Where Are Neck Lift Scars?
A neck lift targets sagging skin, vertical banding, and a less defined jawline, placing incisions beneath the chin and behind the ears. Dr. Michelle Lee, a board-certified and Ivy League-trained plastic surgeon, is known for producing natural-looking neck lift results. In this blog, we will explore the topic of neck lift scars and Dr. Lee’s recommendations for minimizing their visibility.
Where Are Neck Lift Scars Typically Located?
The location of neck lift scars depends on the specific surgical techniques used during the procedure. Here’s what you need to know:
- Incisions are often made behind the ears, where they can be easily concealed within the natural creases of the skin. This strategic placement helps to hide scars and makes them less noticeable once healed.
- Another common incision site is under the chin. This incision allows access to the central neck area for muscle tightening and fat removal. The scar is typically small and well-hidden within the natural crease of the chin.
- In some cases, incisions may be extended along the hairline at the back of the head. This placement ensures that any resulting scars blend seamlessly with the hairline, making them virtually invisible.
What Affects Scar Appearance?
- Tension: Minimizing tension is one of the most important ways of improving scar appearance. Dr. Michelle Lee performs a deep plane necklift where the tension is not on the skin. The deeper structures of the neck (under the platysma muscle) is sculpted and lifted. The lift comes from the restoration of deeper neck structures and there is no tension on the skin which improves the appearance of scars.
- Your genetics and age: How we scar is also determined by your genetics and age.
- Surgical tissue handling: Precise and atrumatic technique is critical in how scar forms. For example, Dr. Lee uses the smallest sutures possible and gently handles tissue to ensure the incisions blend perfectly into the natural contours of the chin and ears. This attention to detail ensures that the scars are barely visible once they are fully healed.
- Post scar care: PERK plastic surgery offers the full spectrum of post scar care ranging from scar gel to microneedling to lasers.
Managing Neck Lift Scars
While scars are an inevitable part of any surgical procedure, good aftercare goes a long way to minimize their appearance. Here’s what Dr. Lee suggests:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Protect your incision sites from direct sunlight by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, even after the initial healing period. A wide-brimmed hat can also provide additional protection.
- Use Silicone Gel or Sheets: Silicone gel and sheets are widely recommended for scar management. These products can help flatten and soften scars, making them less visible over time. Apply silicone gel or sheets to your incision sites as directed by your surgeon.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow and delay the healing process, leading to more prominent scarring. It is best to avoid smoking before and after your surgery to promote better healing and improve overall outcomes.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: Strenuous activities and heavy lifting can put a strain on your incision sites and delay healing. Follow your surgeon’s advice on when it is safe to resume normal activities and exercise. Gradually ease back into your routine to avoid stressing the healing tissues.
- Consider bespoke scar treatments: Advanced methods such as laser treatments, microneedling, and ultrasound technology may be used to enhance and perfect the results of the procedure.
PERK is Here to Answer Your Neck Lift Questions
Reclaiming a youthful, well-defined neck and jawline is possible with a neck lift. With the expertise of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Michelle Lee and diligent post-operative care, its scars can be effectively minimized and concealed. If you are considering a neck lift and have questions about the procedure or scar management, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Lee can provide you with personalized information and peace of mind. Contact us for a consultation!
