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

Question

Does it look like I have a hyertrophic scar from a professional standpoint? What can I do to reduce the scar tissue that's so visible? I have an EXTREMELY BAD REACTION to steroids, even topical! What alternatives are there for SAFELY reducing scars on the eyelid? Is it PROBABLE that the scar will flatten in time or does it look like I have a permanent bad result? I'm seeing my surgeon AGAIN tomorrow, but to date he's had no explanation or answers for why I've had this reaction/problem!

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Based on the photographs you've provided and the fact that it's only been 6 weeks since your surgery, it is unlikely that this is a hypertrophic scar.  This looks like a normal scar for the time in your recovery period. It's normal for scars at 6 weeks to be raised and red. This will persist but improve for the first six months.Regards,J. Phillip Garcia, M.D.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

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.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

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.

Richard Sadove, MD · Answer

It looks a little strange, but will most likely be ok. Be patient. Massage.... Check back with your doc. It is hard to get a bad scar with an eyelid plasty

Katrinka L. Heher, MD · Answer

The eyelid skin is so thin that hypertrophic scars do not occur.  Some patients do however develop more of a reaction to the sutures and I believe this is your situation.  The good news is that your body will breakdown this scar over the next few months and it will flatten out on its own.  Do not worry all will be well. Best of luck.

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is too early to judge the appearance of any scar at this stage. From the photos the scars appear to be healing normally. The great thing about the eyelids is that they are constantly moving which helps provide scar massage. It takes a year to know the final result of any scar. Best of luck.

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

Answers (7)

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