Does Facelift Surgery Leave Any Visible Scarring?

In this blog, we will look at whether you will have scars after a facelift, where incisions are made, how they heal, tips to reduce visibility, and what an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Haena Kim does to minimize them.

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Will I Have Scars After a Facelift?

Scars are an inevitable part of any surgery, as every incision will leave a scar; this fact holds true with facelift surgery. However, once you are healed, the resulting scars should be well hidden so that they are almost invisible. What makes the difference is skill in closure, surgical planning, and placement of the incisions so that they close in a precise fashion. The goal is to optimize the body’s healing process so that, over time, these fine lines soften and blend into the natural contours of each individual’s anatomy.

Where Are Facelift Incisions Made?

In facelift surgery, the placement of incisions is critical for concealing scars. Dr. Kim customizes her approach to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Typically, incisions begin at the hairline in front of the ear, extend around the ear, and end at the hairline behind the ear. This path helps conceal lines in natural folds and hair-bearing areas. Dr. Kim lifts and contours the underlying muscle and tissue layers, redistributes or trims excess skin, and then closes incisions in multiple layers to ensure a tensionless closure.

Caring for Incisions During Healing

During your facelift recovery, proper care helps scars fade more smoothly. You should:

• Keep incisions clean and dry as instructed during the immediate post-operative period
• Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen for up to a full year after surgery
• Use silicone sheets or gels if recommended
• Avoid strenuous activity that may stretch the incision

Stages of Scar Healing

Inflammatory Phase

The first three to five days after surgery trigger your body’s immediate healing response. Blood vessels constrict to stop bleeding, then dilate to bring healing cells to the area. You’ll notice redness, swelling, and tenderness around the incisions. This inflammation signals that your body is beginning the repair process.

Proliferative Phase

From day four through week six, your body builds new tissue to bridge the incision gaps. Collagen production increases dramatically during this phase, creating the framework for new skin. The incisions may feel raised or firm to the touch as this new tissue develops. Redness typically peaks during this stage before gradually beginning to fade.

Maturation Phase

Starting around week six and continuing for up to two years, your scars undergo their final transformation. Excess collagen breaks down, the raised texture flattens, and redness continues fading. By the one-year mark, most facelift scars become thin, pale lines that blend seamlessly with surrounding skin, especially when placed within natural facial creases.

Tips for Minimizing Facelift Scar Appearance

While the surgeon controls many factors, you also play a critical role in how your incisions heal. Here are steps you can take to help improve the appearance of scars:

• Follow all post-operative instructions to the letter
• Avoid smoking, which impairs healing
• Keep incisions protected from the sun (use SPF on healed skin)
• Use silicone sheets, gels, or scar creams if advised
• Eat a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamins
• Be patient, scars improve over time

Interested in Facelift Surgery in San Jose, CA?

Dr. Haena Kim’s meticulous approach and artistic eye have earned her recognition as a leading facial plastic surgeon in San Jose. Her advanced techniques and dedication to natural-looking results mean your facelift scars will heal to near invisibility. Contact our office at (650) 507-3601 or complete our online consultation form to schedule your personal consultation.