Unhappy about scars after deep plane facelift - how can I improve these scars? (Photos)

Question

Im a 42 year old male, 5’11”, 186lbs. I recently had a deep plane face lift to address sagging cheeks. My surgeon did endoscopic forehead lift, upper bleph both eyes, and deep plane face and neck lift. Im really unhappy about my scars. The surgeon said this is normal scarring because of how my skin healed? I’ve had one shot of kenalog for the scar behind the left ear three weeks ago and co2 lazer on all scars around 6 days ago. my side burns have a bald spot on eaxh side but he incised scar on eaxh side just last week to help with the gap in my side burns and look of those original scars. Im only 6 months out from after surgery and am so disappointed With the scars. I’ve let my hair and Beard grow long and wear a cap go try and hide it. Am i a good candidate for early revision facelift to help get rid of the scars? The Procedure want a complete failure as my neck and cheek did get bit better but i think it all goes away when I see the scars again and realize i cant cut my hair short like i used to. Please help. I know lazers and other treatments may lessen the scars but i need to be presentable asap.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns and photos. First, it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings are valid—scarring can be very distressing, especially after an extensive procedure like a deep plane facelift combined with a forehead lift and upper blepharoplasty.

At six months post-op, your scars are still in the early-to-mid phase of healing, which means they can continue to mature and improve over the next 12–18 months. The redness, thickness, and raised appearance you’re noticing are common at this stage. Early interventions like Kenalog injections and CO₂ laser treatment, which you’ve already received, are helpful in minimizing scar formation and improving texture.

Regarding your question about early revision surgery: typically, revision facelifts are considered after scars have fully matured, usually around 12–18 months post-surgery, unless there are complications like wound dehiscence or hypertrophic scarring causing functional issues. Performing another facelift at this stage may not improve scarring and could risk further complications.

Other treatments you can consider now to improve the appearance of scars include:

Silicone gel sheets or silicone scar ointments

Fractional laser resurfacing (for texture and pigmentation)

Microneedling with PRP

Strategic intralesional corticosteroid injections if scars become raised or keloid-prone

You’re already taking appropriate steps by growing your hair and beard to camouflage the scars while allowing healing. Patience is key—scars generally continue to soften and fade over time.

If rapid improvement is required for an upcoming event or personal milestone, a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist who specializes in scar revision can help assess whether a minor scar revision or laser combination therapy might be appropriate.

I understand how frustrating this is, but the good news is that the majority of patients see significant improvement with continued non-surgical scar management over the next several months.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You can get laser, injections, scar revision, hair grafting, and other procedures to address this. If you are near Boston you can come see us, or you should see a reputable surgeon near you.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry about your experience although I am happy that you are pleased with some aspects of your result. First of all, I would make clear your concerns with your Surgeon.  I am not sure of the postoperative course that your had, your indications, motivations, instructions followed etc, so further commentary cannot be made. For scar issues of this magnitude, it is best to have a revision to remove skin in a tension free fashion, which lends itself to better scarring. A revision cannot be rushed and has to wait 1 year. You have to decide whether your Surgeon is capable of making the adjustments that you are asking for. I hope that this is helpful

Unhappy about scars after deep plane facelift - how can I improve these scars? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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