How do I treat a scab under my eye following a lower blepharoplasty?

Question

I had a lower (and upper) blepharoplasty 2 weeks ago and my disposable sutures are still visible. I assume that I just have to wait that out but there is also a small scab over part if the incision and I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm afraid to pick at it and cause it to bleed but I've also read (here) that scabs=scars. Is there something I can do to expedite healing and/or how shall I treat this?

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Apply antibiotic ointment to the scab and the scars and visit your Plastic Surgeon.  They will remove the scab and the sutures for you. If the sutures are left in too long, they can lead to further scarring. Address this matter with your surgeon.  Best wishes.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Some dissolvable stitches don't like to disappear as fast as we think they should.  There are a variety of reasons for this.  Bottom line is that if the don't go away fast enough on their own that need to be removed.  Your surgeon can assess your scabs at that time.

Christopher I. Zoumalan, MD, FACS · Answer

You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon to make sure you are healing well. Good luck.

Beth Collins, MD · Answer

Sutures in for two weeks is too long. If they have not dissolved by now, visit your plastic surgeon to have them removed. Until then you can use some warm saline compresses over your eyes to loosen and clean any denis and apply lacrilube ointment to the incision line. This will soften any scabs or debris along the incision line so that when you visit your surgeon it will help him/her to clean up the area.I hope this helps!!

Jessica Kulak, MD · Answer

Incisions on the eyelids typically heal very well, but sutures should be removed as early as possible to limit the inflammation and allow for a favorable scar.  At 2 weeks, those sutures aren't necessary and should be removed.  Keeping the incisions and sutures moist with ophthalmic antibiotic ointment can help to limit scabs and crusting on the sutures and incision line.  At this point, you should call your surgeon's office to have the remaining sutures and any crusting and scabs removed.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and removal of your sutures would probably be number one on my list due to the risks of developing milia down the road.  Your surgeon should be able to help you here.

Christopher Saunders, MD · Answer

I suspect that your scabs are not going to lead to scarring. The absorbable stitches are probably holding some blood and scabs that would have fallen off on their own.Go see you doctor. Snipping out the stitches will most likely remove all scabs that you have since it is so long from your Blepharoplasty.Scabbing that is prolonged after some operations can imply increased scars. Getting poor scars from a lower Blepharoplasty is very unlikely. The incisions usually heal extremely well. However, this is not the case if internal scaring occurs that pulls the lid down. This is most likely not your situation at all.Make an appointment and I'm sure all is well!Dr Chris Saunders

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

I would recommend you contact your surgeon about what they like to have done, as each surgeon is different. I would not pick at it at all. Warm soaks and a little ointment may assist in removing the scab without causing any harm, but would check with your surgeon first.

How do I treat a scab under my eye following a lower blepharoplasty?

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