What is a blepharoplasty scar ?
Blepharoplasty, surgery to correct excess eyelid skin or fat, normally leaves fine, discreet scars, ideally hidden in the natural eyelid folds. However, in some cases, the scar may remain visible, irregular, pigmented, red, contracted or slightly painful. These scar imperfections can affect the harmony of the eye area and be distressing.
Fortunately, recent advances in aesthetic medicine can now significantly improve the appearance, suppleness and texture of post-blepharoplasty scars without further surgery. The eyes can therefore regain their full expressiveness.
Why do some blepharoplasty
scars remain visible ?
Although the eyelid area naturally heals very well, various factors can compromise healing quality. Excessive tension during skin suturing, prolonged inflammation, particularly thin, dry or fragile skin, an individual tendency towards fibrosis or pigmentation, or early sun exposure can all contribute to a more visible scar.
Slight skin contraction or an adhesion between the skin and underlying tissues can also alter the contour and hinder natural eyelid movement, affecting eye expression. In rare cases, a hypertrophic or pigmented scar may form, although this is much less common on the eyelids than elsewhere on the body.
Understanding these mechanisms and their contributing factors guides the choice of a specific, appropriate and targeted treatment to optimise the aesthetics and function of the eye area.
What scars remain after blepharoplasty ?
Blepharoplasty scars are generally fine and discreet because they are placed in the natural eyelid folds. On the upper eyelid, the incision is hidden in the eyelid crease, making it virtually invisible once healing is complete. On the lower eyelid, when an external incision is made, the scar is positioned very close to the lash line, allowing it to blend gradually and naturally. In most cases, scars become difficult to distinguish after a few months. However, in some people, the scar may remain slightly visible, pigmented or contracted, or have a small surface irregularity.
What are the aims of treatment ?
Treating a blepharoplasty scar involves more than reducing its visibility. The aim goes much further : to restore the skin's suppleness, density and natural ability to glide ; to improve its colour, texture and blending into the physiological eyelid crease. Treatment also aims to restore smooth, natural tissue movement, reduce any discomfort when applying make-up and, above all, preserve the expressiveness of the eyes, a true centre of non-verbal communication. The approach must therefore address function as well as appearance and respect this area's particularly delicate anatomy. When delivered thoughtfully, gradually and according to each scar's characteristics, medical treatment achieves a discreet, harmonious and lasting result.
What happens during a laser session
During the same session, Dr Romano combines two laser technologies with complementary actions : photorejuvenation laser, which focuses on the middle dermis, and fractional ablative laser, which acts both superficially and deeply on scar tissue. This combined approach provides comprehensive aesthetic and functional treatment, improving scar suppleness, colour and structural quality.
The session starts with meticulous preparation : the eyelid area is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then the eyes are protected with specific ocular shields for optimal safety.
Laser settings are precisely adjusted to respect the sensitivity and thinness of eyelid skin. The session is generally well tolerated. In the following hours, slight redness, mild swelling or a temporary warm sensation may occur, but resolve spontaneously within a short time. Combining these two lasers is a safe method particularly suited to the periocular area.
Photorejuvenation laser : smoothing the scar
The photorejuvenation laser primarily works by delivering controlled heat within the superficial skin layers, without ablation. This thermal energy stimulates dermal cells, particularly fibroblasts, encouraging proper reorganisation of the skin matrix. Scar tissue, often poorly structured, gradually becomes more supple, dense and uniform. This controlled heat also improves local microcirculation, reducing redness, regulating pigmentation irregularities and diminishing the scar's inflamed appearance. The aim is to encourage physiological, orderly and lasting repair rather than destroy the skin. Treatment is non-invasive and requires no downtime. However, the eyelids remain very red for two days and make-up cannot be applied.
Fractional ablative laser : remodelling the scar
The fractional ablative laser works more deeply, with both mechanical and biological effects. It creates tiny microchannels in scar tissue, producing controlled ablation of selected damaged skin areas. This triggers intensive tissue repair through the production of a new, more supple, even and organised dermis. By removing some pigmented or fibrous tissue, the laser also corrects certain surface irregularities and reduces pigmentation. Collagen and elastin synthesis are strongly stimulated, producing lasting improvements in scar quality, mobility and aesthetic blending. This treatment must be performed with precision and medical expertise.
Before / after results : what you need to know
Blepharoplasty scar treatment results are gradual but permanent. The skin becomes more supple, even and dense, and the scar less visible. It progressively flattens, softens and blends with surrounding tissues.
Scar progression depends on several factors : the initial skin tissue quality, scar type, time since surgery, consistency of aftercare and individual treatment response. Depending on these factors, improvement can range from partial reduction — around 30 %, with a more supple, finer scar that blends better into the eyelid crease — to near disappearance, with a scar barely visible to the naked eye. This personalised estimate of potential improvement is always discussed during consultation to give patients realistic expectations.
Aesthetic improvement is accompanied by a real functional benefit : greater comfort when applying make-up, making facial expressions or blinking. The eyes retain their full expressiveness, natural appearance and individuality.
When should scar massage begin ?
Blepharoplasty scar massage should begin only once the skin is fully healed, meaning the wound is completely closed with no remaining scabs or signs of inflammation or local tenderness. Depending on healing quality and the surgeon's instructions, this is between the third and fourth postoperative weeks. When performed methodically and gently, massage helps prevent adhesions, improve tissue suppleness and gradually soften the scar, making it smoother, more uniform and less visible. It should be gentle, regular and rhythmic, never vigorous, to avoid compromising this particularly thin, fragile skin. Applying a specific moisturiser or scar cream enhances massage effectiveness by optimising skin remodelling.
How should I care for my blepharoplasty scars ?
Caring for scars after blepharoplasty is a key step towards harmonious, discreet and lasting healing. Once sutures are removed, the area must be kept clean, hydrated and effectively protected from external aggressors, particularly ultraviolet rays. Applying scar cream daily helps stimulate skin regeneration, limit inflammation and preserve tissue suppleness while gradually improving scar quality. Strict sun protection with SPF 50 sunscreen is essential for several months, as eyelid skin is particularly thin and prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation. Depending on healing progress, additional treatments, particularly laser sessions, may be offered to soothe the area, support microcirculation, stimulate fibroblast activity and optimise tissue repair. Regular medical follow-up monitors scar development, anticipates potential imperfections and, if necessary, introduces appropriate personalised treatment.
How much does blepharoplasty scar treatment cost in Geneva ?
When treating blepharoplasty scars, Dr Romano always combines photorejuvenation laser and fractional ablative laser during the same session to address both the scar's surface and deeper structure. A session costs CHF 300. A full protocol generally comprises four sessions, each spaced two months apart, respecting the cell renewal cycle and achieving optimal healing. Results are gradual but permanent : once the scar is remodelled, maintenance sessions are unnecessary. This functional and aesthetic treatment is not covered by health insurance.
A review of scars around the eyes describes the value of lasers in improving their texture, pliability and certain colour differences. The choice of device depends in particular on the age, thickness and redness of the scar. This approach allows treatment to be tailored to the scar’s characteristics, with rigorous eye protection.
A study involving twelve patients assessed a non-ablative fractional laser for improving lower-eyelid retraction caused by a scar after surgery or trauma. At six months, ten patients showed complete correction and two showed partial correction. These results concern selected scars and illustrate a possible treatment for periocular scar tissue.
An evidence-based review analyses ways of optimising scars after upper blepharoplasty. It highlights precision of technique, reduction of tension and the value of certain local treatments, particularly silicone-based products. This publication helps place scar treatments within comprehensive care tailored to how the scars evolve.
Frequently asked questions
Are blepharoplasty scars visible ?
After blepharoplasty, scars are generally very discreet because they lie in the natural eyelid folds. On the upper eyelid, the incision follows the eyelid crease ; on the lower eyelid, it may be hidden beneath the lashes or, in some cases, made inside the conjunctiva. Over time, scars become virtually imperceptible.
How long does a scar take to fade ?
Healing progresses over several months. The initial inflammatory phase lasts two to three weeks. The scar then gradually becomes finer and lighter between three and six months. The final result is assessed between six and twelve months, depending on each patient's healing quality.
What should I do if my blepharoplasty scar is contracted, pigmented or irregular ?
Medical treatments can improve scar appearance : fractional laser and photorejuvenation laser. These treatments support skin regeneration, stimulate collagen production and improve scar suppleness and uniformity.
Can a blepharoplasty scar be massaged ?
Massage is recommended only once the scar is completely closed, without scabs or redness, generally after three to four weeks. It should be gentle, regular and performed with a suitable cream to soften the scar, limit adhesions and improve blending into the natural eyelid crease.
Is laser effective for treating a blepharoplasty scar ?
Yes, fractional ablative laser smooths and improves the scar and reduces irregularities. Combined with photorejuvenation laser, it also addresses colour, redness and vascularisation. Combining both lasers in one session provides structural and aesthetic improvement.
Can hyaluronic acid correct an eyelid scar ?
No, this is not possible. Injecting hyaluronic acid into eyelid skin causes permanent swelling.
Further reading
Healing: why it slows with age
Understand how age influences skin repair and scar development.
Laser scar treatment: what results can be expected ?
Understand the possible improvements and limitations of laser treatment for scars, including surgical scars.
Side effects of laser treatment for scars
Learn about possible after-effects and precautions during healing.
