Facelift scars explained: where they are located and how they heal

One of the most frequently asked questions during a facelift consultation is:"Where are the scars and how well do they heal?" Thatis a valid question, and fortunately, facelift scars, when correctly placed and performed with the right technique, are usually extremely discreet.

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However, there are important factors that determine the final quality of scars. This article clearly explains where scars are located, how they usually heal, and which factors have a favorable or unfavorable influence on the result.

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Where are the scars from a facelift?

An anatomically correct facelift hides scars in natural folds and shadow lines. 

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Typically, they lie:

• Around the tragus and in front of the ear
  
  • In or just in front of the natural contour of the tragus
  • Hidden in the fold in front of the ear
  • The natural shadow almost completely hides this scar, especially in women with a hairline.
• Behind the ear
  
  • In the crease behind the ear
  • Sometimes continuous at the hairline
  • This is an area that is often more sensitive to visibility because the skin is thinner over the rock bone and therefore less able to withstand tension.
• Under the chin (if neck lift)
  
  • A small horizontal scar in the chin crease
  • Becomes almost invisible because it falls into a natural shadow

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How do facelift scars normally heal?

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Scars heal in stages, and the same applies to facelifts:

• First 2 to 4 weeks: Scar is pink/red, sometimes slightly thicker.
• Month 2 to 3: Redness decreases. You see a thin line.
• Months 6 to 12: The scar becomes flatter, fades, and blends in with the skin.
• 1 year+:Final scar quality has been achieved.

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It is important that patients understand that beautiful scarring takes time. A scar that is visible in the first month says nothing about the final result.

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Why a Deep Plane Facelift often results in more attractive scars

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A Deep Plane Facelift involves working in a deep plane and loosening the facial ligaments, resulting in:

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• The skin is not detached separately as a layer, but forms a solid layer together with the underlying SMAS.
• The procedure repositions the tissue without causing tension on the skin.
• The underlying structures support the face, not the skin.

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Result: Less tension means more attractive and finer scars.

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With more superficial techniques (for example, when only the skin is pulled), all counterpressure is exerted on the outer layer of skin. This increases the risk of wider scars or pulling around the ear.

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Surgical factors that influence scar quality

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Tension on the skin

The most important factor. The more traction on the skin, the greater the chance of widening, redness, or thickening. This can lead to visible and less aesthetic scars.

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Degree of excess skin or tissue

With larger skin surpluses, for example after a neck correction, the tissue can be more difficult to distribute. This increases the risk of dog ears, the need for earlobe corrections, and more visible scars.

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Relief in scars

• Scars become more visible when light from above creates a shadow line.
• Scars with suboptimal relief may therefore be more noticeable in direct sunlight.

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Smoking

Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for poor scar healing. It reduces blood flow, collagen production, and oxygen supply. This increases the risk of wound problems, widening, redness, and delayed healing.

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Sensitive areas for scar reactions

Some areas heal more slowly, such as behind the ear (thin skin, more tension), the hairline (prone to redness), and under the chin (due to movement and tension when turning the neck).

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Individual differences

Every patient heals differently. Even with identical surgical procedures, we often see variation from person to person.

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What can patients do themselves to ensure attractive scars?

• No smoking (before and after surgery)
• Avoid sun exposure on scars for 6–12 months
• Follow proper scar care (silicone, massage if necessary)
• No pressure or tension on the scar area
• Have realistic expectations: scars mature slowly

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How technique and aftercare influence scar quality

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Facelift scars are usually very discreet when they are placed correctly and the skin is not under too much tension. A Deep Plane technique often contributes to this, because the main lift takes place deep down, not in the skin.

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The final scar quality depends on:

• technology
• anatomy
• skin tension
• smoking
• excess tissue
• individual healing

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With a well-executed facelift and proper aftercare, a facelift scar will become barely noticeable over time, even when viewed up close.

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