Does blepharoplasty leave scars on the eyelids?
Before / after
Real cases from the practice, unretouched, framed on the treated area only. Each result is individual and does not predict yours.
Photographs published with the patients’ written consent.
Written and reviewed by Dr Bernard Hayot, ophthalmologist, RPPS 10003926226.
What is surgical blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is the name given to cosmetic eyelid surgery. In most cases it involves adding volume to the eyelids by microstructured lipofilling. The patient’s own fat is injected into the eyelid to restore lost volume. This aesthetic procedure is designed to improve the appearance of the upper, lower or both eyelids. It may involve removing excess skin, fat or muscle tissue around the eyes.
There are different types of blepharoplasty:
- Upper blepharoplasty removes the excess skin that hides the palpebral crease.
- Lower blepharoplasty removes fat pads under the eyes or treats excess skin.
- Addition blepharoplasty combines one of the above blepharoplasties with a fat injection or a hyaluronic acid injection.
When is eyelid surgery recommended?
Eyelid surgery is recommended for anyone wishing to improve their eyes and remove the signs of time on their eyelids. The operation is made to measure. It is also adapted to the patient’s age:
From the age of 30, the eyes increasingly look tired. Small pads of fat and dark circles begin to deepen. Microlipofilling is indicated.
From the forties onwards, the upper third of the face is treated as a whole. The skin of both eyelids and the periorbital area are treated.
After the age of 50, an addition blepharoplasty is required.
Eyelid surgery is recommended for people who show signs of ageing around the eyes, such as:
- Excess skin building up on the upper or lower eyelids, making the eyes look heavy. Vision may even be obstructed.
- Fat pads under the lower eyelids.
- Sagging skin and tissue around the eyes.
Will I have scars after blepharoplasty?
Scarring is a legitimate concern for many patients considering blepharoplasty. Eyelid surgery always leaves scars. Fortunately, experienced surgeons always minimise their appearance and make them as unobtrusive as possible. In the vast majority of cases they are concealed, whose visibility depends on healing, because they are naturally hidden in strategic places.
The location of the scars depends on the type of blepharoplasty and on the areas to be treated:
- For an upper blepharoplasty, the scars are hidden in the natural crease of the eyelid.
- For a lower blepharoplasty, incisions are made just below the lashes of the lower eyelid or, sometimes, on the inside of the eyelid.
In every case, scars from blepharoplasty gradually fade over time and become less visible as healing progresses. Following your surgeon’s recommendations will of course help to improve their appearance. Dr Hayot guides his patients through the healing process. It is important, for example, to avoid sun exposure during the recovery period.
This page is for information. It does not replace a consultation: every situation is judged on examination.