I have thicker skin above blepharoplasty incision line, is this normal?

Question

Two weeks ago I had an upper blepharoplasty and the healing is going very well, but I do have one concern. The skin above the incision line is thicker than the skin below it - quite noticeable when I touch it, and also visually. I'm assuming this is because the skin near the eyelid line is naturally thinner. Is this normal? Will this smooth out? It's a noticeable "ridge" right now when I close ny eyelids (though hidden in crease when my eyes are open). Advice would be greatly appreciated!

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Yes, you are correct, the skin is thicker above the incision line. It will improve over several months. Good luck,

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

This is normal and almost ALWAYS smooths out over time. It is extremely uncommon to have poor scars on the upper eyelids long term.

Justin P. Martin, MD, FACS · Answer

At two weeks from surgery this is normal.  It is due to post surgical swelling, and it will resolve.  I wouldn't worry about it.  Best of luck with your recovery!

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

This is completely normal for two reasons.  The first being that there is temporary poor lymphatic drainage above the incision line.  This will improve over months.  The second is that thicker skin of the upper portion of the upper lid is brought next to the thinner skin of the lower portion when the excised skin (transition) is removed.  This will not change with time.  Overall things will improve but not totally correct.

Jean-Paul Abboud, MD, PhD · Answer

Hello goldengal, 
Thank you for your question. You are correct.  The eyelid skin is the thinnest skin of the human body.  As you go higher and approach the eyebrow, the skin gets thicker (almost abruptly).  During upper eyelid blepharoplasty, the incision (and thus the scar) may be placed between where the thin skin and the thick skin transition.  As such, when  the excess eyelid skin is removed, you may see thinner skin below the scar and thicker skin above the scar.  As the incision heals, the "ridges" will smoothen out - in some people it may take several months until it is fully "invisible."  Luckily, when the eyelids are open, the scar is barely noticeable.  
Congratulations on a beautiful result!

Ana Carolina Victoria, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Right after eyelid surgery, the skin around the incision may feel thicker and heavy.  This is normal and should get better with time.  Some patients take longer than others to decrease the swelling and improve the texture but for the most part, time will heal most irregularities.

I have thicker skin above blepharoplasty incision line, is this normal?

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