One of the biggest concerns patients have before a facelift is that people will notice their scars. It’s completely normal to worry about this. The good news is that modern facelift techniques place incisions in discreet, natural creases, making them very hard to detect once healed.
With proper care, scars become virtually imperceptible over time. In this post, we’ll discuss what to expect as your incisions heal, where scars are hidden, and what you can do to help them fade beautifully.
How Dr. Camp Conceals Incisions
Dr. Camp places incisions in areas that blend seamlessly with hairlines and facial contours, including:
- In front of the ear, following the natural crease
- Around the earlobe and behind the ear, tucked into the fold
- Along the hairline, where hair helps hide the incision
- Under the chin (only when a neck lift is included)
These locations provide the necessary surgical access for a beautiful lift while keeping scars extremely discreet. Within a few weeks after surgery, most patients find that they can wear their hair back with confidence.
Typical Healing Timeline
Everyone heals at a slightly different pace, but here’s a general look at how your incisions and scars will heal:
Weeks 1–2:
Incisions may appear slightly raised and more noticeable in color—often pink, red, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin depending on your natural skin tone. It’s also normal for the area to feel firm or tight as early healing begins. Swelling and bruising typically peak around day 3 and then gradually improve. Be sure to follow all postoperative instructions.
Weeks 3–6:
Incisions begin to smooth and blend with the surrounding skin. You can usually wear makeup at this stage to conceal any residual scar color once cleared by Dr. Camp.
Months 3–6:
Scars continue to mature, flatten, and blend with your natural skin color, becoming much less noticeable.
Months 6–12:
This is the final phase of scar healing. Even faint discoloration typically fades to match your skin tone.
If you’re interested in more details about the full recovery process, check out our Facelift Recovery Guide.
How To Minimize Facelift Scars
Great results start with excellent surgical technique, but ongoing care is equally important. Here’s how to ensure your incisions heal properly and minimize the appearance of scars:
- Use Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets: Silicone is the gold standard for reducing the appearance of scars. Once your incisions are closed, applying silicone gel or sheets can help minimize thickening and support smooth healing.
- Protect Your Skin With SPF: New scars are extremely sensitive to UV light. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily prevents darkening and discoloration. Sun protection is one of the most effective tools for achieving beautiful, long-term results.
- Consider Laser or Light Treatments: For patients who want to enhance scar refinement, we offer laser skin treatments that can soften scar texture and improve pigmentation. These treatments are optional, but can be an excellent way to minimize the appearance of a scar.
- Follow Your Post-Op Care Instructions: Avoiding tension on incisions, not picking at healing skin, and keeping the area clean all play a critical role. When in doubt, call us for advice.
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Stay hydrated, consume plenty of protein, avoid smoking or vaping, and follow your medication plan. These small habits make a noticeable difference.
When To Call the Office
Complications following facelift surgery are rare, but we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions. You should always reach out if you notice:
- Increasing redness or warmth
- Excessive swelling
- Drainage from the incision
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
Early communication allows us to support you quickly and effectively.
Considering Facelift Surgery?
The best facelift results start with choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Camp. You can request a consultation using the online form or by calling us at (817) 228-4315.
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