How Long Will Skin Puckers Along Incision Lines Last?

Skin puckers are kindly referred to as "Dog ears"  in the plastic surgery world.  Personally, I try to eliminate Dog ears at the time of surgery.  To do this the incision has to be made longer.  There are times when the trade off of making an incision longer vs leaving a dog ear is not appropriate.  The dog should be of minimal size if retained and given at least 3 months to resolve naturally.

Dr. ES

Without photos, it is impossible to give specific advice or recommendations.  However, it may take several months for all the swelling to resolve and the tissues to settle.  Good luck.

It is impossible to say without seeing them. If they are there after 6-9 months, they will be permanent. Ask your surgeon this question since he knows what he did and we don't.

Having said that, it is not normal for the skin on the visible portions of the face after a facelift to be puckered.  It is generally desirable to have the skin closed at the edge of the temple and in front of the ear to be very accurately reapproximated to minimize the healing process.  Having stated that, many things can and do settle down with time.  When this type of pleat does not settle down it may be necessary to remove it which typically involves a small office procedure.

There are occasionally small puckers that are noted at the edge of the incisions after a facelift procedure. These can be addressed with a small very dilute solution of cortisone injected into the area to help settle them down. If they do not, they will have to be surgically corrected and you must wait at least six months prior to embarking on any revision surgery.