Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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. Proper care ensures optimal scar healing over 6-12 months.
— DEEPPLANE™ medical reviewer

Deep Plane Facelift Incision Techniques: Quick Facts

Incision Location: Hairline to behind ear
Scar Visibility: Well-hidden when healed
Suture Removal: Day 7–10 post-op
Scar Maturation: 6–12 months
Incision Length: Varies by technique
Healing Time: 2–3 weeks initial

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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. These heal as nearly invisible fine lines within 6–12 months. The deep plane technique allows smaller incisions than traditional facelifts because tissues are lifted as a unit.

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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 designed for maximum concealment. Fresh scars are pink at 4–8 weeks; they fade to near-invisible skin-tone lines by 12–18 months with proper scar care (silicone gel, SPF 50+). At conversational distance, experienced surgeons' incisions are undetectable.

→ 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, becoming well-hidden 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 mature over 6–12 months and are well-hidden

Deep plane facelift incisions heal remarkably well because the technique reduces skin tension — the primary cause of visible scarring.^[1] Incisions are placed within the temporal hairline, along the ear tragus, around the earlobe, and behind the ear, becoming virtually invisible within 6-12 months. Proper wound care including sun protection and silicone-based scar treatment significantly improves the final appearance. Managing swelling in the first week also helps reduce tension on the incision lines, leading to finer scars compared to traditional SMAS techniques.^[2]

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Complete guide to deep plane facelift incision care and healing.

Zonat e kujdesit të plagës në pesë vendet e prerjes së lifting-ut të fytyrës deep plane me rregullat e pastrimit: vija e flokëve temporale shpëlarje e butë me solucion fiziologjik dy herë në ditë, para-aurikulare pa peroksid hidrogjeni pa pastrues të ashpër, tragus vetëm me shtupë pambuku mos hiqni kurrë kore, post-aurikulare pastrues të aprovuar CeraVe Cetaphil ose La Roche-Posay, submental thajeni me tampon mos fërkoni; frekuenca dy herë në ditë deri në ditën 7 pastaj një herë në ditë derisa prerjet të mbyllen plotësisht — Kujdesi i plagës: solucion fiziologjik steril RRETH prerjeve dy herë në ditë, kurrë direkt mbi; pa peroksid hidrogjeni; mos hiqni kurrë kore (shkakton ndryshim pigmenti). Pastrues të aprovuar: CeraVe / Cetaphil / La Roche-Posay.

Incision care — first 4 weeks

•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

12-month contour settling timeline after deep plane facelift: Month 1 residual deep-tissue edema 10 percent, Month 3 scar pinkness peaks then fades, Month 6 thin scars near-invisible with numbness 70 percent resolved, Month 9 sensation 90 percent normal, Month 12 stable final result lasting 10 to 15 years — Contour settles month by month. Final result is visible at month 6 and stable by month 12 — the lift then lasts 10–15 years.

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

Virtually Invisible

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

10-15 yrs

Results Last

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

01
Hamra ST. The deep-plane rhytidectomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1990;86(1):53-61(hapet në një skedë të re)(Artikull Reviste)Aksessuar: 2026-03-21DOI: 10.1097/00006534-199007000-00008
02
Owsley JQ. Face lifting: problems, solutions, and an outcome study. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):302-313(hapet në një skedë të re)(Artikull Reviste)Aksessuar: 2026-08-05
03
American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Facelift Statistics 2024(hapet në një skedë të re)(Organizëm)Aksessuar: 2026-03-21

Citoni këtë faqeCC-BY 4.0

DEEPPLANE™ Ekipi Editorial (2026). Deep Plane Facelift Incision Care. DEEPPLANE™. Marrë nga https://deepplane.com/recovery/incisions

Përmbajtja e licencuar CC-BY 4.0. E lirë për t'u shpërndarë me atribuim te DEEPPLANE™.

Explore More

What is Deep Plane Facelift?Recovery Guide Before and After Results Find 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

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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

Tema të Lidhura

What is Deep Plane Facelift?Best Country for Facelift Recovery Guide Before & After Results Find a Deep Plane Facelift Specialist

Fakte Kryesore

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 for superior concealment, 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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