Where Are the Incisions for a Facelift?
One of the most common concerns patients have when considering a facelift is where the incisions will be placed and whether they will leave visible scars. Modern facelift techniques, particularly those performed by an expert like Dr. Michelle Lee at PERK Plastic Surgery, prioritize precision and discretion, ensuring that incisions are carefully concealed and result in minimal scars.
In this blog, we’ll explore where facelift incisions are typically placed and Dr. Lee’s approach to minimize scarring.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten the facial tissues, reducing sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and jowls to create a rejuvenated, youthful appearance.
Dr. Lee customizes each facelift to meet the patient’s specific needs, whether they want to address their entire face, or focus on just the midface and neck. For patients wishing to improve only their neck contour, a neck lift alone may be an option.
The placement of facelift incisions plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall result looks natural and scars are difficult to see.
Where Are Facelift Incisions Made?
The location of incisions varies depending on the type of facelift you receive. Below are the common areas where incisions are made for the most frequently performed facelift techniques.
1. Around the Ears
Incisions are placed strategically around the ears, following the natural creases and contours of the skin:
- Typically, these incisions extend from the front of the ear (around the tragus), wrap around the earlobe and into the crease behind the ear
- Scars are difficult to see when they follow the natural folds of the skin
- For many patients, these incisions heal so well that they become imperceptible over time
PERK Plastic Surgery facelift patient, before and after facelift surgery:
2. In the Hairline
Depending on the amount of skin excised, in order for the tissues to redrape smoothly, your facelift incision may extend into the hairline either in front and/or behind the ear:
- Scars within the hairline are discreet and blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural hair growth, making them barely visible once healed
3. Under the Chin
- This small incision allows Dr. Lee to access and tighten the muscles in the neck, remove excess fatty tissue, and improve definition along the jawline
How Do Surgeons Minimize Scarring?
At PERK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee’s experience and meticulous approach to incision placement and suturing technique ensures minimal scarring. Some of the ways Dr. Lee minimizes visible scars include:
- Precise Incision Placement: Dr. Lee strategically places incisions within the natural folds of the skin, hairline, and behind the ears, concealing scars as they heal.
- Minimize tension on the suture line: Focusing the lifting of the face on the deeper structures, there is no tension on the skin which results in better scars.
- Advanced Suturing Techniques: Using atraumatic surgical technique, Dr. Lee handles the soft tissue meticulously and gently. By minimizing the trauma to the skin, it optimizes healing of the scars.
- Customized to Your Anatomy: Every facelift is customized to the patient’s unique facial structure and skin type, allowing Dr. Lee to place incisions where they will be least noticeable based on your anatomy.
Facelift Questions? Dr. Lee is Here to Answer Them
Choosing the right surgeon is essential for ensuring your facelift incisions are well-placed and discreet, resulting in natural, rejuvenating outcomes. Dr. Michelle Lee at PERK Plastic Surgery is a board-certified, award-winning plastic surgeon known for her precision, artistry, and patient-centered care.
If you’re considering a facelift and want to learn more about incision placement and what to expect, contact PERK Plastic Surgery today.
