What Scarring Can I Expect After A Deep Plane Facelift?

Undergoing a deep plane facelift can be a transformative experience, offering remarkable rejuvenation and a more youthful appearance. However, as with any surgical procedure, it’s crucial to understand all aspects of the recovery process, including the nature and progression of scarring. This blog post aims to demystify the scarring process, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable with what to expect during your healing journey.

A deep plane facelift is a specialised technique that addresses ageing at a deeper level than traditional facelifts. By working on the muscles rather than the superficial skin layer, this method allows for more significant, natural-looking results with longer-lasting rejuvenation. Despite its numerous benefits, it’s important to recognise that this approach, like all surgeries, involves incisions and consequently some scarring.

Location of Incisions

The key to minimising visible scarring starts with strategic incision placement. In a deep plane facelift, incisions are typically made in discreet locations within the hairline and along natural creases to ensure they’re as inconspicuous as possible:

Around the Ears: Incisions usually start above the ear, within the hairline, then curve around the front of the ear, extend down around the earlobe, and finish behind the ear within the hair-bearing scalp. This allows scars to be hidden within natural skin creases and the hairline.

Under the Chin: A small incision is often made under the chin. This is primarily used for neck contouring and tightening, allowing Mr Supriya to address the platysma muscle. The under-chin incision is usually well-concealed and becomes barely noticeable with time.

Healing Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the healing process is crucial for setting realistic expectations and ensuring a smooth recovery. Here’s a general timeline for scar maturation following a deep plane facelift:

Immediate Post-Op (First 2 Weeks): Initially, scars will appear red and somewhat raised, with the surrounding areas showing bruising and swelling. During this phase, it’s important to follow our aftercare instructions meticulously to support optimal healing.

1-3 Months Post-Op: Scars will start to fade and become less noticeable. Redness will gradually diminish as the incisions heal. You might still notice some swelling, but it should significantly reduce during this period.

3-6 Months Post-Op: Continued improvement will be evident as scars soften and mature. They become less conspicuous, blending more with your natural skin tone. Most of the residual swelling will have resolved by this stage.

One Year and Beyond: Scars are typically well-healed by the one-year mark, having faded into thin, light lines that are minimally visible. It’s worth noting that everyone’s body heals differently, and for some, complete scar maturation might take a bit longer.

Here are a few tips to promote healing:

Follow Post-Op Instructions: Adhering to our advice on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments is essential.

Sun Protection: UV exposure can darken scars. Protecting them with sunscreen and clothing, especially in the first year, is crucial.

Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports skin healing. Stay hydrated and avoid smoking to enhance your recovery.

Patience is Key: Healing is a gradual process. Give your body the time it needs to recover fully.

While scars are an inevitable part of the deep plane facelift journey, understanding their progression and knowing how to care for them can make the recovery process much smoother. By choosing British Face Clinic and following their guidance closely, you can ensure that scars heal as discreetly as possible, leaving you with the rejuvenated appearance you desire.