3 weeks post neck & facelift. When will the scabs heal? These are prominent behind my ears. Is there anything I can do to help?

Hello,  I do many facelifts and the area behind the ears is always a concern for some patients.  That area is where much of the tension from your "lift" is hidden and placed.  The incisions in this area are therefore sometimes the slowest to heal.  They will be bumpy, raised and red for quite a while but usually it does flatten out and become smooth within 4-8 weeks. Make sure you keep them clean and ask your surgeon if you can apply any antibiotic ointment or scar gels to assist with healing. Rest assured, even in the unlikely event that the scar heals poorly, the area can be resurfaced or revised easily and will look fabulous once healed. Good luck!

Dear kingsnorthThank you for your question! Please see your surgeon regarding the scabs and healing.  Good nutrition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and proper supplements can aid with healing.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Dear KingsnorthMany thanks for posting your question. Without photographs to see, it is quite hard to comment accurately. The scabs may be a normal part of the healing process (and the wounds might need a "pick" and clean by your plastic surgeon's nurse) or prolonged areas of scabbing could indicate a degree of delayed wound healing.Either way, the best thing to do is to see your plastic surgeon for a review and clinical examination.Good luck

Keeping your incisions clean and covering them with an antibiotic ointment is the best way to avoid infection. Otherwise, you need to let things heal. It can take up to a year for the scar to fully resolve. 

Usually it takes 3 months for the scar to flatten out and smoothen. Cleaning the area regularly and probably some antibiotic ointments to reduce risks of infections may help.