Hydrocortisone 1% 5 weeks after upper and lower bleparplasty. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

Have been to my general practitioner. He agreed to perscribe hydrocortisone 1% ointment to soften scars for just 3-4 days. He said I should cone back in four days and if not any improvement I could be referred to a ophthalmologist. My surgeon in Czech Republic is of the opinion the cream could help but feels things will settle in time without interference.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

The hydrocortisone will be fine if you have residual inflammation at the scar and used for only a week or so. Vaseline also works well since just keeping it moist will often be enough.  THere are also some silicone scar creams that help.  Your scars are a little red, but there are other issues here.  Unfortunately the picture is not straight on, but it looks like your lower lids are pulling down and you have some scleral show. You also have some extra skin of the upper lids, and a very deep upper eyelid sulcus - so maybe a lot of fat was removed.  These are issues that you may need to address, especially the lower eyelid position as this can cause dryness and irritation.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Time is more powerful.  You need time for the eyelids to heal.  The mild steroid can atrophy the thin eyelid skin but a three day prescription is unlikely to be an issue.  It is also unlikely to do anything for the scar.  I don't recommend this.  Instead I recommend seeing an oculoplastic surgeon.  Seeing the ophthalmologist might be helpful as well.

Ira Vidor, MD · Answer

Hi. Some incisional redness 5 weeks after blepharoplasty is not rare. It will usually improve with time regardless of what cream you apply to the incision. Hydrocortisone 1% is probably fine to use for a few days to a week, but may not help much. Occasionally steroid / 5-FU injections can help if the scar is thick and inflamed. Lubrication with aquaphor or vasoline may help a bit, but time is often the best treatment. Hope this helps. Best regards, Ira Vidor, M.D.

Vikram D. Durairaj, MD, FACS · Answer

If scarring is your main concern, time and a silicone based ointment with SPF will help. However, it looks like your upper blepharoplasty scar extended almost 20mm from the lateral canthus ( outside portion of your eyelids ). This will be visible for several months. Also, it look like you have lower eyelid retraction that may contribute to ocular discomfort. I suggest oculoplastic consultation for management. Vikram Durairaj, MD FACSAustin, Tx

Hydrocortisone 1% 5 weeks after upper and lower bleparplasty. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Time and Oculoplastic Consultation

Answer: Time and Oculoplastic Consultation

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Hydrocortisone 1% 5 weeks after upper and lower bleparplasty. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Time and Oculoplastic Consultation

Answer: Time and Oculoplastic Consultation

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.