Many people want the smooth, lifted, and youthful appearance a facelift can deliver, but the risk of scarring is a real concern. If you’ve been considering a facelift but you’re worried about scarring, the team at Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery – a division of U.S. Dermatology Partners is here to help you understand this procedure and the potential risks for scarring before you get started. According to Dr. Sam DeVictor of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Scottsdale, Arizona, “The facelift procedure has evolved over the years, becoming more effective with longer lasting results. Even more importantly for some, facelifts are much less likely to cause noticeable scarring.” In this blog, Dr. DeVictor explains the facelift procedure and how scarring can be minimized.

The Facelift Procedure and Scarring Concerns

When people hear facelift, they often think this is just one procedure. However, there are actually numerous facelift options. From a traditional facelift that shifts the outer layers of skin to deep plane facelifts that allow the surgeon to create a more natural-looking change by adjusting inner and outer layers of facial tissues and musculature, there is a facelift option for everyone.

Whatever type of facelift meets your needs, your surgeon will create a personalized surgical plan. For instance, the performance of a facelift is different for men and women. For women, a small incision around the earlobe and into the hairline is typically recommended. For men, facelift incisions and the procedure itself are performed with a bit more nuance. Not only are men more likely to have less hair or receding hair lines that make it difficult to disguise the surgical site, but they also have thicker hair growing on the face. During a facelift, the surgeon needs to be extremely careful to avoid shifting where the hair grows on the face, and they have to be more skillful in hiding the scars.

The Reality of Facelift Scars

While years of work perfecting the procedure has made facelift scarring minimal, it’s not possible to get rid of these scars entirely. According to Dr. DeVictor, “We can’t prevent scarring altogether, but a skilled surgeon will be able to easily camouflage scars in front of and/or behind the ears as well as in the hairline. This makes it difficult to see the scar tissue even up close.”

Modern Surgical Techniques Minimizing Scars

The original facelift was exactly what it sounds like. It was a surgical procedure that lifted the face, but it only shifted the skin of the face. This put tension on the skin and the incisions used to perform this procedure were often large and deep, leading to a greater risk of scarring. Today, surgeons are trained to perform facelifts with tension redirected away from the skin to deeper structures, and surgeons have become more adept at hiding their incisions in the natural lines of the face. In short, Dr. DeVictor says, “When you receive a facelift today, you’re benefiting from decades of research and development. There are multiple different procedures to ensure you achieve the results you’re after. Plus, surgeons are better able to perform these procedures in such a way that scarring is minimized.”

Post-Surgery Care for Scar Reduction

Following your facelift, Dr. DeVictor says, “Follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions as closely as you can. It may seem simple, but honestly, it’s the best way to prevent scar formation as you heal following surgery. Lifestyle is another thing to consider during healing. If you run on just a few hours of sleep, smoke, or drink heavily, all of these habits can increase the risk for scar formation and other surgical complications. So, plan to take it easy and get plenty of sleep for the first few weeks following your procedure. You’ll need to forego exercise for a few weeks as well, but your surgeon can provide specifics based on your experience during and after the procedure. Finally, remember tobacco use and drinking can be tough on your body, leading to slower wound healing and increased risk for scar formation.”

In addition to adjusting lifestyle factors and following your surgeon’s instructions, some additional post-surgery care tips to reduce the risk of scarring include:

• Skincare – During healing, follow your surgeon’s recommendations for cleansing, moisturizing, and other aspects of your skincare routine. You should also do your utmost to minimize sun exposure during healing. Wear sunscreen and shield the surgical site as much as possible. You should also use a deep moisturizing cream to protect, lock in moisture, and soften skin as it heals.
• Medicated Ointments – Your surgeon may provide you with prescription medicated ointments that should be applied regularly to promote healing and prevent infection. You can also use over-the-counter medicated ointments if your surgeon approves.
• Silicone – Whether in gel or sheet form, silicone has been utilized for years to speed wound healing, prevent scar formation, and even soften and improve the appearance of existing scars.
• Massage – By massaging the skin around the surgical site, blood circulation increases, which brings nutrients into the skin and takes toxins away. This promotes better wound healing and reduces the risk of scarring.

Alternative Treatments for Scar Management

According to Dr. DeVictor, “Even taking every precaution to conceal or prevent scarring during and after surgery, it’s not always possible to completely avoid visible scarring. If the appearance of scar tissue following your facelift isn’t what you hoped for, there are additional treatment options you can explore.”

Some of the post-procedure scar treatments that may further diminish the appearance of scars include:

• Laser Therapy – This treatment may be recommended to diminish skin redness in scar tissue and create a flatter, smoother surface.
• Microneedling – This procedure uses small-gauge needles to make microscopic wounds on the skin where scar tissue is developing. These wounds trigger the body to heal itself and produce new collagen to create smooth, soft new skin.
• Dermal Fillers – For depressed scar tissue, dermal fillers may be used to plump up the indented area, so it’s flush with skin in the surrounding areas.

Making an Informed Decision about Facelifts

With advances in surgical techniques and a greater understanding of how facelift scars can be masked by the natural lines of the face, most surgeons are able to deliver exceptional results with minimal scarring. Additionally, there is a wide array of fantastic aftercare products available to accelerate healing and minimize the appearance of scarring. Dr. DeVictor says, “Those patients who work with skilled plastic surgeons who have experience with facelift procedures will have few if any, noticeable scars following their facelift procedure. The surgeon will carefully plan every incision to ensure minimal scarring, and they will carefully walk through all stages of post-procedure care to promote healing.”

Schedule a Plastic Surgery Consult to Learn More

The decision to move forward with a facelift or any other plastic surgery procedure should never be something you feel rushed into. It’s important to discuss all aspects of the procedure with a knowledgeable cosmetic surgeon, so you know exactly what to expect at every stage in the surgery process, including healing and scarring. If you’re ready to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to schedule a consultation.