Double Eyelid Scarring, Incision Scars: Can They Be Treated with Laser? | [Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon]

The perception of double eyelid surgery itself has changed significantly from the past. With advancements in technology, recovery has become relatively faster, and satisfaction with the results has increased, making it a consistently chosen procedure. However, if an incision is involved, one concern often arises: "What if a scar remains at the incision site?" To answer directly, it is reported that double eyelid scars remaining after surgery can be improved with timely laser treatment.

The eyelid is an area of the body where the skin is thin and moves frequently. Therefore, if swelling persists or fibrous tissue is excessively produced during the recovery process, double eyelid scarring or double eyelid incision scars may remain along the incision line.

The skin's healing properties vary from person to person, and there can also be differences depending on the hospital where the surgery was performed. Thus, some individuals may develop prominently raised scars, while others may have sunken scars. Even with the same double eyelid surgery, the pattern of scar formation can vary individually.

It does not start immediately after surgery. Typically, after bleeding stops, stitches are removed, and the wound has stabilized to some extent, laser treatment usually begins approximately 2 to 4 weeks later. It is not too late to start treatment after sufficient rest during the recovery period.

During this period, vascular lasers are primarily used to reduce redness. As more time passes and the scar hardens or turns white, the trend is to utilize regenerative lasers.

Scars should not be viewed as a single entity. Raised scars and sunken scars have different causes and approaches. This is why, in the consultation room, even for the same "double eyelid scar" consultation, we first check the shape.

Raised scars are caused by excessively formed fibrous tissue. Lasers used to address red blood vessels may be combined with injection treatments to reduce the size of prominently raised double eyelid incision scars. Conversely, for sunken scars, skin regeneration needs to be promoted to help new skin grow quickly, and CO2 lasers like Ultrapulse Encore are often utilized.

As such, even with the same laser treatment, the nature of the equipment varies, so it is important to carefully identify what treatment you need and plan accordingly. For further inquiries, please use the Double Eyelid Incision Scar Laser Treatment Chat Consultation.

The equipment used varies depending on the color and stage of the scar. The approach differs for the initial stage with residual redness and the stage where the scar has hardened and turned white over time.

• In the initial stage with residual redness, vascular lasers, also used for facial redness improvement, are used to calm the color.
• In the stage where the scar has turned white and hardened, regenerative lasers like Ultrapulse Encore are used to refine the tissue.
• If a raised form is prominent, Triamcinolone Scar Injection may be combined.
• If a sunken form is severe, Surgical Scar Revision may also be considered.

Scar treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is a process of combining equipment based on the shape and timing of the scar.

Scars do not disappear in a short period. Laser treatment requires a certain amount of repetition, and the number of sessions varies depending on the individual and the nature of the lesion. It is generally common to continue consistent management for more than 5 sessions rather than finishing in a short period.

Treatment results are also influenced by the practitioner's experience. Using a strong laser too quickly can cause pigmentation or skin damage, so the treatment intensity must be flexibly adjusted while observing how the double eyelid scar improves.

Daily care is as crucial as hospital treatment in determining the recovery environment. Taking care of the following items can help the skin recover without significant irritation:

• Thoroughly block UV rays to reduce the risk of pigmentation.
• Moisturize sufficiently to prevent the scar area from drying out.
• Do not forcibly remove scabs or dead skin cells.
• If you notice changes between treatments, share them at your next appointment.
• Do not apply products that cause strong irritation based on self-judgment.

Double eyelid scars from incisions may fade over time depending on their severity, but in many cases, they remain distinct. Since not all cases recover naturally, rather than stressing over 'it will disappear someday,' starting treatment appropriate for the scar's shape before it deepens can alleviate the burden.

However, laser treatment can only proceed after bleeding has stopped and stitches have been removed post-surgery, so I reiterate that it is not too late to start after sufficient rest during the recovery period. Double eyelid scar management can be approached as a branch of cosmetic surgery scar treatment.

Representative Director Lee Sang-ju (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Dermatology Resident at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Representative Director Lee Sang-ju Profile First published 2025-08-18 / Last reviewed 2026-06-16

This content is for general information purposes only, and the appearance of scars and treatment responses may vary individually. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, please consult with medical staff.