3 months post eyelid surgery: incision lines are still red. Is it still healing and when will it improve ? (Photo)

Question

It's been 3 months since my procedure and surgeon is out of the country. I was told that scarring should start to fade away After the 1st month but my scar lines are still red and extremely visible. I do apply a scar ointment every day/night and I haven't seen much improvements since last month. Is my healing process just slow or should I be concerned that something has gone wrong? Please help.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

You are probably having a skin reaction to the ointment.  Give it a rest and don't use anything.  Also, give it more time.  It does not appear that anything is wrong but you should always followwith your surgeon.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

While normally I see patients’ eyelid scars fade well before 3 months, each individual is different and it is possible that you’re simply healing slower than normal. In addition, you mention using a scar ointment day and night. It’s possible that the scar ointment is causing irritation which is interfering with your healing. Try stopping use of the ointment for a while and see if that helps any. If it does not, visit your surgeon again once he’s back in the country for a follow-up visit. I hope this helps.

David W. Rodwell III, MD · Answer

Blepharoplasty incisions typically heal very well, but in some patients there can be some redness that persists longer than it does for the average patient.It is not uncommon to see a second phase of inflammation somewhere around the 4-8 week timeframe that is a normal part of the healing process.  This can occur with incisions anywhere on the body.The prolonged redness in your case is atypical.As others have suggested you may want to consider stopping the scar cream to see if there is improvement over the next few weeks.  Assuming your early recovery period was normal without excess tension on the incision line or any infection, the prolonged redness might just be a normal part of how your body is healing after this procedure.  3 months is considered prolonged, but there is still time to improve gradually over the next few weeks to months.Since your surgery was done in another country, I suggest you find a surgeon locally who can examine you now and follow your improvement over time.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

My guess is that you are probably having a reaction to the ointment that you are using on the eye. Stop using it and see if things improve.My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

This ointment might be causing irritation and redness.  I would stop applying the scar ointment.  Time is the needed.  For some this can be many months.  See how you do when you leave the eyelids alone.

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

Thank you for posting your question and photo. You are more red than expected, but will probably heal well as more time passes. See an eyelid specialist in-person in the meantime to discuss use of possible steroid cream.Good luck,

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The incisions are indeed excessively inflamed three months out from eyelid surgery. This is probably just a function of the way you heal. I doubt scar creams have any benefit whatsoever. Make certain there is not something in anything you apply to the scar that may be irritating.

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,It's normal for incisions to be pink for several months after eyelid surgery.   This can last up to 6 months. Once a wound is healed and covered in skin, I generally do not recommend any sort of ointment because the ointment can sometimes irritate the skin and cause redness.  Based on your photos I do not see anything concerning.  Have patience and this will improve.Regards,J. Phillip Garcia, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Bradford S. Patt, MD · Answer

Your incision line looks good however you do seem to have some persistent hyperemia or redness along the incision line.  You should talk to your surgeon about some non-invasive treatments that can be performed to improve the redness.  Over time the redness will decrease as well.  Hope this helps answer your concern.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some patient's incisions can take longer to settle down than others. Redness can remain for quite some time.  Be patient and follow your surgeon's recommendations for incision care.

3 months post eyelid surgery: incision lines are still red. Is it still healing and when will it improve ? (Photo)

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