Understanding and Treating Bothersome Under Eye Scarring

Understanding Under Eye Scarring

Scars under or around the eyes can occur for various reasons. While uncomfortable, there are treatment options available to reduce their appearance.

Common Causes of Under Eye Scarring

Some ways scars may develop under or around eyes include:

• Trauma from a fall, blow or scratch near the eye
• Skin conditions like acne or dermatitis near eyes
• Surgery such as lower eyelid procedures or tear duct repairs
• Medical treatments like laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels or filler injections gone wrong

Genetics or skin type prone to keloids can also cause more noticeable scarring in some people of color after cuts or wounds near eyes.

Types of Scars Under the Eyes

Several different scar types can occur under eyes depending on the injury or wound including:

• Small linear scratch scars
• Lumpy, textured injury scars
• Sunken atrophic scars
• Dark hyperpigmented scars
• Large raised hypertrophic scars

How Celebrities Cope With Facial Scars

For people in the public eye, noticeable scars can cause embarrassment or loss of confidence. However many celebrities display remarkable resilience and grace handling facial flaws.

Padma Lakshmis Arm Scar

Padma Lakshmi has an unsightly scar on her upper arm from surviving a car crash in her youth. But rather than hiding it, the former model proudly flaunts the scar and her story of overcoming adversity.

Joaquin Phoenixs Lip Scar

Actor Joaquin Phoenix has a subtle scar cutting through his upper lip explained by a childhood accident. It gives his smile a unique charm belying a survivors grit and perseverance.

Tina Feys Facial Scarring

Comedienne Tina Fey bears scars on her cheek from a vicious knife attack in her youth by a stranger. Despite traumatic memories, Fey generously forgave and even befriended her attacker showing moral courage.

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Whoopi Goldbergs Eyebrow Scars

Whoopi Goldberg has unusual scarring through her eyebrows inflicted from a hot cooking pot as a child. These give her expressive face character. Her career proves those judged as unattractive can prevail through talent and personality.

Treatments to Reduce the Look of Under Eye Scars

While scars can't typically be eliminated fully, appearance improving treatments do exist. Options a dermatologist may suggest include:

Silicone Gels or Sheeting

Silicone products help flatten and smooth scars by softening underlying collagen. Use gels or adhesive sheets under eyes for 12 hours a day for a few months.

Steroid Injections

Injecting corticosteroid medication directly into thick, raised scars can help shrink excessive scar tissue and inflammation to improve appearance.

5-Fluorouracil Cream

This topical cream prevents collagen overgrowth so scars remain flat. However, it can irritate sensitive under eye skin causing redness and scaling for a short period.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser light removes outer skin layers so fresh cells regenerate evenly reducing the look of atrophic scars. Requires proper expertise to safely treat the delicate under eye area.

Dermabrasion

This procedure uses a special rotating wheel to sand away raised skin unevenness. Fine crystals sprayed on the skin smooth regrowth. Effects last about 2 years.

Soft Tissue Fillers

Hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane or Juvderm injected under indented scars refill lost volume. Provides temporary improvement lasting 6-12 months typically.

Caring For and Covering Up Under Eye Scars

While working to improve appearance, properly caring for scars also aids the healing process. Plus cosmetics offer solutions for temporarily minimizing flaws.

Scar Care Guidelines

To promote healing of under eye scars, dermatologists recommend:

• Gentle daily cleaning with mild cleansers to prevent irritation
• Using non-comedogenic moisturizers to improve skin texture
• Applying sun protection diligently to prevent dark spots
• Massaging with vitamin E or rosehip oil to improve blood flow
• Avoiding picking or scratching scabs in early stages

Cosmetic Strategies to Minimize Scars Under Eyes

For special events or photos, scar flaws around eyes can be temporarily concealed using:

• Green tinted primer and concealer to neutralize redness
• Luminizing, light-reflecting makeup products
• Full coverage liquid foundation with buildable texture
• Skin-matching colored powder to set concealer

YouTube tutorials offer tips on camouflaging scars with cosmetics for a flawless face without obvious caking.

Learning Self-Acceptance Despite Scars

While treating and concealing under eye scars have value for confidence and comfort, self-acceptance despite perceived "imperfections" allows inner freedom.

Reframing Beliefs About Appearance

Scars often damage self-image sparking shame. But possibilities exist for changing beliefs about beauty such as:

• Recognizing media images promoting unrealistic ideals cause distress
• Understanding flaws make you relatably human rather than damaged goods
• Seeing scars as marks of resilience and survival rather than something to hide

Cultivating Unconditional Self-Worth

Rather than basing value on looks alone, psychologists suggest building self-esteem on unconditional, compassionate self-regard. Methods include:

• Exploring talents and positive traits not related to appearance
• Spending time with others who affirm your inherent worth
• Trying mindfulness practices which instill loving self-acceptance

By focussing less on looks and orienting inward, scarred skin seems less significant than spirit.

Scars Don't Define Your Destiny

While scarring under the eyes feels uncomfortably visible initially, skillful cosmetic concealment plus inner work on self-beliefs offer freedom. With compassion and courage, your best life still awaits.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.