Mini facelift 7 weeks ago, now have wide red lumpy scars. Any suggestions? (photos)

The incisional scars (especially the ones behind the ears) appear to be slightly more red and wide than what is expected 7-8 weeks after the surgery.   There are many reasons for this, such as too much tension on the closure, reaction to topical ointments, etc.Nevertheless some non-surgical treatments can be presented, but the best treatment options are best recommended after an in-office examination.   Redness in scars can SOMETIMES be improved with KTP / Vbeam laser treatments.  Other treatments include silastic sheeting over the scars.  Typically with time the redness will fade all on its own.More information about facelift incisions can be found on the attached link.I hope this helps.

You still have some inflammation going on at your incisions. I would avoid vaseline moving forward. I recommend continue with kelo-cote or Mederma twice daily and a re-check at your plastic surgeon's office in a couple of weeks. It can takes weeks, sometimes a couple of months, for incisions to settle down.  I would not be worried about scar revision at this time since it's still too early in the process to determine that. I wish you good luck.

Facelifts can not be judged by the quality of the scar. It is best judged by the quality of the neck and the jowls. Scar quality has many many factors, we must review all of these factors in order to assess your situation at the present time. Generally speaking- time , massage and certain topicals can be used.

There appears to be some tension on the skin. Scar creams do not work. The best you can do is protect the scars from trauma and keep them moisturized. If there are not nearly invisible at the end of healing a scar revision may be in order.

Your scars, particularly the ones behind your ears, suggest you have had a full rather than mini facelift. You should review your clinical course and concerns with your surgeon. They know what they did at the time of surgery and will want to help your scars become soft, flesh colored and flat as quickly as possible. Sometimes this is achieved with scar cream alone, sometimes steroid injections at the right time, sometimes laser can be helpful.

Dear dincy53At 7 weeks, with these scars, you have an inflammatory process. This could be early hypertrophic scarring. I find injecting these scars with a dilute steroid solution can alleviate the itchiness and often helps the redness go away faster. This is often weighted against the risk of your scars stretching out. You should go back to your surgeon and discuss your options. Looking at your previous picks, your surgeon might have used vicryl sutures in a buried position. These sutures can cause an inflammatory response as they dissolve.

You state that you had a "mini" facelift, but you have scars for a full facelift. Scars are red and raised if the incision is closed under tension. The tightening of the tissues needs to be dine under the skin, and the skin just needs to be re-draped and closed without tension. At this point you are doing the right things. If they are itchy and sore, talk to your plastic surgeon. He/she might treated with a dilute steroid injection to minimize your symptoms. Too much steroids, will weaken and widen the scars. Time will improve most scars, be patient.

At 7 weeks the incisions donlook more inflamed than normal. Using a silicon gel is important. I would also think about hydrocortisone ointment as well for a week but you need to speak with your surgeon first. Minimize sun exposure.   Possible kenalog injections would be an additional option. Close follow up is needed to see how you continue to heal.

Hello. It's understandable why you would be concerned about your scars at almost 2 months after surgery.  Most patients' scars are healing well by this time and start to fade.    Continue good wound care like you are doing.  It's also important to keep close follow up with your surgeon so he/she can monitor your scars.  All facelifts leave scars; a good facelift has scars that are hidden in hairline or are camouflaged in natural curves and lines of the face so the scars are less visible.  Unfortunately, despite best efforts, sometimes patients will have unsightly scars and scar revision may be necessary. Although your scars are much inflamed than usual, I still recommend continued observation.  7 weeks is too early to intervene.  Resurfacing such as laser can be considered around 3 months.  Surgical scar revision should be delayed for at least 6 months, ideally longer.  Take care.

Hi Dincy, Thank you for sharing your question and photos. Without the benefit of an in person exam it's impossible to say for certain what your best treatment could be.  You would do well to meet in person with your plastic surgeon.  At just seven weeks post facelift you're still in the very early stages of healing, however based on the photos alone these scars look like full rather than mini facelift scars. There could be several reasons for the redness of your scars.  I've found numerous patients are sensitive to certain brands of antibiotic topical ointments, such as neosporin.  You may ask your physician for a different recommendation if this is the case.  Very best to you.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS