Scar revision surgery: what is the best option for behind-the-ear scars from a lower facelift performed 5 years ago? (Photos)

Question

Im 53 and these scars from my lower facelift really bother me. After 5-years of using every cream and lotion to make them disappear, I need professional help. My PS said scar revision surgery could help. Is that the best option or should I consider something else like a laser treatment of some sort? I’d like to be able to wear my hair up and realize I will always have scars but have seen other scars that are much less visible.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

These can be improved with a combination of lasers and microneedling/prp. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a scarring expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for posting your question and photographs.Your scars are sitting very low behind the ears, and it can be challenging to lift the position of these scars using surgical scar revision techniques. Without re-supporting the underlying tissues (i.e. a revision procedure) there might be a tendency for the scars to be pulled down again.Therefore, a non-surgical approach, such as micro pigmentation or tattooing might be worth exploring first.I hope this helps

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems that you're unhappy with your scars from your previous surgery. To answer your one question, yes usually a scar revision is an excellent option to improve this. Of course, there are other options that do not involve surgery and these can give varying degrees of improvement.I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts if you want a second opinion and of course, make sure you follow up with your own surgeon and talk about this. I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

The only treatment to improve current scars is scar revision. Scars need to be place in new position within the hairline and much higher behind the ear. You should consult an experienced plastic surgeon with good reputation in face lift surgery for in person consultation. Good luck.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Micro-pigmentation  can accomplish tattooing flesh tone into the white scars which may be of some benefit. A scar revision itself can accomplish improvement, but it might be best to perform another facelift so that there's enough skin laxity to revise the entire scar and move it to a better location to be better camouflaged

Scar revision surgery: what is the best option for behind-the-ear scars from a lower facelift performed 5 years ago? (Photos)

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