Hypertrophic scarring 13 months after upper blepharoplasty - is this normal? (photos)

Question

13 months after bleph and still noticeable scarring. Is this "normal"? I'm 34 with olive skin tone and 13 months ago I got an upper bleph. 6 months after surgery, I got a CO2 for the scar. Although it helped, the scar is still very noticeable and I'll be getting another CO2 next month. I stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen everyday. Is this abnormal or are my expectations too high?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

As it turns out, lasers are not a better device for cutting skin than a cold steel scalpel. The laser creates a thermal injury in the skin. Where the energy is the most dense, the tissue is ablated and an incision is made. On either side of this is a zone of thermal injury that damages cells including melanocytes, the cells that make normal skin pigment. Consequently where your skin has healed you have lost pigment in this flat scar. It is not hypertrophic but is does not look right either. Generally when the eyes are open, the crease incision should hide in the eyelid fold. The only way to modify this scar would be remove the white hypopigmented skin with revisional surgery. Your creases appear high and there may be other issues with the eyelids can could be optimized at the time of a surgical revision. This can only be assessed in an in person consultation. Your eyes can be your best feature.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's not uncommon for scarring to be noticeable for up to a year or more after surgery. However, without knowing more about your individual case, it's difficult to say whether your scarring is abnormal or not.

Factors such as skin type, genetics, and the skill of your surgeon can all impact scarring. Additionally, some individuals may have a tendency to develop hypertrophic or keloid scars, which can be more difficult to treat.

It's good that you are taking steps to protect your skin by staying out of the sun and wearing sunscreen. However, if you are still unhappy with the appearance of your scar, it may be worth discussing additional treatment options with your surgeon. Another CO2 laser treatment may be effective, or there may be other treatments that your surgeon can recommend.

Ultimately, it's important to have realistic expectations when it comes to scarring after surgery. While some individuals may heal quickly and have minimal scarring, others may require more time and treatment to achieve their desired results.

Best of luck !

Hypertrophic scarring 13 months after upper blepharoplasty - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (2)

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