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Facelift to Correct Numerous Rolling Acne Scars?

asked 2 years ago by denise.d in Minnesota
Latest answer by Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS
Question viewed 4,550 times
Tags: age 45-54, female, rolling scar

A recent consultation with plastic surgeon suggested a full face lift to correct rolling acne scars. Scarring is quite significant. After doing research on this however, a facelift is not typically recommended as opposed to laser resurfacing. I am 45 and feel that I look appropriate for my age so I'm wondering what the benefits would be to the facelift as opposed to laser and in what order are these procedures done?

47 answers to Facelift to Correct Numerous Rolling Acne Scars?

+3

Face lift can significantly improve acne scarring

I perform laser skin resurfacing, fraxel laser resurfacing, fat transfers, scar excisions and face lifts for acne scarring treatment. Not every case is the same, but for patients over 40, I have found that facelifting is one of the most effective treatments for acne scarring.
Andrew Jacono, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Facelifts to treat acne scarring

I am going to agree with my colleagues that resurfacing is the treatment of choice for acne scarring. However, there is a limit to resurfacing. If you resurface too deeply, scarring, whiteness and prolonged healing occur. So what is the next step? Most acne patients over the age of 45 know when they pull their skin back it looks better. Sometimes a lot better. That is why for the very best result with rolling acne scars, resurfacing plus a facelift are indeed an excellent choice. more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+3

Facelift Not Indicated For Acne Scarring

A Facelift is designed to restore and contour your neck and jawline. The problem in this circumstance is more topographical: irregularities in the skin surface. Resurfacing is and always has been the treatment of choice for this problem. In the circumstance of acne scarring Dermabrasion or fractionated CO2 laser treatment would be my recommendation. On occasion, I will excise ice pick scars followed by later resurfacing treatment (6-8 weeks later).
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift for acne scarring.

Traditionally facelifts are considered for signs of aging and not for acne correction. Deep peels and CO2 lasers are usually considered primary treatments for acne scarring. However, in my experience it depends on the specifics and degree of the acne scarring. If the scarring is more superficial in nature the laser or chemical peel is very helpful. However, for patients with deep "ice pick" type scars that appear to be attached to the underlying tissues no amount... more
Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS

Reno Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift Not a Good Help for Acne Scars

You are right: a facelift is not likely to help your acne scars. Laser resurfacing (and dermabrasion) are better techniques for an incremental improvement.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Acne scars can accelerate facial aging

The supporting layer of the face is the dermis. Acne scars represent weaknesses in this layer. I commonly will see patients who had extensive acne when they were younger and now feel that their scars are worse. Performing a facelift for many of these patients can be of benefit. The facelift can be followed by laser resurfacing or fillers to achieve even more softening of the scars.
Brian Maloney, MD

Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Acne and Facelifts

This is always a tough question.I feel it is simple.If a patient has had acne and significant scarring AND has loose skin,ie jowls, a facelift is a good choice.If there is NO loose skin or jowling then I believe skin conditioning programs and some type of resurfacing would be a more prudent choice.
Robert Brueck, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift to correct rolling acne scars

In many patients with acne scars this has caused pleating or folding of the skin, which can only be addressed with a facelift.  In such cases, a facelift will provide substantial improvement in the overall appearance.  Laser resurfacing may be a good choice if there is no significant looseness of the skin.  Also, many patients benefit from having the facelift first, followed by laser resurfacing approximately three months later.
Ronald J. Edelson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+2

Laser Resurfacing versus Facelift

Facelift surgery is used to improve laxity in the skin and muscle of the face (particularly the lower face).  Facelift does not directly address surface irregularities of the skin.  Acne scarring is best treated with combination treatment such as excision of deep scarring followed by laser resurfacing at a later date. Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift and acne scars

A facelift will tighten the skin of the face, and may produce some improvement in the appearance of acne scars. Most often, however, some type of facial resurfacing with dermabrasion or laser is more effective, and may be combined with fillers for the more severe depressions.
Olivia Hutchinson, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift and acne scars

A facelift will not permanently improve acne scarring. It will definitely look better initially because of swelling, but I doubt any long term benefit.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face Lift Not First Treatment for Facial Acne Scar

As other plastic surgeons have already stated, face lift surgery may not be the first option to improve the appearance of facial scarring. Face lift tightens skin and pulls on the sides of the face and neck primarily, while acne scarring is generally in the center of the face. Acne scars are better treated by (1) resurfacing the skin, and (2) adding volume deep into the scar. Skin resurfacing may be performed with chemical peels, lasers, or dermabrasion. Volume enhancement may be... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelifts improve the contour of the face, not the contour of the skin

In your case, your facial volume appears appropriately positioned and you do not seem to have many of the stigmata of a truly aging face.  in your situation, the skin itself is the issue, rather than the tissue below it which is sculpted in a face lift. I would recommend a skin treatment such as Dermabrasion rather than the more invasive face lift at this point.
Adam David Lowenstein, MD

Santa Barbara Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift offers minor improvement

A facelift may improve the appearance of acne scarring.  However, it will not correct it.  Facelifts tighten the skin and deep tissue layers.  Dermabrasion is the technique which improves acne scarring most.
Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD

Encino Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift May Help Acne Scarring

After looking at your photograph, I don't believe a facelift is the answer to your acne scarring.  There are patients whose acne scarring does improve with a facelift but it is only those people with scarring that destroyed sub-cutaneous fat and also have significant tissue laxity. Sadly, acne scarring has no silver bullet.  I am a very ardent proponent of prevention.  Too many doctors trivialize their acne patients concerns.  Acne scarring is a serious problem... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift to Treat Acne Scars

Facelift surgery is not the best treatment for acne scarring. Laser surgery with temporary fillers such as Juverderm or more permanent fat grafting are a much better approach. A facelift will remove excess sagging skin, but the improvement in your irregular contour will be short-lived.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelifts do not correct acne scars

A facelift will not address your acne scars. Facelifts address jowls, excess sagging skin of the face and neck, while tightening the underlying musculature for facial rejuvenation. Deep scars would be best treated with dermabrasion, which is a surgical procedure that essentially removes the top layer of skin. As the area heals, new skin is formed. An option to help minimize the severity of scars would be laser treatments.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Many different options; laser, fillers, and facelift can all be effective

You have many different options for improvement. None will completely eliminate your acne scars. Laser resurfacing in combination with fillers is a reasonable first option. You could consider the Fraxel laser for minimal downtime. I do think that a facelift offers significant improvement for your type of acne scars, particularly in combination with fat grafting, and a light laser resurfacing or dermabrasion, all done at the same time. If you opt for a facelift, you would still later benefit... more
Michael D. Yates, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift or laser to treat acne scars

You are correct. Facelifting does not correct texture issues or coloration of the skin. This is best treated with some sort of resurfacing procedure (or IPL for discoloration). In general, we prefer deeper treatments for more severe acne scarring. Hope this helps.
Sam Most, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelifts do not correct acne scarring.

Acne scars are treated with a CO2 laser not a lift. A facelift is for sagging skin and will only help minimally. If the scarring bothers you more than extra skin, do the laser first.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

How to fix acne scars

Hello - In order to soften the appearance of the scars, I would recommend filling in the scars with Restylane along with resurfacing with a CO2 laser. Before paying for anything, know that it is very difficult to completely eliminate the scars and that most treatments will only soften them and make them less noticeable.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Acne scarring and facelift

Both facelifting and skin resurfacing improve the appearance of acne scarring. You need to understand what each technique will accomplish in order to make the right decision for you. The inflammation caused by the acne has caused loss of fat and destruction of the dermis or strength layer of the skin. the scar tissue also has tethered the skin at the location of the acne scar. A swe age we lose facial volume and the skin is less elastic. As the skin relaxes the tethered acne scars become... more
Robert W. Kessler, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Diamond dermabrasion works better.and cheaper

Dr. lesesne here. my experience is that it doesn't siamond dermabrasion which is cheaper,faster,does. good luck
Cap Lesesne, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face lift for acne scars.

A face lift addresses skin laxity especially in the lower one third of the face.  This can tighten your face and reduce the appearance of some of your acne scarring.  However, by examining your pics...I agree with you.  I would recommend a facial resurfacing procedure.  This can include laser resurfacing, dermabrasion (not micro-dermabrasion), or a peel.  Results can be equivalent using any of these procedures and basically depends on your surgeon's comfort level more
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift Versus Laser Resurfacing For Acne Scarring

Denise, in some cases a facelift may benefit a patient with acne scarring by essentially pulling the skin tighter. In doing this the contrast between a depressed acne scar and the surrounding skin becomes less obvious, thus decreasing the visibility of the scars. Looking at the photo you provided, I would probably not recommend a facelift procedure. I would probably opt for one of many available skin resurfacing procedures available out there. This includes laser skin resurfacing, which... more
John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift versus laser for acne scars

A facelift is a procedure that is performed to improve skin laxity in the lower face and neck.  It addresses jowling, an ill defined jawline, and loose neck skin.  A facelift will not improve skin irregularities from acne scarring.  Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion are excellent modalities to improve the appearance of skin irregularities from acne scarring.  This type of treatment needs to be a little more aggressive than resurfacing for fine wrinkles so the... more
Etai Funk, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift is not a skin only procedure

I would not recommend a facelift as first line therapy for acne scarring.  There are multiple modalities that are more likely to offer substantial correction, without the downtime and risk of a facelift.    The indication for facelift surgery is correction of facial shape.  This can include excess skin, platysmal banding, neck laxity, jowling, and malar fat pad ptosis.   It is generally not indicated for correction of superficial skin concerns.    more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Acne scarring and a facelift

In general , a facelift is not the first choice for acne scarring. I prefer micro-needling over laser treatments to avoid pigmentation issues and get maximum improvement.  It does take several treatments to get a satisfactory result. Best, Tal Raine MD
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifting will yield only very modest changes for acne scarring.

Facelifts when well performed do an excellent result in restoring youth to the face.  I have performed the equivalent for acne scarring and although there is improvement, it is modest.  If acne scarring is a component of an aging face, the results will be more dramatic..
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts For Acne Scars- Not Effective

If your sole reason for a facelift is removal of acne scars little to no change will be evident.  Facelifting is not and should not be a skin lifting operation but rather serves to reposition deeper tissues.  Acne scars are located within the skin and as such does not change with a facelift.  A more rationale approach would be to address acne scars directly through a combination of modalities designed to treat them.  
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treating acne scars, Facelift?

Acne scars are a common problem that I see and treat. The main issue is the texture of the skin. With acne scarring the skin surface becomes very irregular. It is sometimes described as a cobblestone appearance. Since the problem is one of texture and the surface of the skin, a resurfacing procedure is usually the best choice. While a facelift might give you other benefits it is not generally the best way to treat acne scarring. Its also a much bigger procedure that a resurfacing procedure... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift not for acne scars

A facelift would not be the best option for acne scars. Facelifts treat sagging, not acne scarring and texture issues. There are several options out there for acne scars. Laser resurfacing, excising, fillers, etc can all be good options to help with the scarring. A facelift will make this look better initially but once the skin resettles most of the effect is gone unless other things are also done. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon on which option is best for you! Best regards... more
Sam Speron, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

You will be dissapointed with facelift alone

Acne scarring is a deeper scarring in the skin from multiple episode of acne "infections". This skin is firmer and less elastic than non acne skin. Facelift is a technique to tightnen and redrape improving the facial shape and contour and only minimally improving the skin quality. Unless the skin is pulled as tightly as a drum, the acne scarring will be relatively unchanged after a few months.
David Shuter, MD

Jupiter Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts for acne scars

If you have never had laser resurfacing, it might be the best place to start because it addresses the texture of the skin. It can't erase all acne effects but 50% improvement is reasonable. A facelift can also help to minimize the acne scars but only if there is laxity of the skin. Start with the laser at age 45.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Other options than facelift for acne scarring

I would not recommend a facelift for your problems.Laser resurfacing, medium depth chemical peel, or dermabrasion would all be appropriate for your issues. Best of luck.
Richard W. Westreich, MD

Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift is not the first option but can be improvement in acne scarring

Facelift is not the first option but I have noticed improvement in Acne Scarring from this procedure. I personally have many patients that have noticed a significant improvement on their acne scarring from a facelift procedure. Is the facelift a procedure that is usually recommended to a person to improve their acne scars? The answer is "no". But I usually present all options to the patient. Among these options include laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion,... more
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drphilipyoung.com

+1

Palomar fractionated laser is best thing I've ever seen for treating acne scars

Over the years, I have used every modality that has been suggested to treat acne scaring with out much result. Since I have started using the Palomar fractionated erbium laser my patients are exclaiming over the great results that they are experiencing. It takes four treatments one month apart and they are not suppose to see any results before the third treatment but they are claiming that they can see a significant improvement after the first or second treatment.
Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD

Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift will NOT treat acne scarring - better treatments available

A facelift will not correct the appearance of your skin, certainly not for the long-term. Acne scarring needs to be treated depending on what kind of scars you have. Generally, the best results are achieved with multiple modes of therapy. This includes resurfacing procedures such as laser (CO2 is best), dermabrasion, or chemical. The type will depend on the type of scars and their locations. Some scars need to be filled in with temporary or permanent fillers. I have all of these... more
Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Treatment of acne scars

As can be seen from the varied responses, treatment of acne scars is not something on which Plastic Surgeons agree. This is because this problem can only be improved and never totally eliminated. Also, no method is effective completely or even to a significant extent all the time. The trick is to make the scars less noticeable. There are many ways to do this. Stretching the skin as with a facelift will do this to some extent. Laser resurfacing also helps. Use of Retin-A long term also helps... more
Robert T. Buchanan, MD

Highlands Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift may be an excellent option for you

One treatment does not fit all patients or issues. Erbium laser resurfacing only produces mild improvement. CO2 laser resurfacing is more aggressive but risks damaging your complexion by removing natural pigmentation. Fractional CO2 treatments will not provide the degree of improvement needed. Subcision with or without fat grafting is great but you also demonstrate a significant degree of facial laxity. I think your best option would be consider having an appropriately done face lift and a... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts lift and re-suspend sagging facial tissue but have little effect on the skin

Acne scars and other inherent facial skin conditions might look better for a few months after a Facelift, but this won't last. The skin stretches back due to a property called just that, stretch-back. Swelling after a Facelift will always make the skin and acne scars look better, but when all the healing is over the scars will return. Acne scars need to be treated directly by a number of techniques such as lasers, Dermabrasion, Subcision, fillers and even fat injection; but not Facelift. more
Steven J. Pearlman, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift effect on acne scars

There are some people who will benefit from a Facelift and fat transfer to improve the appearance of certain scars but in general this is not a very effective treatment for people with scarring like yours. You will be best off with some sort of resurfacing as well as possible fat grafting or fillers.
Jason B. Diamond, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Acne Scars Need Sculptra and Laser

The best way to treat acne scars is by subcising (cutting the scar tissue under the surface) using the injection needle by going back and forth in all directions and injecting a filler. Think of it as laying carpet padding underneath the surface and that reduces the pulling effects of the scars. After that you can use laser resurfacing or chemical peels to work from outside. Regards see video
Tanveer Janjua, MD

Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Resurfacing is a better option

I like to tell patients that a facelift is like making the bed and laser resurfacing is like ironing the sheets. Sometimes folks need both, but looking at your picture I think that smoothing the topography of your skin with resurfacing would be your best option. While the older treatment of dermabrasion is very effective, it takes longer to get over and can't be done close to the eyes. Laser resurfacing heals more evenly and quicker and in this day and age is probably the best option. An... more
Scott Tucker, MD

Winston Salem Plastic Surgeon
+1

Acne Scarring Treatment

A facelift procedure is indicated to treat signs of facial aging, such as jowls and a sagging neck. The treatment of acne scars is a difficult one that can require different procedures. Skin resurfacing, if you are the correct skin type, can be done with dermabrasion. This removes the top layer of skin improves the quality of the skin. Collagen induction procedures, such as fractional or the Medical Roll CIT (one of my preferred techniques), work by stimulating the production and quality of... more
Andres Bustillo, MD

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift for ance scarring

I agree that facelift is the procedure of choice for acne scarring. While you make see some improvement, facelift focuses on the contour of the of the face and not the texture. You would benefit most from fat grafting which may help the quality of the skin and a resurfacing procedure such as fractional laser to achieve the best results. Good luck.
David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift is NOT the Treatment for Deep Acne scarring

You are absolutely right. A Facelift procedure is NOT the treatment for textural defects of skin such as deep acne scarring. It will correct skin sagging and nothing else. You would greatly benefit from laser resurfacing with the Sciton Erbium Joule Profractional device. Check out their website and their media links. Good Luck.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

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