Would you recommend staples or not for a Facelift?

Staples look and sound scary, but when used properly, they not leave scaring that is any worse than sutures. In some cases the scar may even look better.  The key is that they are take out within 5 days.  Staples are usually used in the area behind the ear, not in front of the ear. 

Because the resulting scar is a critical part of a facelift result the plastic surgeon will take special care to close the incisions. Staples are not part of that recipe.

Thanks for your question.There is a small study that looked at staples versus sutures placed in hair-bearing skin. The outcome studied with postoperative hair loss. Staple use in the hair trended toward less alopecia (hair loss) compared to sutures. Regardless, I use sutures in the hair bearing skin because in my hands, I feel that I am lining up the tissue in a more aesthetic manner.Don't choose your surgeon based on staples or not. I'm sure if you made a personal request for staples, most surgeons would oblige.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD