What can be done to minimize the appearance of my lower facelift scar 8 years post op? (photos)

Question

Hello! I’m a 56 yr old woman who had a lower facelift 8 years ago. I’ve never really liked the scar under my chin from it, I’ve gained 20 lbs during covid and I guess with regular aging the scar and now my neck just look really bad. I have indentations on each side of my chin/jawline, the scar is so obvious and it looks like maybe it’s pulling somehow? What can I do? Do I need a whole new neck lift? Scar revision surgery? Laser treatment for scar? Pls help!

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your inquiry about options to minimize a lower facelift scar that has been present for 8 years. It's understandable that you're seeking improvement in the appearance of this scar.
Various methods are available to address facelift scars, each with its own approach to improving scar appearance. Here are some options:
Steroid or 5FU Injections: These can reduce inflammation and may help in minimizing the scar. They could provide some improvement in your case.
Microneedling: This involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the scar tissue, breaking down old collagen and stimulating new, softer scar formation. This could be a beneficial option for you.
FRAXEL Laser Treatment: This laser therapy can help break down scar tissue and resurface the skin. Plastic surgeons often recommend it for scar revision and might be a suitable choice for your situation.
Other Techniques: While probably less applicable to your case, other methods like dermabrasion or surgical resection are also used in scar management.
Each of these methods has its own set of indications, benefits, and limitations, and the best choice depends on the specific characteristics of your scar. Consulting with a plastic surgeon who can evaluate the scar in person would provide you with tailored advice and the most appropriate treatment plan.
I hope this provides a helpful overview of the options available to address your lower facelift scar. Wishing you the best in achieving the improvements you're looking for.
Sincerely,

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Giray Genc, MD · Answer

Hello, you have two problem about under your chin. For skin problem scar revision will be enough. Maybe plus laser treatment . But you also have irregularites. To correct those we generally use fat injections

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I believe that a scar revision alone would be a potentially adequate treatment. I would go see a board-certified plastic surgeon (with plastic surgery residency and aesthetic fellowship training) for a consultation.

What can be done to minimize the appearance of my lower facelift scar 8 years post op? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

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What can be done to minimize the appearance of my lower facelift scar 8 years post op? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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