Blepharoplasty scars are often placed where normal eyelid anatomy helps conceal them. An upper-eyelid incision usually follows the natural crease. A lower-eyelid incision may sit just below the lashes or, in selected cases, on the inside of the lid. Every surgical incision heals differently, so no surgeon can promise an invisible scar.
Where are blepharoplasty incisions placed?
For upper-eyelid surgery, the incision commonly follows the crease that folds when the eye opens. It may still be visible with the eye closed or during early healing.
For lower-eyelid surgery, a subciliary incision sits just below the lash line. A transconjunctival approach uses an incision inside the lower lid, so there is no external skin incision. The internal approach does not remove excess skin and is not right for every anatomy. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons illustrates these common incision locations.
What do eyelid scars look like while healing?
Early incision lines can look pink, firm, or slightly raised while swelling and bruising settle. They often soften and fade over the following months. The line seen at six weeks may not represent the final appearance. Skin characteristics, sun exposure, smoking, incision care, and individual healing all influence the result.
Recovery is broader than scar appearance alone. Our blepharoplasty recovery timeline explains common stages, while your own surgeon’s instructions control your care.
How can you support healing?
- Follow the written aftercare plan for cleaning, ointment, and activity.
- Protect the area from sun as directed.
- Do not apply makeup or scar products until your surgeon says the incision is ready.
- Do not smoke during the healing period.
- Keep follow-up appointments, even when healing seems routine.
When should you call the office?
Contact the surgical team promptly for increasing pain, warmth, drainage, worsening redness, a sudden vision change, or a change in eyelid position. If a scar becomes thicker, wider, or more raised over time, ask for an evaluation instead of treating the eye area on your own.
Why the preoperative plan matters
Incision choice depends on whether the concern involves skin, fat, eyelid position, or a combination. Dr. Joseph H. Chang, MD, is an ophthalmologist with fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute. He performs eyelid surgery at Modern Aesthetic Institute and evaluates the eyelids, tear film, and surrounding anatomy together.
To discuss where an incision might sit for your anatomy, request a consultation at 4000 Empire Dr., Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93309, or call 661.535.0149.
Frequently asked questions
Will a blepharoplasty scar disappear completely?
No surgical incision can be guaranteed to disappear. The goal is a fine line placed within normal eyelid anatomy that becomes less noticeable as it matures.
Does a transconjunctival incision leave an outside scar?
It uses an incision inside the lower eyelid, so there is no external skin incision. It is generally used when the plan does not require removal of lower-eyelid skin.
How long do eyelid scars stay pink?
Pinkness often settles over months rather than days. Individual healing varies, so your surgeon should assess any line that becomes more red, raised, or uncomfortable.
When can I put makeup on an eyelid incision?
Wait until your surgeon confirms the incision has healed enough. Applying makeup too early can irritate the area and may raise infection risk.