A facelift can transform the way you look and how you see yourself. Patients who have had a successful facelift get a much-needed self-image boost along with their surgery. And that can mean a better outlook on life. As important as it is for a patient to look and feel better, many people seeking facelift surgery are worried about facelift scars. And that is a legitimate concern. After all, a facelift is surgery. And any facial surgery involving incisions means some degree of scarring.

While facelifts of the past lacked today’s newer techniques, women and men seeking a facelift in Los Angeles now have better options. One of the most innovative methods of performing this popular procedure is the Ponytail Facelift™. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into whether your facelift technique of choice will leave scars, and how to help reduce scarring after your plastic surgery.

Why Do Some People Have Scars After Surgery?

As soon as your body gets a cut or other injury, it goes to work producing collagen to bring the edges of the skin together as closely as possible. 

There will be a gap between the skin edges, even if it is microscopic, and this needs to be filled in for the skin to be fully healed. So the body produces collagen to close that gap.

Unfortunately, the body may overproduce collagen, creating a line of excess tissue that may be redder, paler, or darker than the surrounding area. Because the skin is completely closed at this point, the body considers the area healed and does not attempt to remove or reabsorb the newly-created scar tissue.

Are Certain Skin Types at a Greater Risk for Scarring?

People with more melanin in their skin (darker skin complexions) are at risk of more significant scarring from any injury, or from any type of surgery involving incisions.

Darker skin is also more prone to what is known as keloid scarring. Keloids are fibrous scars that are raised for the skin and that feel firm and somewhat “rubbery.” If you’ve had keloid scars in the past, you may be at greater risk for them after facelift surgery. 

Newer techniques that use small incisions placed behind the ear can mean less visible scarring. Let’s discuss that innovative method now.

The Ponytail Facelift™ “Hides” Scars Behind the Ear

While experienced plastic surgeons work hard to ensure the scars are as unnoticeable as possible, traditional facelifts involve cutting in front of the ear and along the hairline, which can mean they’re very slightly visible in some patients.

However, there’s a newer technique that takes things up a notch. (By the way, whichever method you choose, there are ways to help minimize scarring after your facelift. More on that below.)

Versions of the Ponytail Facelift™ have been used for decades, but the method has been perfected and trademarked for a less invasive procedure that involves tiny incisions behind, rather than in front of, the ear.

While this means the neck may not be lifted (ask for a neck lift along with your facelift if you have this concern), the face is lifted while looking as natural as possible, and vascularity (the system of veins and blood flow under the skin) is better preserved. 

Not every plastic surgeon performs the trademarked technique. Make sure you choose a doctor who is experienced in the newest, least invasive method that delivers the best results.

What Can You Do to Minimize Scarring?

Whichever facelift technique you choose, there are a few key points you should pay attention to in order to minimize your scars.

Here is what you can do to help keep your post-surgical scars as unnoticeable as possible:

  • Keep the area clean per your surgeon’s instructions. The faster you recover without complications, such as infection, the more you reduce the chance of larger, noticeable scars.
  • Protect the area from the sun. UV exposure can increase scarring. Wear a hat and, when your incisions are closed and your doctor gives you the green light, start wearing sunscreen over the area.
  • Follow ALL of your surgeon’s instructions. Every patient is different. Your plastic surgeon has given you a list of what to do and what not to do because they have assessed your personal situation.
  • Don’t scratch. Scratching can re-open incisions and invite bacteria to enter the skin. This means a longer healing time and an amped response from the body that can cause more or darker scarring.
  • Keep the area moist. As soon as your doctor says you can, use the recommended moisturizer. Moisturized skin has been shown to result in less scarring in many patients.
  • Don’t pick your scabs. The temptation may be there, but picking a scab re-opens the area and stimulates the body to create more collagen, which can build up the scar that’s being formed.
  • Massage the scar. If your scars are still obvious, you can try scar massage. Also called friction massage or cross-friction massage, this technique has been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars by breaking up fibrous tissue. Ask your surgeon when it’s safe to start a scar massage. 
  • Give it time. It can take up to 18 months to see the final results of your scars. They may lighten more during this time. 
  • Talk to your doctor. Ask your plastic surgeon or general practitioner what you can try if your scars are still very visible and bothersome after a year. Some methods, such as laser therapy, may help reduce the appearance of scars.

Your best bet is to have this information on hand before your surgery. That way, you address scar minimization from the very beginning of healing.

Remember to stay in touch with your plastic surgeon if you continue to have scar concerns. However, by following the tips above, you have your best chance at a nearly-invisible result – and a fresher, younger-looking face you’ll be happy to look at in the mirror.