Neck lift scars - Should I do scar revision or is this normal?

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

It's long been known that the earlier a surgical or traumatic scar is treated, the greater the likelihood for more optimal improvement. Once a scar from any cause has "matured," which is by about three months following the surgery, the likelihood for achieving maximal improvement is diminished.
Intralesional injections of anti-inflammatory agents can help to shrink any bumpy (hypertrophic) areas of the scar.. Professionally performed mechanical microneedling can be used to better blend the scar in both color and texture with the surrounding normal skin. With the above time frame in mind, you would be wise to consult with an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist scar treatment specialist and best of luck.

It’s very normal for neck lift scars to look red, thick, or noticeable in the first year after surgery. Scars typically go through phases — redness and firmness can persist for many months before they soften and fade.
Placement along the hairline is standard, but sometimes scars can appear more visible depending on how your skin heals.
Treatments such as silicone gel, laser, or steroid injections may help improve their appearance without surgery. True scar revision is usually considered only after the scar has fully matured, which can take 12–18 months.
I recommend an in-person consultation with your surgeon or a board-certified dermatologist to evaluate your scars and guide you on the best next steps.