History of keloid/hypertrophic scars, should I avoid having a neck lift/lower face lift?

Question

If I have a history of keloid/hypertrophic scars. Should I avoid having a neck lift/lower face lift? I experienced a keloid scar after a c section that was successfully revised. I later had a TT and breast lift and both formed hypertrophic scarring that took several revisions and steroid injections to flatten out. The loose skin on my neck is a huge insecurity of mine, but how likely is it for incisions around the face and ear to form these type of scars? And the eyelids if I include that?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is a lower incidence of hypertrophic or keloid scarring from a neck lift or eyelid surgery.  Certain areas are more prone to poor scarring, and the location of the incisions for the procedures you are considering are not high risk areas.  Be sure to mention your history to your surgeon however so that special attention can be given.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

Based on your significant history of keloid scar formation, it is very risky to have any incisions around the head and neck. The head and neck are notorious for forming keloid scars. While these can be aggressively managed as with you previous scars, it is likely that you will form at least some manner of scars that will require treatment.

Scott Tucker, MD · Answer

While it is highly unlikely that she would get hypertrophic scars after a facelift and eyelid surgery on rare occasion people can get some thickening of the scar around the lobule of the ear. This can usually be treated with steroid injections or possibly scar revision after everything is healed.
When you go in for a consultation for your face be sure to show the plastic surgeon your previous scars and then have a frank discussion regarding the possibility of this happening on the face.
Good luck with your procedure.
Dr. Tucker

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Certain areas of the body are much more likely to form keloids: the ears, shoulders, and chest in particular. The areas where surgical incisions are made for neck lift surgery are not nearly as prone to keloiding, and on the eyelids this would be exceedingly rare. Careful postop wound care can also help prevent keloids and hypertrophic scars. In short, you don't need to avoid face and neck lift surgery, but you should discuss your concerns with your surgeon beforehand.

Best,
Dr. Tower

History of keloid/hypertrophic scars, should I avoid having a neck lift/lower face lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Keloid Scarring After Neck Lift

Answer: Keloid Scarring After Neck Lift

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

History of keloid/hypertrophic scars, should I avoid having a neck lift/lower face lift?

Answers (4)

Answer: Keloid Scarring After Neck Lift

Answer: Keloid Scarring After Neck Lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.