DEEPPLANE
AutentificarePanou

Scarring After Deep Plane Facelift

Three skin cross-sections showing scar healing after a deep plane facelift: initial healing in weeks 1 to 4 with a fibrin clot, inflammatory cells and granulation tissue at the incision; intermediate remodeling in months 2 to 6 with fibroblasts laying a new collagen matrix; and a mature scar from month 6 onward with organized collagen fibers and increased tensile strength

Hypertrophic / keloid scarring

Moderată — adesea necesită management clinic

Incidență
Uncommon; higher risk in Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin
Fereastră de timp
Months 1-6
Semne de alarmă
  • •Scar continues raising past month 2
  • •Scar grows BEYOND the original incision boundary (keloid)
  • •Scar is itchy, painful, or persistently red after month 3
  • •Scar feels firm or rope-like at month 4+
Tratament standard

First-line: silicone gel/sheets daily for 12 weeks (only OTC product with consistent meta-analysis evidence — Mustoe TA 2002, Cochrane 2013). Second-line: intralesional triamcinolone injections every 4-6 weeks for hypertrophic scars. Third-line: pulsed-dye laser for vascular component, surgical revision after 12 months for resistant keloids. Fitzpatrick IV-VI: pre-op hydroquinone protocol reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Factori modificabili
  • •Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin type (5-15× elevated risk)
  • •Personal or family history of keloid
  • •Tension at incision closure
  • •UV exposure on healing scars (causes pigment changes)
  • •Chronic incision irritation (helmet straps, glasses arms)

Prevenție: Tension-free closure technique by surgeon, trichophytic incision technique, silicone gel/sheets weeks 2-12, mineral SPF 50+ on incision lines for 6 months minimum, skin-of-color protocol with pre-op hydroquinone 4% + tretinoin for Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients.

Răspuns Rapid

Will I have visible scars after a deep plane facelift?

Deep plane facelift incisions are placed inside natural skin folds — behind the tragus, around the earlobe, in the post-auricular crease, and along the hairline. Scars take many months to mature fully but become nearly invisible at conversational distance for most patients; in a prospective study of 93 deep plane facelift patients, 2.2% were dissatisfied with their scars. Abnormal scarring (hypertrophic or keloid) is uncommon.

Întrebați un chirurg — gratuit

Sursa: DEEPPLANE™ ·

Where are facelift scars located and are they visible?

Deep plane facelift scars are placed in five concealed zones: inside the tragus (the small cartilage bump in front of the ear canal), around the earlobe, in the post-auricular crease behind the ear, along the lower scalp/hairline, and in the submental (chin) crease for neck work. Fresh scars are pink and visible in the first weeks, then fade over the following months toward a skin-tone line that is nearly invisible at normal conversational distance. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is uncommon; in a prospective study of 93 deep plane facelift patients, 2.2% were dissatisfied with their scars. Key risk factors for poor scarring: smoking, diabetes, darker Fitzpatrick skin types (IV–VI), and excessive tension on the closure.

Day-by-day recovery photos showing scar progression

Why Scars Form After Facelift

Any surgical incision creates a scar — this is unavoidable. The art of facelift surgery lies in placing those incisions where they are least noticeable: within the ear anatomy, behind the ear, and blended into the hairline. Skilled surgeons close wounds in multiple tension-free layers so surface skin has minimal tension, which is the most important determinant of scar quality.

  • All facelift incisions scar — placement determines visibility
  • Scars keep maturing for many months after surgery
  • 2.2% of 93 deep plane patients were dissatisfied with their scars

The concern about facelift scars is understandable — but the reality is that most patients are surprised by how well-hidden their incisions become[2]. In a prospective study of 93 deep plane facelift patients, 2.2% were dissatisfied with their scars[6].Surgeons who specialize in deep plane facelift place meticulous attention on incision design, tension-free closure, and closure in layers[3,4]. Understanding your incision care routine and the normal recovery timeline helps set accurate expectations[5]. For context on the overall procedure, see what a deep plane facelift involves.

Request Free Review

Complimentary · No obligation

Facelift Scar: A facelift scar is the permanent but typically inconspicuous mark left by surgical incisions made during a deep plane facelift. Incisions are strategically placed inside the tragus, around the earlobe, in the post-auricular crease, and along the temporal hairline. With proper wound care and sun protection, most scars become nearly invisible as they mature over the months after surgery.

— DEEPPLANE™ Expert Panel

Scarring After Facelift: Quick Facts

Scar Maturation
Many months
Scar Dissatisfaction
2.2% (93 deep plane patients)
Keloid
Rare
Best Prevention
Sun protection + silicone
Treatment Options
Silicone, laser, steroid
Incision Placement
Tragal, post-auricular, hairline

Sursa: Clinical Studies & The Aesthetic Society

Where Are Facelift Incisions Placed?

Tragal Incision

Runs inside the front edge of the tragus (the small cartilage in front of the ear canal). Hidden in the natural shadow of the ear and virtually invisible at conversational distance.

Post-Auricular Incision

Follows the natural crease behind the ear and onto the mastoid (hairless skin behind the ear). Well hidden and typically the most inconspicuous facelift scar location.

Temporal / Hairline Incision

Runs within or just behind the temporal hairline above the ear. Hair growth naturally camouflages any residual scar. The surgeon's technique determines whether the hairline is preserved or shifted.

Scar Maturation Timeline

1

Weeks 1–4: Acute Healing Phase

Incisions appear pink–red and may be slightly raised. Sutures are removed at 5–10 days. Some crusting along the wound line is normal. Keep incisions clean and out of direct sun.

2

Months 2–4: Remodelling Phase

Scars may temporarily thicken, darken slightly, or itch as collagen reorganises. This is normal. Begin silicone gel application as directed. Avoid sun entirely — UV exposure causes permanent pigmentation changes in healing scars.

3

Months 4–9: Progressive Fading

Most scars are noticeably flatter and paler. Redness reduces month by month. Makeup can fully camouflage any remaining discoloration from 4–6 weeks post-op onward.

4

Final Phase: Mature Scar

Final scar appearance. For most patients: a fine pale line in a natural crease, invisible unless specifically searched for. Residual hypertrophy, if present, typically responds well to steroid injections at this stage.

Types of Abnormal Scarring

What can go wrong and who is at higher risk

!

Hypertrophic Scar (uncommon)

Raised, red, stays in wound boundary. Responds well to silicone + steroids.

!!

Keloid Scar (rare)

Extends beyond wound edges. Higher risk in darker skin types. Recurs after treatment.

i

Widened / Stretched Scar

Flat but wide. Caused by tension at closure. Correctable with scar revision once the scar has matured.

i

Pigmented Scar (PIH)

Darkening from UV exposure. Prevented by strict sun protection. Laser treatment available.

Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI or a personal/family history of keloids should discuss this with their surgeon before proceeding

Treatment Options for Prominent Facelift Scars

Silicone Gel Sheets or Topical Silicone

First-line, highest-evidence treatment. Worn 12 hours per day for 3–6 months. Occlusion and hydration reduce collagen overproduction. Both sheet and gel forms are equally effective.

Intralesional Steroid Injections (Triamcinolone)

3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Highly effective for hypertrophic scars. Can cause skin thinning or hypopigmentation if overdosed — requires an experienced injector.

Pulsed-Dye Laser (PDL) or Fractional Laser

PDL targets redness and vascular components. Fractional laser improves texture and blends scar margins. Both are useful for scars that are flat but discoloured. Treatments begin at 8–12 weeks post-op.

Surgical Scar Revision

For severely widened, malpositioned, or keloidal scars. Best deferred until the scar has fully matured. A short procedure under local anaesthesia re-excises the scar with optimised closure technique.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Abnormal Scarring?

  • Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI (darker skin tones) — higher melanocyte activity increases post-inflammatory pigmentation and keloid tendency
  • Personal or family history of keloids — genetic predisposition is the strongest risk factor
  • Smokers — impaired wound healing raises hypertrophic scar risk
  • Patients who develop wound dehiscence or infection — heals by secondary intention, producing wider scars
  • Patients with tension at closure — often related to over-aggressive skin excision; highly technique-dependent

Your Questions Answered

How visible are facelift scars?
In the hands of an experienced surgeon, facelift scars are designed to be nearly invisible. Incisions run inside the tragus (the small cartilage bump in front of the ear canal), around the earlobe, behind the ear in the natural crease, and into the lower hairline. In the first months these appear as a faint pink line; as they mature over the following months, most patients describe them as invisible at normal conversational distance. They can be covered by hair and are hidden in natural skin folds. A well-placed facelift scar is typically undetectable unless you are looking specifically for it.
When do facelift scars fade?
Facelift scars follow a predictable sequence. In the first weeks they appear pink or red and slightly raised. Over the next weeks to months they may thicken slightly (normal remodelling), then begin to flatten and fade. Scars keep maturing for many months, and residual redness gradually resolves in most patients; your surgeon will tell you when yours has matured. Sun protection during this period accelerates fading significantly.
What is the difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid?
Both are forms of excessive scar tissue, but they differ in behaviour. A hypertrophic scar is raised, firm, and red but stays within the original wound boundary and usually improves over time with treatment. It is uncommon after a facelift. A keloid is more aggressive — it extends beyond the wound edges, does not regress spontaneously, and can recur after treatment. True keloids are rare after a facelift and occur primarily in people with Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI or a personal or family history of keloids. Both can be treated, but keloids require more intensive management.
What scar revision options are available if my facelift scar is prominent?
Several effective options exist: (1) Silicone gel sheets or topical gel — first-line treatment, worn 12 hours/day for 3–6 months; proven to flatten and fade scars. (2) Intralesional corticosteroid injections (triamcinolone) — reduce hypertrophic scarring, typically 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. (3) Pulsed-dye or fractional laser — improves redness and texture, suitable for flat but discolored scars. (4) Surgical scar revision — for severely malpositioned scars; best deferred until 12 months of full maturation. Your surgeon can combine these approaches based on your scar type.
Can you hide facelift scars?
Yes, and most patients find scars naturally concealed by their anatomy. The tragal incision hides in the shadow of the ear cartilage. The post-auricular scar sits in the crease behind the ear. The temporal incision lies within the hairline and is covered by hair. Makeup (including skin-toned concealers) can be applied to any remaining visible scar from 4–6 weeks post-surgery. Wearing hair down, behind-the-ear hairstyles, or small earrings can also camouflage residual redness during the maturation period.

Medical References

  1. 01
    Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-03-21DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199007000-00008
  2. 02
    Baker DC. Complications of cervicofacial rhytidectomy. Clin Plast Surg. 1983;10(3):543-562(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-08-05DOI: 10.1016/S0094-1298(20)31873-3
  3. 03
    Mottura AA. Face lift postoperative recovery. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2002;26(3):172-180(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Studiu de Cercetare)Accesat: 2026-08-05DOI: 10.1007/s00266-001-0029-3
  4. 04
    Webster RC, Kazda G, Hamdan US, Fuleihan NS, Smith RC. Cigarette smoking and face lift: conservative versus wide undermining. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1986;77(4):596-604(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-08-05DOI: 10.1097/00006534-198604000-00014
  5. 05
    NIH National Library of Medicine - Rhytidectomy StatPearls(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Sursă Guvernamentală)Accesat: 2026-04-01
  6. 06
    Swanson E. Outcome analysis in 93 facial rejuvenation patients treated with a deep-plane face lift. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127(2):823-834(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-08-05DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fed81f
Citează această paginăCC-BY 4.0
DEEPPLANE™ Echipa editorială (2026). Scarring After Deep Plane Facelift: Types & Treatment. DEEPPLANE™. Preluat de la https://deepplane.com/recovery/complications/scarring

Conținut licențiat CC-BY 4.0. Liber de partajat cu atribuire către DEEPPLANE™.

Fapte Cheie

Facelift incisions are placed in natural skin creases and hairline to minimise visibility
Scar dissatisfaction after deep plane facelift was reported by 2.2% of 93 patients in a prospective study (PMID 20966814)
Silicone gel is the first-line treatment for hypertrophic facelift scars

Related Topics

Incision Care Guide

How to care for facelift wounds

Recovery Overview

Complete recovery guide

What Is Deep Plane Facelift?

Procedure overview

All Complications

Full complications overview

Infection

Signs & prevention

Find a Surgeon

Experienced specialists

Common Misconceptions

Myth: Facelift scars are always visible

Fact: Expert-placed incisions in natural skin folds and the hairline are nearly invisible at conversational distance once mature. Most patients cannot see their own scars unless using a mirror specifically designed to view behind the ear.

Myth: If my scar looks bad at 3 months it will always look bad

Fact: Scars at 3 months are still actively remodelling. The 3-month mark often represents peak redness and firmness. Most continue to improve significantly over the following months.

Myth: Sun exposure helps scars fade faster by tanning

Fact: UV exposure is the most preventable cause of permanent scar darkening (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Always apply SPF 50+ to healed incisions for at least 12 months.

Essential Considerations

Surgeon experience and technique are the biggest determinants of scar quality

Begin silicone gel as soon as incisions are fully closed (typically 2–3 weeks)

SPF 50+ sunscreen on scars every day for 12 months — even on cloudy days

Do not judge your scar outcome until your surgeon says it has matured

Back to OverviewRecovery Guide Find Surgeon

Întrebați chirurgi verificați specializați în deep plane despre recuperarea dumneavoastră

Întrebați un chirurg — gratuit

100% gratuit · confidențial · fără obligații

S-ar putea să vă placă și

Sunt un candidat?
Lifting cervical deep plane
Cea mai bună țară pentru lifting facial
Calendar de recuperare de 90 de zile
Recuperarea în prima săptămână
Galerie înainte și după
Revizuire Medicală

Consiliul de Revizuire DEEPPLANE™

DEEPPLANE™ editorial standard

— A surgeon is named only when one signs— Stare de Revizuire Per Articol— Standarde Publicate

The DEEPPLANE™ Review Council is the name under which DEEPPLANE™ publishes its editorial standard; it is not a standing board of named surgeons. Our guides are written and edited in-house to that standard. Review is recorded per article, not claimed for the site as a whole — a guide names a surgeon as its reviewer only when that surgeon has signed it, and says so plainly when none has.

Faceți cunoștință cu Consiliul de RevizuireProces de Revizuire →
Continuă să citești

Explorați mai departe

Complicații potențialeSkin NecrosisPixie EarHair LossGăsește un ChirurgGhid de Recuperare

Complications:

HematomaInfectionNerve DamageNumbnessScarringSkin NecrosisIs It Dangerous?After Poly-L-lactic acid fillerWhy Not TalkAsymmetryHair LossPixie Ear