Where are the sutures for a lower face and neck lift generally placed?

Question

Hi! Where are the sutures for a lower face and neck lift generally placed?

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are considerable variations in the placement of the scars for facelift and neck lift surgery. The one scar that is common is the one under the chin for a deep plane neck lift or for platysmaplasty.

With some facelift interventions, the scars start in front of the hairline in the temple region. They can also be placed behind the temple hairline, but this will affect the position of the sideburns. The scar is always in front of the upper third of the ears, but it can be placed either behind or in front of the midportion of the front of the ear (the tragus) and then again in front of the earlobe.

The scar then follows the groove behind the ears and curves towards the hair. From there, it can either go into the hairline behind the ear or in front of the hairline behind the ear.

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Hi there! The incisions for a lower face and neck lift are typically around the ears and one small incision under the chin. In front, they follow the natural curves of the ear and go slightly into the hairline. In the back, they are placed within the crease of the ear and again slightly into the hairline. Incision technique can vary between surgeons so it is important to talk with your doctor. Hope this helps!

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

There are two main areas where sutures are placed: 1) For incision closure, typically a mix between absorbable and permanent (removable) sutures, 2) Deeper SMAS sutures, long acting monofilament sutures (PDS).  Incisional design and tension free skin removal  is geared toward making the incision inconspicuous.  The incision typically follows the contour of the sideburn, ear, postauricular sulcus, and occipital hairline

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

The sutures for a lower facelift are hidden inside the ear, down and under the earlobe and extend back into the hairline. Sutures remain intact and are removed after one week. I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon like myself to see if you're a good candidate for that procedure.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, thanks for the question. Sutures for a lower face and neck lift are generally placed around the ear and the hairline behind the ear, and usually under the chin. There will be variations depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed, and whether the patient is a man or woman (bearded or not), etc. 
Best,Dr. Tower

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The sutures for a lower face and neck lift are located up behind the hairline in the sideburn area, behind the tragus, and then  behind the ear and back behind the ear up into the hairline as well. There's also a 1 inch incision underneath the chin.

Where are the sutures for a lower face and neck lift generally placed?

Answers (6)

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