Beauty always comes at a cost. For those seeking cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance, scarring is a significant consideration alongside surgical risks. Scar formation is a natural physiological process of wound healing—any incision involving the skin's surface will leave a scar. Here, we highlight four popular cosmetic procedures prone to scarring:
Double Eyelid Surgery
The three common techniques are suture method, incision method, and minimally invasive method (Korean-style double eyelid surgery). The suture method creates a small incision line that typically leaves minimal visible scarring after healing;The minimally invasive method typically involves making three tiny 1-2mm incisions on the upper eyelid. After removing a small amount of fat and tissue, the incisions are sutured, and the resulting scar is also inconspicuous.
The incision method requires a 15mm-long incision on the upper eyelid. A very fine scar may be visible when the eyes are closed shortly after surgery, but it is not noticeable when the eyes are open. Over approximately six months to a year, the scar gradually fades, becoming a natural crease hidden within the double eyelid fold.
Eyelid Crease Surgery
Scarring from eyelid crease surgery is also an objective reality, particularly for inner canthus surgery. Following fundamental principles of plastic surgery, portions of the incision for inner canthus surgery can be concealed within the double eyelid crease and eyelid margin. However, some incision lines remain exposed at the inner corner of the eye. Consequently, the scar will be visible for 1-2 months post-surgery.However, as time passes and the wound heals, the incision scar gradually fades from red to white, becoming increasingly less noticeable. With the help of foundation makeup, the scar is generally not easily detected by untrained observers.
Facelift
Based on incision size, facelift procedures can be categorized into traditional facelifts (traditional full facelift and SMAS suspension) and minimally invasive techniques. While traditional facelifts involve greater trauma, incisions are typically placed within the hairline, resulting in more concealed postoperative scars.Minimally invasive facelifts feature smaller incisions (approximately 1cm), also concealed within the hairline, where postoperative scars are generally undetectable. However, regardless of the technique, the hairline position typically shifts upward postoperatively.
Breast Augmentation
Three primary incision sites are used for breast augmentation: inframammary fold, axillary, and periareolar.The inframammary fold incision is widely used in Western countries, but due to racial differences, the scar is more noticeable for Asians. The axillary incision requires greater surgical skill but results in a more concealed scar that is less visible post-recovery, though it may be visible when wearing a bikini.The areolar incision produces minimal scarring but carries a higher risk of damaging milk ducts, potentially affecting future breastfeeding. Therefore, it is more suitable for individuals without breastfeeding needs.Of course, scar visibility significantly depends on individual physiology and the surgeon's skill level. If you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic surgery, choose a responsible, highly skilled surgeon. Additionally, after undergoing cosmetic surgery, be patient and allow the wound to heal properly. If scars remain noticeable after the healing period, seek professional help promptly.