Is this scars result normal? Mini lift & neck lift done last year (Photos)

Question

I had a mini lift and a neck lift done last year and was told the scar would be placed behind the ear, completely hidden. Yet this is the result. Is this normal?

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on the photo you provided, the scar appears to be visible, which may not be what you were expecting based on what you were told before the surgery. It is difficult to determine the cause of the visible scar without more information about your individual case, but there are several possible reasons why the scar may be visible:

-Poor healing: Scar tissue can form differently in different people, and some people may be more prone to hypertrophic scars or keloids, which can be thicker and more visible than normal scars.

-Tension on the incision site: The placement and length of the incision, as well as the amount of tension on the skin during the healing process, can affect the appearance of the scar.

-Inadequate post-operative care: Proper aftercare, including keeping the incision site clean and dry, avoiding sun exposure, and following any specific instructions provided by your surgeon, can impact how well the scar heals.

It is important to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and seek their advice. They may be able to recommend a treatment plan to help minimize the appearance of the scar, such as laser treatments or topical scar creams. In some cases, a revision surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance of the scar.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Jacob Boeckmann, MD · Answer

This is a typical incision design for a neck lift, however, your incision is experiencing persistent redness and some increased width behind the ear. There is also appears to be some asymmetry with the position of the earlobe. Silicone gel can be applied to surgical incisions to assist with softening scars, improving redness, and promote optimal healing. If poor scarring/asymmetry persist after 1 year a scar revision can be performed to achieve a less conspicuous incision.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

The scars you have are hallmarks of a poorly executed face and neck lift because they suggest a tight skin closure.  Modern face and neck lift operations are designed to re-suspend the deep supporting structures of the face and neck.  They do not rely on skin tightening alone because skin tightening does do produce reliable or durable results and because tight closures cause poor scaring.

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

There are many factors that can lead to scar visibility after surgery. Some of these are controllable such as placement, tension on the incision, tissue handling, amongst others. There are factors which are patient-specific as well such as medical comorbidities, certain medications, tobacco usage, and genetics.

What I'd counsel you at this point is that you have visible scarring, and we can move forward from here and offer options to improve your situation.

The scars could be treated with a pulsed dye laser to improve some of the coloration. A CO2 laser could be used to blend some of the scarring and texture of the scar into the surrounding skin. Microneedling with PRF could also be used to improve scar appearance.

Additionally, you appear to have a pixie-ear deformity - where the lobule is pulled downwards. This requires a minor surgical revision to reposition the lobule. This can be done under local anesthesia in the office.

Is this scars result normal? Mini lift & neck lift done last year (Photos)

Answers (6)

More Neck Lift Questions

Why do I have indents & a V after neck & deep plane lift & what is causing the V? (Photo)

Deeply unsatisfied with my results - did my Neck Lift fail? (photos)

Hamster cheeks/necklift - what can I do? (photos)

Neck lift - is it possible without visible scars? (Photo)

What can I do for saggier skin after neck lift 11 months ago? (Photos)

Neck lift or thread lift? What do you think is my best option?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS