Where Are Facelift Scars Placed and Will They Be Noticeable?

One of the major drawbacks of any surgery is the fact that incisions leave scars. In the case of a facelift, clients may have concerns about the visibility of postoperative markings. The whole point of the surgery is to enhance the appearance rather than detract from it. Rest assured, your surgeon can create a surgical plan that minimizes scarring, making the work performed virtually undetectable.  

Where are incisions placed during a facelift?

In women, facelift incisions are typically placed within the ears’ creases or along the hairline where they are inconspicuous. In men, incisions may be placed behind the ears or within the sideburns or hairline. Your surgeon will choose a position for the scars that work with your face and offers the most camouflage. 

Great care will be taken to avoid distorting the ears or earlobes in any way. Furthermore, your surgeon will tailor their approach to your hairstyle, hair thickness, prior surgical scars, skin texture, and skin tone when deciding where to place the incisions for a facelift. 

What are some tips for achieving a successful facelift outcome?

The degree to which you follow instructions and comply with the doctor’s orders after surgery will affect your healing and resultant scar tissue quality. There are other things to do and make sure you achieve the results you’re looking for.

Here are some tips to follow:

• Educate yourself – Before undergoing a facelift, make sure you talk to your doctor about what to expect in terms of scarring and downtime, the risks and benefits of surgery, and how long your results will last. Ask your doctor to clarify their approach to surgery, and research their credentials. Look at before and after photographs and read patient testimonials. 
• Abstain from smoking – It’s important that you quit smoking at least two weeks before your surgery and for at least two weeks afterward. Smoking can inhibit your body’s natural healing abilities and lead to significant complications, undermining the results you’re hoping for. 
• Stay healthy – Ensure you are in good health, both physically and psychologically, before undergoing a facelift. Get a general checkup and make sure you don’t have any major medical issues that might interfere with your procedure or recovery.
• Don’t touch, rub or scratch your incisions – Although it might be tempting to poke at your wounds, especially if they itch, you must resist the urge to meddle with your incisions. Scratching that itch might lead to an infection and affect the quality of your scarring.
• Practice good postoperative hygiene – Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning and dressing your wounds, as this is the best way to avoid infections or other complications from surgery.
• Wear sunscreen – Harmful UV rays from the sun can worsen the appearance of your scars. Once your incisions have fully healed, wear a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every day to protect your results.

What is the takeaway?

A facelift can do wonders to improve your appearance and roll back the clock on the aging process. Choosing a qualified, skilled plastic surgeon to perform your procedure is the first step in ensuring your scarring is minimal, but there are many things you can do as well to guarantee a pleasing outcome. Whether you are preparing for a facelift or you have just undergone the procedure, know that many wonderful medical-grade skin care products can help to fade your scars. Ask your doctor about the best practices for scar care after a facelift treatment.

Schedule a consultation today!

Posted on behalf of Sedgh Plastic Surgery