Chin stitches opened after facelift. Will it scar badly? (Photo)

Question

My doctor forgot to cover the stitches under my chin with tape following a face lift. Three days post op we discovered they split open and the area was restitched. It is now a month later, and the area looks like it is going to scar. Can this be repaired? Is it too soon to tell the final result?

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Despite the opening, your scar should heal well and not be visible with time.  Scar management with silicone will accelerate the improvement.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would wait at least one year to see how this scar will mature and change.  I am hopeful that after this time the incision will be less noticeable.  Yes, a scar can be revised with a small procedure/surgery, and also a small injection of Kenalog can help if the scar is raised.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, as well.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

Dear Wondkeringgirl,  it is very unlikely that this incision would cause trouble for you in the future.  Given enough time, the incisions under the chin heal to the point of being virtually unnoticeable.  However, often times it takes longer for this incision to heal when compared to the rest of the facelift incisions.   Regardless of weather it was restiched or heal without trouble, some patients will find incisions in front of the ears already healed well and the chin incision still looking a little red and a bit more noticeable.  No need to worry. It should look good with time.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In my opinion the incision should be re-suture which should have no effect on the long-term outcome. If allowed to heal by itself it may look fine but it's more likely to require a scar revision in the future.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Wonderinggirl1Thank you for your question and photo!  Your scar will soften with time and massage.  There are several treatments that can be done, massage, injections and IPL. Please consult with your surgeon.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

When someone has excessive scarring from a facelift, whether that's due to the incision splitting open or not, there are many things that can improve the appearance of the scars. One is to massage the scar several times a day with or without a specific scar reducing product. The second is the injection of dilute steroid if the scar is quite firm. Thirdly, silicone gel can be used on the scar. Occasionally, lasers can be used to improve the appearance of a scar. Lastly, a scar revision can be performed where the existing scar is removed and you start all over. I would recommend the aforementioned conservative treatments for at least several months before considering a scar revision. Discuss this with your surgeon.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic Surgeon

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for posting your photo and question. It is good that the incisin was re sutured here. (But for the readers it is also ok to leave certain incisons and wounds open to heal on their own. Speak with your surgeon) Full scar maturation can take a year, so you are early in healing and the incision should continue to improve nicely. The following MAY be indicated: Silicon scar creams such as kelocote, hydrocortisone cream, Kenalog injections to the scar, lasers, and finally scar revision after 6 months. Please speak with your surgeon as he will guide you through any of these treatment options. The face heals amazingly well and these incisions with the proper guidance should too.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

The scar should be treated with scar fading creams, or possibly with some judicious injections of Kenalog.  Most likely it will settle in nicely after few months.  If needed be, the scar can be revised for further improvement.  Discss this issue with your plastic surgeon.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Wondering, one month is a bit early to determine how the scar will ultimately heal. In my experience, the chin incision heals very well however it could take up to a year. Little things like the use of biocorneum silicone gel can help facilitate the healing process and get you a nice result. Occasionally, steroid injection into the incision line can also be helpful. Make sure to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that everything heals normally.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Its takes around 18 months for scars to go through their natural maturation phase.  During this time its ideal to treat the scars with a silicone gel cream or similar product to help minimize the appearance of your scars.  Your scars will never completely disappear but with careful treatment they should be less raised and bumpy as time goes on. Its still relatively early post operatively and its likely over the coming months you will see a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your scar. It may be necessary to revise your scar down the track to achieve a better aesthetic outcome but its important to allow maximum recovery time before considering revision.

Chin stitches opened after facelift. Will it scar badly? (Photo)

Answers (14)

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