Where facelift scars are placed
Where facelift scars lie and how they are hidden — the incision lines, how scars fade, and what affects scarring.
A facelift requires incisions, so it leaves scars. Usually the incisions are designed along the natural contours around the ear and inside the hairline, so that over time they are hard to notice.
Typical incision lines
- In front of the ear — along the border between ear and cheek
- Behind the ear — along the crease behind the ear
- Inside the hairline — at the temple or the hairline at the back
- Under the chin — a short incision when the neck is treated as well
The length and position depend on the extent of surgery. They are designed according to the sagging: in front of and behind the ear, inside the temple hairline, along the back hairline and centrally under the chin.
How scars usually change
At first a scar may be red and firm; over time it becomes paler and softer. It can take several months or more to fully settle.
What affects scarring
- constitution (a tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scars)
- smoking
- tension on the wound
- aftercare during recovery (sun protection, scar ointment and so on)
Hairstyle
If scars around the ears concern you, a hairstyle that covers them helps early in recovery. If you wear your hair short, discuss incision placement in advance at the consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will the scars disappear completely? Scars fade but don't vanish completely. The aim is for most of them to sit along natural contours so they aren't noticeable in daily life.