How short can I cut hair after facelift?

Question

Concerned about scars showing after facelift, mainly the ones behind ears. How ,uch can I actually expect them to fade ? I'm thinking I may eventually go bald and wanted the option to shave my head but not if I have 2 lines that are going to be visible. Would the scars be hidden at a "buzz cut" length or would they still be visible ? Thanks

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

If you plan on changing your hairstyle and would consider shaving your head, your surgeon needs to design your incisions with this in mind.   In your situation, I would only have the incision on the back of your ears, and I would not place incisions that go back into your hairline. I hope this helps.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It does depend on every surgeons incisions, however most will hide in the crease of your ear and around (my scar doesn't go into the hairline therefore being more hidden and reframes from any hair loss caused by the scar).  Patients do heal differently however typically scars maybe red for the first three months however by six months the scars have normally turned skin colour therefore with minimal visibility, if not none at all.  Please make sure you find a reputable and qualified plastic surgeon who can assess you properly to give you a realistic idea of what outcome you can achieve.  All The Best

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I would not plan on a buzz cut after a facelift as the incisions will be visible.  However you can discuss this with your plastic surgeon to see if he can modify the incision to be better hidden with your desired hairstyle.

Catherine Weng, MD · Answer

This is a very good question. The answer depends to some extent on the individual surgeon, their choice in incision placement, their technique, the patients healing process. Most standard facelift incisions are placed below the temporal hair line, then hidden in front of the ear, around the earlobe, continued behind the ear and then finished along the hairline or into the hair line behind. Occasionally the anterior incision is hidden in the temporal tuft of hair. With meticulous technique and careful postoperative incision care and sun protection, the scars can heal imperceptibly. To some extent the scar camouflage relies on the presence of some hair in front and behind the ears. Even in patients with the most severe hair loss (such as a Norwood stage 7) the horse shoe of hair that remains typically covers the strategic areas that most surgeons use to camouflage their facelift incisions in front and behind the ear.

To answer your specific question for the scars behind the ears - those that extend into the hair bearing scalp can be well hidden with hair as short as 3/8s of an inch long. If you do shave the hair at the site of the scar, even with the best surgical technique, a faint white line may be visible.

To answer your specific question for the scars behind the ears - those that extend into the hair bearing scalp can be well hidden with hair as short as 3/8s of an inch long.  If you do shave the hair at the site of the scar, even with the best surgical technique, a faint white line may be visible.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

A skill and experience doctor can perform a surgery that can be almost invisible to the naked eye.  Technique is important as to where and how to place the incision.  Careful analysis of the patient hair pattern, color and texture as well as amount of extra skin will help to determine where to place the incisions

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

Your question is a very relevant one.  As facelift surgeons we are concerned with providing you with an outstanding surgical result and at the same time making certain that our work is not noticeable,.  Scarring is something we are very concerned with and work hard to camouflage the scars of a facelift.  If you are going bald and you plan on shaving your head, you should definitely address this with your surgeon.  The incision that is behind the ear often times continues into the hairline in the back of your head, especially in patients who require a great deal of neck work.  If your surgeon knows ahead of time, then the incisions can be modified so that no incision enters the hairline and going bald is of no consequence.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concern because I AM bald! I usually advise my female patients to change their hairstyle in some fashion right before or after surgery, because it deflects questions about the facelift, and people are never quite sure! For men, it is a bit trickier, and I customize my facelift incisions to each individual's needs regarding level of hair loss.  The scars on the face and scalp and neck do heal quite well, with time, but it takes a year. For that reason, plan on holding off on the buzz cut for a while after facelift. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is not uncommon for patients who are undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure to be concerned about the visibility and severity of scarring post-operatively, and this is especially true in the case of those procedures of the face.  Unfortunately, how well a patient heals and how visible their scarring can be is more dependent on your skin type and genetics than anything, but there are several ways to improve upon the appearance of scars.  Good post-op scar treatment, good skin care, time and careful planning of incisions will all help with the appearance of scars.  Please keep in mind that scars are inevitable and while patients and surgeons alike strive and hope for the perfect and most faint scar possible, that whenever you cut skin you trade it in for some other marking in its place.  If you are planning a facelift procedure I would recommend discussing the placement of your incisions and scarring risk with your operating surgeon.

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

I have attached a link to facelift incisions. A skilled surgeon will be able to make facelift incisions barely noticeable. Its important to understand though, that if you have a facelift or any surgery that involves and incision, those incision lines are permanent and can always be seen to some degree. The key is to make them as hard to see as possible. There are things that are in your surgeon's control such as minimal tension on the skin edges, the vectors of tightening, supporting the underlying muscles, not stretching the skin, and using supporting skin sutures underneath the skin. There are things that are in your control such as following the pre and  postop instructions. Then there are things that can't be controlled such as your body's ability to heal, a genetic predisposition to producing thicker scar tissue ( keloid) , and speed at which your body heals and those incisions fade. Prep and post op visits with your surgeon are very important to discuss these issues, develop a plan, and monitor and address any concerns. There are a variety of lasers and treatments that can be helpful in the healing process.

Arnold Almonte, DO · Answer

The main question you have to answer is: will the improvement of my face be worth the presence of scars?? Truth is, the visibility of facelift scars really depends on your skin type and how well you heal. How do scars from previous surgeries look on you? Ultimately, scars are permanent, but their appearance can be improved with careful planning and good scar/skin care post op. One other thing, the passage of time also improves the appearance of scars. Good luck with your decision.