some of the procedures that require a surgeon to minimize scarring include the following:
- Local steroid injections
- Tightening the eyelid horizontally
- Removing fat transconjunctivally
- Prophylactic lower eyelid elevation
- Posterior lamellar grafting
- Discoloration of the eyelid
- Shortening the eyelid
- Tarsoconjunctival grafts
- Tarsal strip
- Visible scarring
The above are numerous procedures that surgeons regularly perform. During the procedures, professionals can help prevent scarring. Minimizing scarring takes place during the procedure. Surgeons work carefully to avoid scarring, taking careful measures along the way. For instance, attempts to lower an eyelid crease may be too high a risk due to the potential to increase the size or cause scarring.
Tips for Managing Scars After Blepharoplasty
Although your surgeon will rejuvenate tired eyes or dark circles, there are specific steps you can take to help prevent unnecessary scarring from the blepharoplasty procedure.
Ways you can manage scars after blepharoplasty include:
- Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon
- Avoid touching your eyes to avoid potential infections
- Reduce alcohol intake so you receive plenty of water and remain hydrated
- Avoid smoking, which can irritate the eyes
- Use topical creams, scar creams, or oils containing vitamin E
- Apply sunscreen as part of your daily skincare
- Avoid sun exposure throughout the healing process to prevent discoloration
For those in need of blepharoplasty, it is normal to be concerned about visible scarring. However, effective treatments minimize the appearance of scars. The combination of an effective treatment and post-surgery care can drastically reduce the appearance of scarring.
Find an Eyelid Surgeon
At Kwitko Eyelid Surgery, we offer a wide variety of treatment options. If you are struggling with an uncomfortable or painful eyelid, drooping eyelids, or excess eyelid skin, consider scheduling an appointment. Our professionals will perform an exam and provide you with a diagnosis.
Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.
