Where Are Facelift Scars?
As the years go by, we begin to notice visible signs of aging. We start to have concerns about sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. A facelift addresses these concerns and restores a more youthful and elegant facial profile. At PERK Plastic Surgery, one of the most common questions we encounter about facelifts is related to the location of scars. Our board-certified and Harvard-trained plastic surgeon, Dr. Michelle Lee, discusses with her patients the placement of facelift scars, their visibility, and what factors can keep scars as discreet as possible.
Understanding Facelift Scars
A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is designed to address the visible signs of aging in the mid to lower face and neck area. The procedure involves repositioning and lifting underlying tissues to restore a youthful facial contour. While it’s natural to have questions about the level of scarring, it’s important to note that a qualified surgeon like Dr. Lee will ensure your scars are virtually undetectable. With that in mind, let’s examine the location and nature of these scars to get a clearer picture.
Placement of Scars
The most important thing to keep in mind about facelift scars is that they are strategically placed within the natural contours and folds around the face to minimize their visibility. While the specific placement of scars may vary depending on the technique used and your unique facial anatomy, the most common locations for facelift scars include along the natural creases of the ear and beneath the chin. With careful positioning and meticulous surgical technique, Dr. Lee’s incisions are discreet and difficult to see.
PERK Plastic Surgery facelift patient, before and after facelift surgery:
Factors Influencing Scar Visibility
Scar visibility varies from patient to patient and it is important to understand the factors outside of surgical technique. Scarring is influenced by not only surgical technique, but skin type and post-operative care as well. Patients prone to hyper or hypo-pigmented scars may initially experience more noticeable scars, but these often fade, and Dr. Lee’s unique scar protocols can help to optimize the color of your scar. Those who are prone to keloids or raised scars carry a higher risk of visible scarring, however, with Dr. Lee’s careful approach and hands-on post-surgery protocols, even these patients can achieve imperceptible scarring. The skill and precision of the surgeon plays a significant role in minimizing scar visibility.
Managing Scar Healing
Another way to minimize the visibility of your facelift scars is by following our post-operative care guidelines as closely as possible. We will make sure you feel informed and cared for as you return home to heal, and this is a great chance to maximize your results while you rest and recover. You can expect your care routine to include keeping the incision sites clean and moisturized, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight for 6-12 months, hyperbaric oxygen treatments, using sunscreen of at least 15 spf or higher with UVA and UVB protection, and refraining from activities that could place undue stress on your healing scars. The PERK Potions Scar Recovery Gel can also be used 3-4 weeks after for about 6 months to improve scar healing. By following these instructions and attending regular follow-up appointments, you can ensure that your scars heal with as little visibility as possible. Once the scars have healed, laser treatments can also help with improving scar appearance.
Experience the Difference
As you can see, while it’s natural to have concerns about scar placement as you consider a facelift, you can rest assured that Dr. Lee’s expertise and experience ensure they will be discreet and well-concealed within the face’s natural contours. And, as mentioned, we also encourage following our post-operative care guidelines closely, so you can maximize the long-term results of your facelift while minimizing the visibility of scars.
Simply put, at PERK Plastic Surgery, you can look forward to a rejuvenated and youthful facial appearance with virtually invisible scars. We’re here to be your partner on your journey to looking and feeling your best. So, if you’re ready to take the next steps, contact us today for a consultation.
