Pleats Behind Ear After Facelift
Pleats Behind Ear After Facelift: Small tissue folds or pleats behind the ear after deep plane facelift are a normal healing phenomenon that typically resolves within 6-12 weeks. They result from redistributing excess skin during closure and rarely require intervention.
Quick Answer
What should I expect with pleats behind ear after facelift?
Recovery varies by individual, but most patients can expect gradual improvement over 2-4 weeks with full results visible at 3-6 months.
Source: DeepPlane.com
What Are These Folds Behind My Ear After Surgery?
Pleats behind the ear after a facelift are small folds of skin that can appear along the incision line. This puckering is a normal part of the healing process for about 15-20% of patients and occurs as the skin settles into its new, lifted position. These pleats typically flatten out on their own within 6-12 weeks as healing completes.
- •Pleating is temporary and resolves in 6-12 weeks for most
- •Caused by skin settling after being lifted and redraped
- •Gentle massage after 3 weeks can help smooth the area
Pleats behind the ear after facelift refer to small skin folds or puckering that can occur at the post-auricular incision site during the early healing phase. This is a normal part of recovery and typically resolves within 2-4 months as the tissue settles and the swelling subsides. If persistent pleating and scar concerns remain after 6 months, minor revision under local anesthesia can easily correct it.
Understand pleating and puckering behind the ear after deep plane facelift surgery.
When Do Pleats Resolve?
Most Visible
Small skin folds normal at the post-auricular incision. The tissue hasn't settled yet.
Resolving
Tissue redistributes and skin smooths naturally. Most pleating disappears without intervention.
Fully Smooth
If any persist past 6 months, simple minor revision under local anesthesia corrects it easily.
Behind-the-Ear Incision Healing Stages
Day 1-5
Closure
Sutures in place, mild swelling, pink incision line
Week 1-2
Initial Healing
Sutures removed, scabbing, redness begins to fade
Week 3-6
Remodeling
Pleats begin to flatten, color normalizes
Month 2-4
Maturation
Scar softens significantly, blends with skin
Month 6-12
Final Result
Scar is thin, pale line; virtually invisible
What Should You Expect?
Understanding what to expect during recovery helps patients prepare mentally and physically for the healing process. Deep plane facelift recovery is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing manageable discomfort that improves significantly within the first two weeks.
Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your specific situation. Following these guidelines carefully is essential for optimal healing and results.
Recovery Timeline
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If:
- • Severe or sudden increase in pain
- • Excessive bleeding or drainage
- • Signs of infection (fever, increasing redness, pus)
- • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- • Sudden asymmetry or facial weakness
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical References
- [1]Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [2]Barrera A. Refinements in the deep-plane facelift technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):290-301(Journal Article)Accessed: 2026-03-21
- [3]
Key Facts
Related Recovery Topics
Common Misconceptions
Myth: Pleats indicate surgical error
Fact: Some puckering is normal during healing. It often results from skin adjustment to new contours.
Myth: Pleats are permanent
Fact: Most pleats smooth out within 3-6 months. Persistent issues can be corrected with minor procedures.
Myth: Massage makes pleats worse
Fact: Gentle massage as directed by your surgeon can help smooth pleats. Follow specific instructions.
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Medically Reviewed
Dr. Yakup Duman
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
Board-certified Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery specialist with 20+ years of experience. Specializes in deep plane facelift at Merkez Prime Hospital, Istanbul. Medical Reviewer for DeepPlane.com.