Why are my facelift scars so red and obvious, and will I need a revision? (Photo)

Question

I am 4 weeks post-op and have seen no improvement in my incisions. I have worn silicone tape 24/7 since the surgery. My research suggests a few things: 1)my surgeon closed the skin under tension, hence the wide scar and visible track marks, and 2) I may be having a reaction to the silicone tape. My greatest fear before getting the surgery was the scarring. I was assured they would be imperceptible. This is clearly not the case.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

The color in your scars will fade with time. I would not consider a scar revision until at least 6 months to a year if it is deemed necessary.  You have flat scars which are usually not helped by revision surgery.  Laser treatment can help.  At some point, if you are dissatisfied with incision placement, you would need to wait until the tissues become looser again before revising.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Your are still in the healing stage, wait 6 months and see how you are doing. If you are still unhappy talk to your surgeon about possible scar revision or scar therapy treatments. Good luck.

Jeffrey Umansky, MD · Answer

I am sorry hear about your concerns. At only 4 weeks post op, it is too early to evaluate your scars as a final result. It can take months for the scars to fully heal. If you are worried about your final result, I would recommend voicing these concerns with your surgeon. In the event that your scars fail to improve with time, there are options to improve their appearance such as a skin resurfacing laser or scar excision. Best of luck with your healing process!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

These scars are not ideal and not usually what is seen.  Tension is a major player with visible scars so a scar revision to close the skin again under no tension would be a consideration in a few months time.  Also the placement of the scars behind the tragus would help camouflage a large portion of the scar in front of the ear.  Finally, the use of only a small running suture could reduce the reaction of buried sutures that can sometimes be seen through the skin.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The redness should resolve with a little more time. Treating with a laser can be helpful to help resolve the redness. In addition, there are some good camouflage techniques that can get you through this tough time when they are so red. Talk to your surgeon about options.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear urenoughThank you for your questions and photos!  The scars are very red in color- they can be improved with injections and or Intense pulse light .  They will face with time - can take up to a year and a half.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The postoperative redness will improve significantly over time.  I cannot comment on the eventual outcome because the type of facelift procedure, utilization of SMAS, tension upon closure, etc are only known by your Surgeon.  I recommend discussing scar camouflage techniques with your Surgeon's aesthtician.  In addition, use of a 1540 non-ablative fractionated laser can be helpful.

Michel C. Samson, MD · Answer

At four weeks post surgery, it is still relatively early, and you can expect significant improvement in the scars over time.  Silicone tape/ sheeting/ gels, massage, laser and/ or light based treatments, and camouflage makeup all have a role in helping you get through the scar healing phase with the best possible results. At this point I would say your scars are a little below average in terms of redness, and the positioning of the scar itself.  Almost certainly they will improve.   And in any case it could easily be revised in six months to a year if necessary. I would work closely with your surgeon to help get the best possible outcome. Good luck.

Kanit Wittayavanichai, MD · Answer

Hello. It is normal to have redness in the incision for 3-6 months after surgery, but it will gradually improve after that. It’s not reaction from silicone tape, so I recommend you wait for 6 months before revising. I hope this is helpful. / Dr. Kanit W. Thailand

Sunny Park, MD, MPH · Answer

The redness you see in the incision should improve in the next few weeks and months.  If, however, the incision areas don't improve as much, you can discuss with your surgeon to improve by doing laser and/or scar revision; what you might need will depend on what it looks like at that point.  Also, I recommend that you apply sun block in the area of incision as UV rays can cause hyper(dark) or hypo(light) pigmentation (color change) in the scar.

Why are my facelift scars so red and obvious, and will I need a revision? (Photo)

Answers (16)

More Facelift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (16)

More Facelift Questions

2 weeks post deep plane facelift: I'm still swollen and my face looks much rounder than before, when will I look normal again?

Crooked smile. Will this go away with time? (Photo)

I need (want!) a facelift and tummy tuck. I understand that it would be unwise to do these in one day.

Am I too old at 74 to have a facelift? (Photo)

I think I have a mild case of Raynaud syndrome, can I still have a facelift?

73 year old wants facelift, advice? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS