62 year old male considering a facelift. After two consultations I am concerned about the position of beard post surgery. One surgeon places the scars right in the crease at the ear. When I asked about beard growth post surgery he told me one session of laser hair removal would be sufficient. However, it seems that is not true, particularly as my beard has grey hairs. The second surgeon offered two options: right next to the ear and slightly in front of the ear in natural creases of the skin.
Answer: Incision Placement As you may have noted, men have a natural non-hair bearing strip of skin adjacent to the ear, so hair bearing shifts are inevitable for the male facelift patient. I place my incision at the junction of the lateral cheek and the portion of the ear known as the anterior helical crus, which forms a natural curve. The incision is then paratragal (just on the free edge of the tragus), hugs the earlobe, leaving a small cuff on non-hair bearing skin at the lower portion, into the crease behind the ear, and then into the occipital hairline. At the time of skin closure, the skin over the tragus is thinned of hair follicles and a cautery used to remove any remaining (especially grey) hair follicles. The incision is very hard to detect in this setting. Male patients are encouraged to use an electric razor for up to a year after in order to prevent inadvertent injuries to the area.
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Answer: Incision Placement As you may have noted, men have a natural non-hair bearing strip of skin adjacent to the ear, so hair bearing shifts are inevitable for the male facelift patient. I place my incision at the junction of the lateral cheek and the portion of the ear known as the anterior helical crus, which forms a natural curve. The incision is then paratragal (just on the free edge of the tragus), hugs the earlobe, leaving a small cuff on non-hair bearing skin at the lower portion, into the crease behind the ear, and then into the occipital hairline. At the time of skin closure, the skin over the tragus is thinned of hair follicles and a cautery used to remove any remaining (especially grey) hair follicles. The incision is very hard to detect in this setting. Male patients are encouraged to use an electric razor for up to a year after in order to prevent inadvertent injuries to the area.
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March 1, 2019
Answer: Where should the facelift scar be to avoid hair growing in the ear? When I do a facelift in women who have thinner skin, I place the scar behind the ear cartilage called the tragus. This makes the scar much less visible. In a man because of the beard and the fact that the skin of the cheek is thicker and doesn't match the skin of the ear, I would place the scar in the crease in front of the ear. The scar has to be placed in a location that shows the normal distance between the bearded skin and the ear, otherwise it would not look natural. This is why you need to find a plastic surgeon who does a lot of facelifts, so that they are aware of all these details that make the difference between a natural looking facelift and the facelift that you identify from a distance. In general male facelifts are more challenging and require a great level of artistic skill from the surgeon to obtain a great result. Just see how many male actors have facelifts that are so obvious.
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March 1, 2019
Answer: Where should the facelift scar be to avoid hair growing in the ear? When I do a facelift in women who have thinner skin, I place the scar behind the ear cartilage called the tragus. This makes the scar much less visible. In a man because of the beard and the fact that the skin of the cheek is thicker and doesn't match the skin of the ear, I would place the scar in the crease in front of the ear. The scar has to be placed in a location that shows the normal distance between the bearded skin and the ear, otherwise it would not look natural. This is why you need to find a plastic surgeon who does a lot of facelifts, so that they are aware of all these details that make the difference between a natural looking facelift and the facelift that you identify from a distance. In general male facelifts are more challenging and require a great level of artistic skill from the surgeon to obtain a great result. Just see how many male actors have facelifts that are so obvious.
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March 1, 2019
Answer: Male facelift incisions Hello and thank you for your question and photo. In a male facelift, an incision placed in front of the tragus (the cartilage that protrudes from the face) and in a natural crease is preferable. This placement helps avoid beard growth on or near the tragus which can be unsightly. Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced with performing male facelifts and have them show you before-and-after photos of past patients so you can see the results of this specific procedure for yourself. Good luck! - Elbert T. Cheng, MD
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March 1, 2019
Answer: Male facelift incisions Hello and thank you for your question and photo. In a male facelift, an incision placed in front of the tragus (the cartilage that protrudes from the face) and in a natural crease is preferable. This placement helps avoid beard growth on or near the tragus which can be unsightly. Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon in your area who is experienced with performing male facelifts and have them show you before-and-after photos of past patients so you can see the results of this specific procedure for yourself. Good luck! - Elbert T. Cheng, MD
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March 1, 2019
Answer: Where to position incisions for male facelift to avoid beard growth at ear? #facelift Thank you for your question! Incision placement for a facelift is important, and when executed correctly should heal imperceptibly. You are correct, that we want to avoid hair being placed on the ear or tragus (the piece of cartilage which sets out from the face). I typically will place the incision for a facelift in front of the tragus in a natural skin crease. This way, we avoid having any hair on the ear. This incision heals very well when closed meticulously. I also agree that if you have some unwanted hair growth, laser hair removal is another option for you. However, the most important key is good incision placement. Be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts. Here you will be able to discuss your goals for surgery and review before and after photographs. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 1, 2019
Answer: Where to position incisions for male facelift to avoid beard growth at ear? #facelift Thank you for your question! Incision placement for a facelift is important, and when executed correctly should heal imperceptibly. You are correct, that we want to avoid hair being placed on the ear or tragus (the piece of cartilage which sets out from the face). I typically will place the incision for a facelift in front of the tragus in a natural skin crease. This way, we avoid having any hair on the ear. This incision heals very well when closed meticulously. I also agree that if you have some unwanted hair growth, laser hair removal is another option for you. However, the most important key is good incision placement. Be sure to consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who specializes in facelifts. Here you will be able to discuss your goals for surgery and review before and after photographs. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 1, 2019
Answer: Male facelift incisions There is not a standard incision for a male facelift. There are other factors to consider, such as beard pattern, the vector of tissues and skin repositioning, etc. Seek out an experienced and talented facelift surgeon with special expertise in male facelifts. Only an in person evaluation can determine the best apprach. It is paramount that a male facelift results create a significant rejuvenating effect, yet in a very natural way. Take a look at our male facelift galery to get an idea of the expected results.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
March 1, 2019
Answer: Male facelift incisions There is not a standard incision for a male facelift. There are other factors to consider, such as beard pattern, the vector of tissues and skin repositioning, etc. Seek out an experienced and talented facelift surgeon with special expertise in male facelifts. Only an in person evaluation can determine the best apprach. It is paramount that a male facelift results create a significant rejuvenating effect, yet in a very natural way. Take a look at our male facelift galery to get an idea of the expected results.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
