Minimizing Facelift Incision Scars

Patients who are considering a facelift cosmetic surgical procedure may be particularly worried about incision healing and scars. After all, if a patient has decided to spend the money for a facelift procedure, they are doing so in an effort to improve their appearance. Unsightly or obvious scars detract from that. Dr. Marcus Crawford and Dr. Steven Bailey can help patients reduce the appearance of facelift procedure scars. Below are some risk factors for scarring, as well as what can be done to minimize the risk for scarring following a facelift procedure.

Scarring Risks

• Age: Older patients have less collagen in their skin. Collagen is a protein that is essentially the “glue” that holds the body together. It is vital to filling out the skin. A loss of collagen means that the building blocks necessary to properly heal over an incision may be reduced.
• Race and skin tone: People of certain racial backgrounds will scar more noticeably than others. African Americans in particular are prone to incision sites that overheal, leading to excessive scarring. Conversely, very fair skinned people may find that their scars will be more prominent than on those with somewhat darker complexions.
• Smoking and drinking: Both smoking and drinking can dehydrate the skin, leading to loss of collagen. In addition, smoking delays healing. Plastic surgeons recommend that patients who smoke or drink stop at least two weeks before surgery, and not resume until at least two to three weeks after surgery, if at all.
• Chronic illness: Patients with one or more chronic illnesses may have a reduced ability to heal. It is important to have chronic illnesses under control before undergoing any surgical procedure. As just one example, patients with diabetes need to have their blood glucose under control to avoid the risk of excessive bleeding.

Reducing Scarring

The biggest factor in reducing scarring following a facelift procedure is proper wound care. It is important to keep the incision sites clean and dry. Do not touch the incisions directly or place any pressure on them. Take all antibiotics as directed, and call your plastis surgeon’s office immediately if the incision appears tender, red, or warm. These may indicate infection.

Once the wound has healed over, scar reducing creams or oils can be applied. Silicone gels or sheets can also help minimize the appearance of scars. Gentle massage around the incision site may help stimulate collagen production, which will help with reducing the appearance of scars. If at all possible, do not expose scars to direct sunlight. A sunscreen with a very high SPF number will help with this.

Incision placement can also help with reducing the visibility of scars. For most facelift, browlift, or neck lift procedures, the scars are hidden either in the hairline or behind the ears. They will be almost invisible, even when the hair is pulled back.

The truth is that minimizing scars following a facelift procedure is very easy. Following simple instructions regarding proper wound care will allow patients to be all smiles with their new features as soon as possible.

Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.