Can Facelift Scars Be Successfully Covered with a Permanent Tattoo?

Question

I know you need to wait for at least a year post op. Can front and back of year both be done? can the white small, narrow scars behind ear and next to hairline, be effectively covered with a permanent flesh colored tattoo?

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question!  While tattoo is an option, it typically is not necessary.  It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself.Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

the vast majority of facelift scars are practically inconspicuous. If the scar is worthy of coverage by a tattoo is probably also worthy of a scar revision.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Tattooing face lift scars should not be necessary after a facelift. See  a very experienced facelift surgeon to remove and close the incision in such a way that there's no need for tattooing.

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

You shouldn't need to hide facelift scars if the procedure was done well. Of course, as everything in medicine, there are always exceptions. In my experience, tattoos to hide scars usually make the scars more apparent. I have had great results in repairing facelift scars for other surgeons using scar revision and hair transplantation to cover the scars.

J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on the time since your surgery, facelift scars may improve for a year and sometimes longer. If the scar is very wide, then revision or excision may be the answer. Deep fractional carbon dioxide laser resurfacing has been used to improve the appearance of scars including older facelift incisions. By injuring the scar with a laser, two things happen. First a portion of the scar is removed and secondly, local cells are recruited to help re-populate the scar with normal tissue

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Although it is possible to tattoo these scars, I would first consider a scar revision, injections, or laser.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Rather than tattooing your facelift scars, it may be better to have them revised.  

	Plastic surgeons with a special interest in revisional facelifts may be able to make your incisions minimally visible so you won't have to contemplate tattooing them.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Facelift, LiteLift™,  Minilift and incision healing (scars) -Scars are not common, but can be visible, red  or spread. Healed scars are white.  Red scars can be treated with lasers and injections.
	Poorly placed scars can be revised.Tattoos can be done but this is not commonly needed.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Permanent tattooing of a facelift incision can help with color balance in the skin when there is dark pigmented skin and a very white scar. The tattoo only helps with a color balance to camouflage. There are other options such as hair transplantation, and scar revision if there is enough facial laxity to remove the old scars and placed the incisions in  and more inconspicuous place without tension

Constance M. Barone, MD · Answer

It should not be necessary to tattoo the scars. Give them at least a year to a year and a half. the majority of face lift scars heal well. Continue to massage the scars and your results should improve. It may be possible for a scar revision to be done, so discuss this with your surgeon.. Good luck

Can Facelift Scars Be Successfully Covered with a Permanent Tattoo?

Answers (16)

More Facelift Questions

Can I Get a Mid Face Lift to Solve Sad Mouth?

Can Facelift Restore my Appearance from the Bone Loss of Dentures? Facelift Dentures Are Cost Prohibitive from Me. Thank You.

How Long After a Full Facelift, Can Fat Transfer Be Done?

Could Prolonged Use of my Salt Water Pool Be Affecting my Swelling?

Losing Weight After a Face Lift Okay?

I Have a Loop of Hair That Got Caught in my Scalp Incision. Does It Need to Be Cut Out?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS