If you’re considering an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty), you may be concerned about visible scarring. With proper aftercare and precise incisions, blepharoplasty scars can heal to be nearly invisible.
In this guide, we’ll explain how blepharoplasty incisions are placed, what you can expect during the healing process, and the simple steps you can take to minimize scar formation. You’ll also learn about products like vitamin E and Mederma, when to start gentle massage, and the differences between lower lid surgical approaches.
If you’re ready to refresh your look with upper or lower eyelid surgery, book your consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today. Dr. Dominic Castellano uses careful incisions to restore a more youthful appearance without creating noticeable scars.
Does Upper Eyelid Surgery Leave Scars?
Technically, yes—any incision leaves a scar, but that doesn’t mean it will be visible.
The goal in upper eyelid surgery is to make the incision barely perceptible. Your surgeon will carefully place the incision in the crease of the upper lid, where it’s naturally hidden when your eyes are open.
Combined with precise suturing techniques and proper aftercare, most patients find that once the incision is fully healed, it’s almost invisible.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Incisions: What to Expect
- Upper Eyelid Incision: Placed in the natural crease of the upper eyelid to keep the scar hidden.
- Lower Eyelid Incision: Made just below the lash line (transcutaneous) or inside the lower lid (transconjunctival) to avoid disturbing the outer skin and reduce the risk of lid shape changes like ectropion.
What You Can Do to Prevent Scarring After Upper Blepharoplasty
While most eyelid scars heal very well on their own, several aftercare habits can support smoother healing and less noticeable scarring:
- Proper wound care: Keep the incision clean and lightly moisturized with approved ointments to support more discreet healing.
- Vitamin E oil or Mederma: These topical products keep the skin hydrated and support a smoother-looking scar over time.
- Topical silicone gel or sheets: Can be applied to flatten and soften raised scars.
- Sun protection: Wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen (once cleared) prevents scars from darkening.
- Avoiding tension on the incision: Avoid rubbing, pulling, or strain on the eyelid to prevent widening or thickening.
- Using approved skincare only: Only use products your surgeon recommends to reduce irritation that could interfere with healing.
- Scar massage: When approved by your surgeon, gentle massage can soften the scar tissue as it heals.
Additional Treatments to Smooth & Minimize Eyelid Scars
If you’re still unhappy with the way your scar looks after it’s healed, several separate scar treatments can improve its appearance:
- Low-dose corticosteroids: In some cases, creams or injections can reduce redness or firmness around your scar.
- Laser treatments: Fractional lasers or pulsed dye lasers can improve discoloration and skin texture.
- Microneedling: This treatment stimulates collagen remodeling to smooth and improve scar appearance.
- Scar revision surgery: A minor procedure to improve thicker or more visible scars.
Not all visible scars are abnormal. Dr. Dominic will check in regularly throughout your healing process and only recommend scar treatment when necessary.
Upper Blepharoplasty Healing Timeline
Recovery from upper eyelid surgery is a gradual process, and scar maturation occurs over time. Here’s what you can expect:
- Week 1: Sutures remain in place while the incision seals
- Week 2: Sutures are fully removed; swelling and bruising start to improve
- Weeks 3–6: Incision begins to soften and fade; patients may start scar care
- Months 3–6: Full scar maturation occurs, and the incision fades significantly
Learn more about the blepharoplasty healing process.
Rejuvenate Your Look with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
If you’re ready to refresh your appearance with upper or lower eyelid surgery, Dr. Dominic Castellano uses precise incisions to create natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
Schedule your consultation today and restore your youthful glow with a blepharoplasty.
