Should a necklift scar look like this? (Photos)

Question

Had a necklift and lower facelift revision four weeks ago exactly. Am very concerned about the way my necklift scar is healing (the scars around my ears are absolutely fine). Big bumps at either end of the scar (dog ears?) which are visible below the line of my jaw when looked at straight on. Cannot get to see my doctor until 22 March. Nurse from the surgery says the bumps are perfectly normal and will subside, and approved my massaging them with Bio Oil. Please tell me: am I right to be concerned?

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still very early into your healing. Your incisions will go through many changes before seeing the final result of your procedure. Thus, you must be patient.The #scars from a #neck lift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. During this time, the rejuvenating effects of the neck lift will become most obvious and the neck feels the most normal (ex. little discomfort, soft, normal sensation, no more post-op firmness). Following this stage, the true restorative effects of your neck lift result will be apparent.We find that scar reducing product, BioCorneum, appears to be very effective.  If during your healing, you have any concerns, it is suggested to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

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

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and question.  It is not untypical to bunch the incision together, as this relieves the tension, therefore the incision will heal flat.  If the incision is sutured flat, then the scar can widen.  You can massage vigorously to soften the scar tissue.  If after 3 months it hasn't changed, you may need an adjustment.  Please consult with your surgeon, and have regular follows.  All The Best

Jeffrey Ridha, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for scars to have some bumping or ridging, especially in the early postoperative period, which 4 weeks certainly is.  With continued scar management, the scar may flatten over the next few months. Otherwise, that area can be corrected with a small revision that is usually a minor in-office procedure. Best wishes.

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

It is still early in the healing process.  You can either wait a few more months to allow for the swelling to subside and settle down, or visit with your doctor to discuss the concern.  It may be possible to revise the scar with a very minor procedure.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Patients with questions and concern about their neck lift  should contact the plastic surgeon that performed the procedure to address these concerns and determine if there is need any need of management

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Bumps and ridges may still be present at this point in time as you are still early in the healing process. Scar management such as topical ointments or small scar revision may improve the look of your scar, but it is best to wait for it to fully heal as it may still flatten over time.

Curtis Perry, MD · Answer

It is still very early so give the area a couple more months to soften and flatten. In the worse case scenario a minor revision procedure should correct it.

Should a necklift scar look like this? (Photos)

Answers (8)

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