How long will it take for my scars to fade after mini face lift? (Photo)

Incisions will continue to heal after a mini facelift for approximately one year. Generally speaking, the incisions can be hard to identify as early as 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery. In reviewing your pictures, it appears you're having the formation of either hypertrophic scars or a keloid reaction. In this situation, I would recommend additional treatments to ensure you have the best healing possible. These additional treatments could include injections with medications, laser treatments, or micro-needling treatments. I would seek an in office consultation to go over the pros and cons of each treatment.I hope this helps

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

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in-person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan. It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

The #scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. With your surgeon's permission, you may be able to begin using scar management products. But is best to confirm such with your surgeon before using. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the #facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Thank you for your question and pictures.  Unfortunately some patients do take longer to heal than others, please seek advise from your PS as these may be formation of hypertrophic scars.  Treatments such as steroid injections or laser treatments could help, I would suggest waiting for 12 months before considering any scar revision surgery.  All The Best 

It will take time for the redness to improve.Laser can help, as can silicone sheeting.A revision can help, but optimally should wait about 9 to 12 months after surgery to let this settle down.The revision will need underneath support as just tightening the skin alone will cause spreading scars.

Thank you for your question and photos. I am sorry that you are experiencing red scars after your mini-facelift. In general, one would not expect to see this level of inflammation and redness after three months. Your incisions maybe adversely reacting to some type of suture material used, or there could be an excessive amount of tension of the incision/ wound closure. You may also have an underlying issue with tissue healing.With time, your skin and soft tissue should relax with a reduction in redness. Topical application of silicone gel may help with a reduction in redness for now. Some silicone gels are commercially available. In the USA, Silagen makes a nice product that is well tolerated by even sensitive patients. Later, laser therapy may be of some benefit. Eventually, you may need to consider a scar revision procedure if this scar appearance does not improve to a satisfactory level. Consult with your physician about your concerns and try to remain positive. I agree that I would postpone any revision surgery just now. Allow for further recovery first and try some of the non-surgical options. Hope this helps.

Take note that scars continue to improve up to a year, although you may want to consider laser treatments that are designed to minimize the redness.Also, it could take up to six months before the skin redrape to the new contour, so you may want to postpone a revision.I hope that helps and good luck.