Are you considering a facelift? Here’s all the scar & suture information you need to know about this plastic surgery.
Overview
As we age, the skin loses its elasticity and becomes more prone to sagging, losing tone and developing lines.
This is most obvious on the face and neck, which is why many patients opt for a facelift to restore their youthful appearance and vibrancy.
This plastic surgery will improve your appearance by:
- Lifting and tightening facial skin
- Eliminating the appearance of ‘jowls’
- Eliminating marionette lines & nasolabial folds
- Removing excess fat under the chin
- Tightening neck skin
Often, patients choose to combine facelifts with other cosmetic surgeries such as necklifts and eyelid surgery to restore their youthful appearance and vibrancy.
FAQs About Facelift Scars Edmonton
As with all plastic surgery, some scarring should be expected from your facelift but an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon can minimize and hide any surgical scars.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about facelift scars and how to care for your sutures for the best possible aesthetic result:
1. Where are the incisions made for the facelift?
The facelift procedure involves incisions that skirt the contour of the ears, using the anatomy of the ear to help conceal them. They are made in the hairline of the temple and then turn to run behind the earlobe to end about 2 cm out of sight behind the ear.
Facelift scars from a well-performed plastic surgery should be virtually invisible - white, flat and well-placed behind the ear so that the patient can even wear close-cropped hair without the incision being visible.
2. How should I care for the wounds?
After your facelift surgery, you will need to keep the wounds scrupulously clean in the early days after your operation. Your plastic surgeon may give you an antiseptic ointment to apply after the procedure.
Always handle the wounds gently and avoid any vigorous rubbing with a towel. It is fine to wash your hair a couple of days after the plastic surgery but don’t let the wounds soak in water for any length of time.
3. Is there anything I can do to help the facelift scars resolve?
If you are serious concerned about scarring after your facelift, it is important to discuss any methods of scar minimization and prevention with your surgeon prior to the plastic surgery.
Following your doctor’s post-surgical instructions is very important to minimizing the appearance of scars. These may include:
- Avoiding sun exposure
- No smoking/alcohol
- Getting lots of rest
- Proper wound care
- Staying well hydrated
- Avoiding placing stress on your incision
4. How will I know if the wound has become infected?
Taking measures to avoid infections after your plastic surgery is key to healing without scars. However, at times this may be unavoidable.
You should contact your plastic surgeon Immediately if your wound becomes hot, tender or starts to discharge pus. Minor wound infections after a facelift respond rapidly to a short course of antibiotics and quick treatment is essential to avoid any scarring or damage to your health.
5. How long will the scars from this plastic surgery take to heal?
Facelift scars are typically virtually unnoticeable about 8 weeks after surgery. Full resolution of scars may take up to one year.
6. What will the scars look like?
Initially after the plastic surgery, the wound will be red, settling over a few weeks to a pink color. Typically after a year, the scar will become flat, white and virtually unnoticeable.
Learn More
To learn more about the costs & benefits of a facelift and for more information about our plastic surgery procedures, contact Dr. Adil Ladak at 780-407-6691.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton, Alberta and specializes in a variety of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.
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