Question:
What is the risk of having noticeable scars after a facelift?
Answer:
Facelift incisions can be hidden in hair baring areas along the temple and behind the ears. In addition, the angle (or beveling) of the incision along the hair bearing areas allows for hair to grow right thru the incision further camouflaging the scar. Incisions are also hidden in front of the ear by using a post tragal (inside the ear canal) incision. Last but not least, it is important to maintain a natural hairline avoiding elevating the hairline by the temple and avoiding step offs behind the ear hair baring areas. In patients who have a tendency to scar formation, we begin laser treatments of the face lift incisions 6 weeks after surgery to facilitate optimal healing. When all these methods are followed, facelift incisions heal inconspicuously.
