What Can I Do For Scar Tissue Bumps on the Outer Corners of Both Eyes? Cortisone Shots Not Working.

Question

Upper and lower eyelid surgery 4 months ago. My eyes are doing good but I have scar tissue bumps on the outer corners of both eyes. My lower surgery was done from the inside so no incision under my eye. My Dr has given me cortisone shots in both and said that that should break it up. He has done this twice now and they are not getting any smaller. Can you give me any suggestion on what I need to do now?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

The incision line after a blepharoplasty can develop small bumps that may be due to trapped skin cells. These inclusion cysts or milia often resolve on their own but they can be unroofed in some cases.

	The scar may be thicker or nodular for other reasons. A dilute steroid injection may help with this. An alternative treatment is to inject 5-FU which works against scar tissue cells. 5-FU doesn't have the side effects that steroid do with regard to thinning of the skin, etc.

	Without seeing the scars, though, it's hard to say what should be done exactly.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question!  Revision is reasonable given your description.  It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Using ointment or Vaseline does well - avoiding creams and lotions to eyelids. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself.Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Suture cysts after eyelid surgery occur frequently and often resolve without treatment.  It is hard to be sure what you are referring to without photos.  Chances are that things will continue to improve and it sounds like your doctor is treating you appropriately.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

There are a number of invasive canthal procedures that may be performed through the upper eyelid that might contribute to tissue irregularity or bumps in the outer corner of the eyes after surgery.  Only your surgeon knows for sure what they did.  Unless there is something truly hienous going on, it is often best to let this area heal for quite a while.  I like other surgeons often reach for steroids or 5FU to help modify a scar.  Sometimes if this is done too much with the steroids, the fat and skin can atrophy creating secondary issues.  If you feel the need, consider getting a second opinion.  If your trust your surgeon, follow their advise and be pateint.

Gary Lelli, Jr., MD · Answer

It is hard to know what these bumps represent. A picture would help, but your surgeon may have a better idea since he can palpate them. Most likely time is the best thing for decreasing them.

What Can I Do For Scar Tissue Bumps on the Outer Corners of Both Eyes? Cortisone Shots Not Working.

Answers (7)

Answer: No photos. Hard to know what is going on.

Answer: No photos. Hard to know what is going on.

Answer: Scar tissue bumps

Answer: Scar tissue bumps

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Everything you need to know about Eyelid Surgery

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What Can I Do For Scar Tissue Bumps on the Outer Corners of Both Eyes? Cortisone Shots Not Working.

Answers (7)

Answer: No photos. Hard to know what is going on.

Answer: No photos. Hard to know what is going on.

Answer: Scar tissue bumps

Answer: Scar tissue bumps

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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.