Do the stitch marks around the ear become unnoticeable in time?

Question

I'm debating between a neck lift w/ incision behind the ear and complete lower face lift with incision in front and behind the ear. My only concern right now is that the stitches that outline the front of the ear are going to be visible. How noticeable will they be, say, one year post-op ? How close does somebody have to be to notice them ? Thanks

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

One important note is that a neck lift WITH a facelift will get you a better lift in the neck than a necklift alone. That is because a bigger lift can be performed in the neck when there are incisions in front of the ear to lift the muscle and remove the excess skin. This additional incision should heal very well with an experienced surgeon.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Many factors determine how well facelift incisions heal (regardless if they are behind or in front of the ear).  The most common factors are the thickness of one's skin, the tension on the wound closure, how long the sutures are kept in place, how well the incisions are kept clean after the procedure, and personal healing history to name a few.  Having performed thousands of facelifts over the past decade, in my experience I can say that you should have less than a 3% chance of having any noticeable scarring after your lift.  My best piece of advice would be to find a dedicated facial plastic surgeon (or a general plastic surgeon who focuses his/her practice on facial procedures) who has years of experience performing facelifts on patients of all shapes, sizes, and color.  Best of luck on your rejuvenation journey.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The incisions for a lower facelift are well hidden in the creases and shadows of the ear.  During a properly performed lower facelift, these incisions heal wonderfully and are difficult to see.  I have never had a patient upset regarding the appearance of the incision in front of the ear.  I hope this helps

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

In this point in time you should no be
concern about the scars around your ears. 
If you have a skillful board certified plastic surgeon in experience in
face lifts and you follow his instructions the incisions should heal almost
invisible with no marks particularly aound the ears

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

The nice thing about doing surgery on the face is that the face has excellent blood supply and the scars tend to heal very nicely.  The scars from a facelift may be a  bit red initially but they tend to fade well over time.  Still, no one can guarantee how a scar may heal or how visible it may be.

Do the stitch marks around the ear become unnoticeable in time?

Answers (10)

Answer: Ears marks incisions stitches

Answer: Ears marks incisions stitches

Answer: Facelift scars

Answer: Facelift scars

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Do the stitch marks around the ear become unnoticeable in time?

Answers (10)

Answer: Ears marks incisions stitches

Answer: Ears marks incisions stitches

Answer: Facelift scars

Answer: Facelift scars

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.