If you’re losing the battle with lines and wrinkles, and skincare and nonsurgical facial treatments have taken you as far as they can, you’re probably thinking about the next step in facial rejuvenation—a facelift. You likely have several questions for your surgeon, including whether people will see your scars and be able to tell you had “something done.” Fortunately, modern facelift techniques are designed with scar placement in mind, tucking incisions into the hairline and natural contours of the ears so they’re difficult to detect. In this blog, we’ll cover facelift scar locations, phases of healing, and tips to help scars fade, so you’ll feel more informed before making the decision to move forward with surgery.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- Where Are Facelift Incisions Placed?
- Phases of Facelift Scar Healing
- How to Minimize Facelift Scars
- How Long Will It Take for My Facelift Scars to Fade?
- Explore Your Facelift Options in Santa Monica
Where Are Facelift Incisions Placed?
While there are different facelift techniques available to address specific parts of the face and stages of aging, a traditional facelift focuses on the lower two-thirds of the face, including the jawline and neck. Even though the incisions are thin, Dr. Butler strategically places them behind the ears and hidden in your hairline to minimize the visibility of the resulting scars.
The length of the incision is designed to be the shortest possible that allows lift, support, and smoothing of the skin. Often, Dr. Butler utilizes minimal scar, endoscopic approaches for all or part of the rejuvenation surgery, which can eliminate visible scarring altogether.
Facelift Scars In and Around the Ears
One of the most common facelift incision locations is hidden in the natural crease and folds where your ear meets your cheek/head. Utilizing these contours and the natural crease behind the ear hides the incision very effectively. These incisions are used to smooth and tighten your jawline and neck, and with proper care, they usually fade into near invisibility over time.
Facelift Scars Utilizing the Hairline
For many facelift patients, incisions are hidden in or along the hairline—either at the temples or in the hairline behind the ears. This incision placement allows Dr. Butler to lift and reposition the skin while still concealing the incisions and preserving the natural hair growth pattern. When carefully placed, these scars blend in seamlessly, no matter your hairstyle.
Differences in Facelifts for Men and Women
Dr. Butler’s incisions are typically hidden inside the tab, which covers the opening to the ear canal (the tragus). Special techniques are used to preserve the subtle contours between the ear and cheek to achieve a completely unoperated look.
Adjustments are made for men with heavy beards to prevent bearded skin from being displaced onto the ear. This issue can also be simply addressed with electrolysis.
Very effective facial rejuvenation can also be accomplished for men who shave their heads.
Regardless of sex, it is very important to preserve the natural temple hair tuft and avoid distortion of the hairline in front of and behind the ear, so that hair can be worn short and styled in any way the patient desires.
Phases of Facelift Scar Healing
Facelift scars go through several stages of healing:
Initial Healing (Weeks 1–3)
Also known as the inflammatory phase, your scars at this point in the healing process are typically red or pink and slightly raised. Swelling and tenderness are also normal during this time.
Proliferative Phase (Weeks 2-8)
New tissue is now forming, and there is a boost in collagen production, so the scars begin to flatten. Redness fades, and any feelings of tightness or tingling usually improve during this phase.
Long-Term Fading (Months 6–12+)
This phase of scar healing is the maturation phase. At this point, your scars continue to flatten and fade in color, blending with surrounding skin and becoming much less noticeable.
How to Minimize Facelift Scars
- Choose a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts (like Dr. Butler) to ensure gorgeous results and minimal scarring.
- Follow Dr. Butler’s post-op instructions, keeping your incisions clean, refraining from strenuous activities, and being sure to wear any recommended compression garments.
- Avoid nicotine before and after facelift surgery, as it restricts blood flow, which can interfere with healing and make your scars more noticeable.
- Once Dr. Butler approves, use silicone gel or scar creams and gentle massage to soften and flatten facelift scars.
- Apply (and reapply) sunscreen every day, as UV rays can darken scars and make them more visible.
How Long Will It Take for My Facelift Scars to Fade?
While everyone heals at a different rate, most facelift scars fade significantly within 6–12 months, gradually blending into your skin tone and natural contours. Patience, good aftercare, and working with a skilled surgeon are key to achieving the natural-looking facelift results you desire.
Explore Your Facelift Options in Santa Monica
The goal of a facelift is to look refreshed and natural, not to leave behind visible reminders of surgery, so it’s normal to be concerned about where the scars from your facelift will be, and if they’ll be noticeable. If you’re ready to take the next step in facial rejuvenation, it’s time to schedule a consultation with double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David M. Butler. To learn more about your facelift options in Santa Monica and discover if a facelift is right for you, call today at (310) 428-0033 or complete our online form.