Should I use scar cream/gel on my eyelids after an upper eye blepharoplasty?

Question

I’m 4 weeks post-op & my surgeon suggested using any OTC scar cream/gel. However, the package instructions say to avoid the eye area. I’m wondering what other surgeons suggest. Also, my eyes feel dry + tight (like pinching) in the corners + one corner has some slight swelling. Thanks so much!

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

These gels are ineffective. I would recommend continues use of artificial tears and bedtime ointment for any residual dry eye. If your eyes are bothering you, see your general ophthalmologist for a second opinion regarding management options.

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

Patrick Flaharty, MD FAACS · Answer

Upper eyelid incisions often feel thick and lumpy as they heal and this tends to soften and flatten over time. Gently massaging a scar cream into the eyelids at bedtime for a few minutes can assist in softening and flattening these scars. As long as you use small amounts of the scar cream and keep it out of the eyes you should be fine. As these are not ophthalmic preparations they should not be used in the eyes. Dryness and tightness of the eyes is normal and can persist for up to 3 months. Artificial tears can help the dry eyes but the tightness will take a few months to resolve.

Should I use scar cream/gel on my eyelids after an upper eye blepharoplasty?

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