You may be worried about visible scarring after a facelift, but with the right surgical approach and aftercare, your incisions will be virtually undetectable after the healing process.
In this guide, we’ll explain how facelift incisions are placed, the techniques surgeons use to make them discreet, and what you can do during recovery to prevent visible scarring. You’ll learn practical tips, such as how to clean your incision lines, when to remove sutures, and why you should avoid sun and water during the healing process.
If you’re ready to turn back the clock with a facelift, schedule your consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Dominic Castellano uses tension-free closures and careful suturing to restore a youthful appearance while minimizing visible scars.
Does a Facelift Leave Visible Scars After Surgery?
The key to minimizing facelift scars lies in how the incision is made and closed. It’s crucial to minimize tension on the skin– if there’s no pulling or tightness along the incision, it’s much more likely to heal cleanly with a thin, faint scar.
Proper suturing techniques can also minimize scarring. A good surgeon takes their time layering stitches precisely and placing them carefully to support the skin as it heals. This helps the incision lie flat and smooth once it’s closed.
The location of facelift incisions is also important. Most incisions are placed along the hairline or in natural creases behind the ears, so they’re easy to hide once healed.
The bottom line — with the right surgical technique and careful stitching, facelift scars can be virtually undetectable.
Post-Operative Care Tips to Prevent Facelift Scarring
1. Stop Smoking
If you smoke, you’ve got to stop—both before and after your facelift procedure. Smoking reduces blood flow, which can delay healing and worsen scarring.
2. Clean Incisions Properly
Clean the incision lines using a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, being very gentle with the area. Follow up with a small amount of ointment as prescribed by your surgeon.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Avoid direct sunlight while the area is initially healing and while sutures are still in place. UV exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation and worsen scarring.
4. Timely Follow-Up for Suture Removal
It’s very important to follow up with your surgeon as advised to get your facelift sutures removed in a timely fashion. Leaving them in too long can leave marks or increase the risk of infection.
5. Avoid Swimming
This particularly applies to patients in warmer climates. Stay out of the pool and the ocean while you’re healing, as salt and chlorine can irritate incisions and delay healing.
Refresh Your Look with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
If you’re ready to rejuvenate your look with a facelift, Dr. Dominic Castellano uses precise techniques to lift and tighten the skin while keeping scarring to a minimum.
Schedule your consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today and turn back the clock with a personalized facelift.
