Upper Blepharoplasty Scars and Healing: What to Expect Week by Week
Understanding how upper blepharoplasty scars heal is one of the most common patient concerns. Although the incision is small, it’s natural to worry about how long it takes to fade and what the process looks like. With proper care and technique, the scar typically becomes nearly invisible within a few months.
Where the Scar Is Placed
During an upper blepharoplasty, the incision follows the natural eyelid crease. This location hides the scar effectively, allowing it to blend into your skin’s natural folds when your eyes are open. In some cases, a small extension may follow the crow’s-foot area to remove lateral excess skin, but it still heals discreetly.
Healing Timeline
Week 1: Mild swelling and redness appear. The incision may feel tight or slightly tender. Stitches are removed around day five to seven. Keeping the area clean and avoiding makeup is essential.
Week 2: Swelling begins to subside, and most bruising resolves. The incision line may still appear pink but starts to flatten.
Weeks 3–4: Redness fades gradually. Patients often return to normal routines, including light makeup. Scar cream or silicone gel can be introduced once approved by the surgeon.
Months 2–3: The incision softens and blends into the surrounding skin. Most patients report that it becomes invisible in natural light.
Months 6–12: The final scar continues to mature and fade to match the natural skin tone.
The Cleveland Clinic’s blepharoplasty recovery guide notes that careful sun protection and gentle care accelerate healing and reduce long-term redness.
How to Minimize Scarring
Avoid rubbing or stretching the area during healing
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and sunglasses outdoors
Apply silicone-based scar gel as directed
Avoid smoking, which can delay recovery
Learn more about upper eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) in Torrance to understand how skilled incision placement and aftercare create natural, scar-free results.
What Normal Healing Looks Like
Every patient heals at a slightly different pace, but subtle color and texture changes are normal in the first few weeks. Temporary pinkness is part of the healing process and should not cause alarm.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Call your surgeon if you experience increasing pain, drainage, or sudden swelling after the first week. These are uncommon but should be evaluated promptly.
Final Results
Once fully healed, the upper eyelid scar is typically undetectable, even with eyes closed. The combination of careful incision design and the thin, highly vascular skin of the eyelid allows for exceptional healing compared to most other facial areas.
