What Facelift Scars Can I Expect Following Surgery?

The healing process after facelift surgery can be divided into three stages: inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation.

1. Inflammatory Phase: This initial stage lasts for about a week and is marked by redness, swelling, and bruising around the facelift incision site. During this phase, your body’s natural response to injury kicks in, starting the healing process. At this stage you will see our Kesington Medical plastic surgeon in a post opoerative appointment to ensure the recovery is going well. 

2. Proliferative Phase: Spanning several weeks, this phase involves the formation of new tissue and collagen. The incision site begins to close, and the facelift scar starts to form. This is a crucial period where the foundation for scar healing is laid. Again a further post operative appointment is planned during this phase to ensure your facelift recovery is going well. 

3. Maturation Phase: This final stage can last from several months to over a year. During this time, the facelift scar becomes less noticeable and more refined. The scar continues to mature, gradually improving in appearance as the deeper tissues heal. At Kensington Medical your plastic surgeon will again see you if they feel it is needed. 

Understanding these stages can help you anticipate changes and be patient with the healing process, knowing that improvement takes time.

You can expect two types of scars following facelift surgery: incisional scars and bruises.

Incisional scars are the most common type of scarring following facelift surgery. They are the scars that result from surgical incisions. They heal in a few weeks and are typically well hidden in the skin’s natural creases. The removal of excess skin is a crucial step in achieving a tightened and rejuvenated appearance.

The place where the incisions are made for a facelift depends on the type of facelift. For example, a traditional facelift uses incisions that start in front of the ear not easily seen, extend around the earlobe, and end behind the ear, following the hairline. These incisions are usually well hidden by your hair.

The mini facelift has shorter incisions that start in front of the ear and end behind it. Some patients have scars under the chin, depending on the type of facelift and neck lift. A short scar facelift has shorter incisions that are typically concealed in the ear's natural creases, making it suitable for younger patients with minimal facial aging.

A jowl lift or lower facelift will make incisions in the hairline and the scars will be hidden in the hairline.

A SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift will leave small scars hidden along the hairline or scalp. These SMAS facelift scars may also occur under the chin for tightening deeper facial and neck tissues. They will fade over time.

Once your surgical wounds have healed, you can start using scar treatments to help reduce the appearance of surgical scars. You can use silicone gel sheeting, which you can buy over the counter. You can also use an over-the-counter topical steroid cream to help reduce inflammation.

Following your surgeon’s instructions is essential to care for your surgical scars. This will help ensure they heal properly and minimize the risk of infection.

Kensington Medical is committed to helping you heal and ensuring that your surgical scars are as well hidden as possible. We’ll work with you to ensure you’re happy with your results.

If you have any questions about facelift scarring, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

While you can’t completely avoid scarring after facelift surgery, there are things you can do to minimize the appearance of scars. Here are a few tips:

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for care after surgery. This will help ensure proper healing of facial skin and minimize the risk of infection.

• Use silicone gel sheeting or an over-the-counter topical steroid cream to help reduce the appearance of neck lift scars and inflammation.

• Relax and let your body heal. Avoid activities that may put undue stress on your healing incisions.

• Avoid sun exposure. Sunlight can cause scars to darken and become more visible.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking delays healing and can cause scars to become more visible.

• Be patient. It can take several months for scars to fade.

Overall, the most important thing you can do to minimize the appearance of scars is to follow your surgeon’s instructions for care after surgery. This will help ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection.

While facelift surgery is generally safe, there are potential complications that can arise. Being aware of these risks can help you take preventive measures and seek timely intervention if needed.

• Infection: Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and increased pain around the incision site. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent further complications.

• Bleeding: Excessive bleeding or hematoma can occur, leading to swelling, bruising, and potentially more noticeable scarring. Monitoring for unusual bleeding and following post-operative care instructions can mitigate this risk.

• Scarring: While some degree of scarring is inevitable, factors such as skin type, age, and genetics can influence the extent of visible scarring. Proper care and treatments can help minimise their appearance.

• Nerve Damage: Facelift surgery can sometimes cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the face. While often temporary, it’s important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon.

By understanding these potential complications, you can be better prepared and proactive in your post-operative care.

At Kensington Medical all patients will have comprehensive post operative care including post operative instructions and post operative appointments to ensure recovery is smooth.

Selecting the right plastic surgeon is crucial for minimising the risk of complications and achieving the best possible results. Here are key factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a facelift surgeon with extensive experience in facelift surgery and a proven track record of successful outcomes. Their expertise can significantly impact the quality of your results.

• Qualifications: Ensure that the surgeon is board-certified on the GMC specialist register for plastic surgery and has the necessary qualifications to perform facelift surgery. This guarantees their training and competence.

• Communication: Choose a surgeon who communicates clearly and effectively. They should take the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide detailed explanations of the procedure and recovery process.

• Facility: The surgical facility should be accredited and meet the necessary safety standards. A well-equipped and reputable hospital facility contributes to a safer surgical experience.

By carefully selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon, you can enhance your chances of a smooth recovery and satisfactory results.