Eyelid scarring can significantly impact both appearance and comfort, often affecting how your eyes open, close, and convey emotion. Whether caused by injury, burns, or prior surgery, scars in this delicate area can restrict movement and alter your natural facial balance. Fortunately, specialized eyelid scar revision techniques can improve both function and appearance, restoring a more natural look.
With Dr. Daniel Tresley, patients benefit from the expertise of a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained oculofacial plastic surgeon. Dr. Tresley has performed thousands of eyelid and facial reconstructive procedures and teaches oculoplastic surgery at Northwestern University. His deep understanding of eyelid anatomy and artistic precision make him an ideal choice for patients considering scar revision.
Common Causes of Eyelid Scarring
The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest and most expressive on the body. As a result, even minor injuries can leave visible scars. Understanding what leads to eyelid scarring helps determine when revision may be beneficial:
- Trauma or Injury: Accidents, lacerations, or blunt trauma to the eye area can leave uneven scar tissue. When scars pull on the skin, they may affect eyelid movement or cause asymmetry.
- Burns: Thermal or chemical burns can damage multiple layers of skin, leading to thickened, discolored scars. These scars often tighten over time, distorting the shape of the eyelid.
- Previous Surgery: Surgical incisions sometimes heal unevenly, especially when performed by non-specialists unfamiliar with eyelid anatomy. Revision can refine these scars and restore symmetry.
- Infections or Poor Healing: Post-surgical infections or delayed healing can produce raised or discolored scar tissue, making the area appear irregular.
Each of these causes requires an individualized approach based on the scar’s depth, texture, and position. A consultation with Dr. Tresley helps determine the best corrective technique.
When to Consider Eyelid Scar Revision
While many scars fade with time, some remain noticeable or interfere with daily life. Dr. Tresley may recommend eyelid scar revision if you experience any of the following:
- Restricted eyelid movement: Difficulty closing or blinking fully.
- Cosmetic concerns: Visible indentations or discoloration that affect self-confidence.
- Functional problems: Scars that cause the eyelid to pull away from the eye or obstruct vision.
- Discomfort or irritation: Tightness, dryness, or irritation from uneven skin.
For most patients, scar revision involves techniques such as surgical excision, skin grafting, or flap surgery to improve contour and texture. Procedures like Z-plasty can realign scar tissue to blend more naturally with surrounding skin.
Restore Confidence with Expert Scar Revision
If eyelid scarring is affecting your comfort or confidence, Dr. Daniel Tresley can help. As one of the few oculofacial plastic surgeons in the Chicago area, he specializes in precise, natural-looking results. Schedule a consultation with Daniel Tresley, MD, in Northbrook, IL, by calling 847-291-6900 to learn how eyelid scar revision can help restore both function and appearance.