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Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care

The incisions of a deep plane facelift follow natural creases: from the temple hairline, in front of or inside the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear into the hairline, with a small cut under the chin when the neck is treated. We hold no study of how these scars heal or how visible they become, so the healing times here are typical ranges, and how yours will look is for your surgeon to show. What DEEPPLANE™ holds as data: 5.440 published before-and-after pairs from 760 surgeons in 58 countries, 30 of them photographed twelve months or more after surgery.

Post-op care, scar maturation, and sun protection rules. For where the incisions sit anatomically and how the technique places them, see Deep Plane Facelift Incisions: Scar & Technique Guide.

Deep plane facelift incision lines diagram showing hairline incision path from temple, around ear tragus, behind ear, into hairline

Typical deep plane facelift incision path along the hairline and around the ear

Incision Care After Deep Plane Facelift: Incision care after deep plane facelift involves keeping wounds clean, applying prescribed ointments, avoiding sun exposure, and following surgeon instructions. Scars typically mature over 6-12 months.

— DEEPPLANE™ reviewer

Deep Plane Facelift Incision Techniques: Quick Facts

Incision Location
Hairline to behind ear
Scar Visibility
Not measured in a study
Suture Removal
Day 7–10 post-op
Scar Maturation
6–12 months
Incision Length
Varies by technique
Healing Time
2–3 weeks initial

Sursa: Clinical Studies & The Aesthetic Society

Răspuns Rapid

Where are the incisions for a deep plane facelift?

Deep plane facelift incisions are hidden along natural creases — starting at the temple hairline, continuing in front of or inside the ear, around the earlobe, and behind the ear into the hairline. Sutures come out at day 7–10. Scars typically fade over 6–12 months; how visible they become has not been measured in a study we can cite.

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Where are facelift incisions placed and how visible are they?

Deep plane facelift incisions follow five natural anatomical landmarks: (1) Temporal hairline — connects at the temple, hidden in hair. (2) Pre-auricular — follows the tragal shadow around the front of the ear. (3) Earlobe — curves seamlessly around the lobe. (4) Post-auricular — in the natural crease behind the ear. (5) Submental — in the chin crease for neck work. All incisions are placed to be concealed. Fresh scars are pink at 4–8 weeks and typically fade toward skin tone over 12–18 months with scar care (silicone gel, SPF 50+); we hold no study that measures how visible they are.

Facelift scar management guide

Five deep plane facelift incision locations on a lateral face view: temporal hairline along the temple hair shadow line, pre-auricular vertical line in front of the ear, tragal inside the cartilage notch, post-auricular behind the ear into the hairline, submental small line under the chin; right side shows the same incisions healed into nearly invisible thin scars at month 6

All five deep plane facelift incision locations and how they heal at month 6.

What Is Involved in Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care?

Proper incision care after a deep plane facelift involves keeping the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours, when swelling peaks at days 2–4 (day 3 most common). Sutures are typically removed at day 7–10. Scars mature over 6–12 months, within the hairline and behind the ear. Following your surgeon's specific instructions is critical for minimizing scarring.

  • Sutures removed at day 7–10
  • Initial healing takes 2–3 weeks
  • Scars typically mature over 6–12 months

Deep plane facelift incisions are placed along creases to limit visible scarring.[1] Incisions are placed within the temporal hairline, along the ear tragus, around the earlobe, and behind the ear, and typically fade over 6-12 months. Wound care including sun protection and silicone-based scar treatment is commonly advised; we hold no study that measures its effect. Managing swelling in the first week is also commonly advised to limit tension on the incision lines; we hold no study that compares scars with traditional SMAS techniques.[2]

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Complete guide to deep plane facelift incision care and healing.

Zone de îngrijire a rănilor pe cinci locuri de incizie ale liftingului facial deep plane cu reguli de curățare: linia părului temporală clătire delicată cu soluție salină de două ori pe zi, pre-auricular fără peroxid de hidrogen fără produse de curățare dure, tragal doar tampon de bumbac nu rupeți niciodată crustele, post-auricular produse de curățare aprobate CeraVe Cetaphil sau La Roche-Posay, submental tamponați uscat nu frecați; frecvență de două ori pe zi până în ziua 7 apoi o dată pe zi până la închiderea completă a inciziilor
Îngrijirea rănilor: soluție salină sterilă ÎN JURUL inciziilor de două ori pe zi, niciodată direct pe; fără peroxid de hidrogen; nu rupeți niciodată crustele (provoacă modificări de pigmentare). Produse de curățare aprobate: CeraVe / Cetaphil / La Roche-Posay.

Incision care — first 4 weeks

Do
  • •Clean AROUND incisions with sterile saline + cotton pad (gentle dab, never scrub)
  • •Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin/Polysporin) 2-3× daily
  • •Pat dry with a clean cotton cloth — replace cloth daily
  • •Begin silicone gel/sheets at week 2-3 for 12 weeks (only OTC scar product with consistent evidence)
  • •SPF 50+ on incision lines outdoors for 6 months minimum
  • •Wide-brim hat + UV400 sunglasses any outdoor exposure from day 7
Don't
  • •Pick at scabs (they fall naturally day 7-14)
  • •Use hydrogen peroxide (kills healing fibroblasts → wider scar)
  • •Apply makeup directly on incisions until day 10
  • •Use chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, oxybenzone) for 4 weeks
  • •Apply pressure or massage on incision lines until week 6-8
  • •Use vitamin E topical (weak evidence) — silicone is the proven option

How Long Do Facelift Incisions Take to Heal?

7-10d

Sutures Removed

Stitches removed at surgeon visit (day 7–10). Steri-strips may stay another week.

2-4w

Pink/Red Phase

Incision lines are pink and visible. Apply silicone gel and SPF daily.

3-6m

Fading Phase

Scars progressively lighten. Concealer can cover any remaining visibility.

12m

Mature Scar

Fully matured scars blend with natural skin folds. Hair covers temple incision.

Tragal Incision →

Hidden-scar technique inside the ear cartilage flap; modern default for most women.

Pre-Auricular Incision →

Trichophytic vs straight design, sideburn preservation, week-by-week scar maturation.

Temporal Hairline Incision →

Hair-shift risk, trichophytic technique, when surgeons elect short-scar.

Pleats Behind the Ear →

Understanding and managing skin puckering at the post-auricular incision site.

Submental Incision →

The under-chin access for combined deep plane facelift + neck lift; position, length, and concealment.

Wound Dehiscence →

Recognition signs, risk factors, and treatment of incision separation — <2% incidence.

$15K-50K
Cost Range
4-6 hrs
Surgery Time
10.9 yrs
Avg. time to a second facelift, returning patients (Levin & Frankel 2026)
2-3 wks
Recovery

What Is Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care?

Complete guide to deep plane facelift incision care and healing. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information to help you understand what to expect and make informed decisions about your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is deep plane facelift incision care?
Deep plane facelift incisions are hidden along the temporal hairline, pre-auricular crease, around the earlobe, and into the occipital hairline. Care centers on keeping incisions clean and dry for the first 48 hours, applying prescribed antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly twice daily, avoiding tension on the skin, and returning at day 7–10 for suture removal. Scars typically fade from pink to skin-tone over 6–12 months with daily SPF 50 protection.
Where exactly are the incisions placed in a deep plane facelift?
Deep plane facelift incisions typically start at the temporal hairline, continue in front of or inside the ear (pre-auricular), loop around the earlobe, and extend behind the ear into the occipital hairline. This path follows natural skin creases and anatomical landmarks to maximize concealment. Some surgeons use a retro-tragal incision (inside the ear cartilage) for even better scar hiding, especially in women.
How should I care for my facelift incisions during the first week?
During the first week, keep incisions clean and dry. Most surgeons recommend gentle cleansing with dilute hydrogen peroxide or saline on cotton swabs twice daily, followed by application of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Avoid getting the incisions wet in the shower until cleared by your surgeon, typically around day 3-5. Do not pick at scabs or crusting, as this can widen scars.
What is the most challenging part of recovery?
Where incisions are concerned, the hardest stretch is the first ten days: sutures still in place, crusting along the lines, and a strong urge to inspect them several times a day. Tightness in front of and behind the ear is normal at this stage. Most people find the lines much easier to live with once sutures come out around day 7-10 and the scars begin to flatten.
When can I sleep normally again?
Sleep on your back with your head elevated at least 30 degrees for the first two to three weeks. For incisions this matters beyond comfort: sustained pressure on a fresh suture line is one of the things that widens a scar. Side sleeping is usually cleared at 3-4 weeks, once swelling has settled and the lines are closed. A horseshoe pillow stops you rolling over in the night.

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
    Owsley JQ. Face lifting: problems, solutions, and an outcome study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):302-313(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-08-05
  3. 03
    American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Facelift Statistics 2024(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Organizație)Accesat: 2026-03-21
  4. 04
    Levin M, Frankel A. Thirty Years of Deep Plane Facelifts: Characterizing Outcomes and Longevity. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2026;28(5):482-487(se deschide într-o filă nouă)(Articol de Jurnal)Accesat: 2026-09-23DOI: 10.1177/26893614261422044
Citează această paginăCC-BY 4.0
DEEPPLANE™ Echipa editorială (2026). Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care. DEEPPLANE™. Preluat de la https://deepplane.com/recovery/incisions

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

Explore More

What is Deep Plane Facelift?Recovery GuideBefore and After ResultsFind a Surgeon

What Are Common Misconceptions About Facelift Incisions?

Myth: Incisions need constant attention

Fact: Simple daily care is sufficient. Over-cleaning or excessive manipulation can delay healing.

Myth: Scabs should be removed

Fact: Let scabs fall off naturally. Picking at them can cause scarring and infection.

Points Worth Noting

Get personalized guidance from a specialist

Outcomes vary — your surgeon will set realistic expectations

Recovery time depends on the extent of the procedure

Proper aftercare maximizes results and minimizes complications

Back to OverviewRecovery Guide Find Surgeon

Key Takeaways

Research thoroughly before making decisions

Consult with multiple board-certified surgeons

Review before and after photos carefully

Understand all costs and recovery requirements

Subiecte Conexe

What is Deep Plane Facelift?Best Country for FaceliftRecovery GuideBefore & After ResultsFind a Deep Plane Facelift Specialist

Fapte Cheie

Deep plane facelift incisions follow a path from temporal hairline, around the ear, to the occipital hairline
Retro-tragal incision technique hides scars inside the ear cartilage to conceal the scar, especially in women
Suture removal occurs at day 7–10 post-surgery depending on healing progress
Full scar maturation takes 6-12 months to reach the final thin white-line appearance
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