Do I have a hypertrophic scar? I'm 6 weeks post-op from upper blepharoplasty and still have a thick, raised scar! (Photo)

Hi Denise,Thanks for your question. From my professional standpoint, you do NOT have hypertrophic scars based on the photos. Your scar looks irritated and still in the healing phases. Depending on the suture that was used, some cause more irritation than others. Eyelid crease scars heal remarkably well. Some people just take more time than others. You do not need steroids. I would recommend silicone gel which will help soften your scar and improve the redness that you see. Remember that it will likely flatten with time but it does take time sometimes several months to almost a year. I have seen this in about 10% of my patients usually in some Asians and Hispanics. Hope this helps. Have patience and good luck.Sincerely,Carlos Mata M.D.

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Looks more like swelling.  Some people can get a hypertrophic scar, but it usually occurs closer to the nose.  This scar just looks swollen still.  Try doing some massage to flatten and soften the scar.  Can also do some laser if it doesn't settle down.