Facelift incisions are designed to be hidden around the ear and hairline. On this page you’ll see common scar locations by technique, the healing timeline, what affects visibility, care that helps, and when to seek extra help or revision.
Understand where scars sit for mini, SMAS and deep plane approaches.
What scars look like at 2, 6 and 12 months — and what’s normal.
Simple, evidence‑informed steps to support better healing.
Know the red flags and when to ask for a review or second opinion.
Incisions are planned to follow natural creases and hairlines. Your pattern depends on anatomy and the technique used (mini, SMAS, deep plane, or combined facelift‑neck lift).
Typically begins in the temple hairline, runs in front of or just inside the ear crease (pre‑/retro‑tragal), around the earlobe, behind the ear and into the posterior hairline.
Shorter incision around the front of the ear; may not extend far behind the ear. Usually no chin incision.
Behind‑ear and posterior hairline incisions with an extra submental (under‑chin) incision for muscle tightening and fat work.
In men, incisions must account for beard hair. Surgeons avoid shifting beard onto the ear and design along natural beard lines.
The incision length reflects how much lifting and neck work is needed. Deeper techniques (e.g., deep plane) lift underlying structures but often use a similar skin incision to SMAS.
Visibility depends on incision design, skin type, aftercare and how much tension sits across the wound. Genetics and lifestyle also matter.
Everyone heals differently. The guide below shows common stages; your surgeon’s instructions always come first.
Bruising and swelling peak early. Incisions look pink/red. Keep clean and dry as directed. Avoid tension. Report rapidly expanding swelling or bleeding immediately.
Stitches removed as planned. Itchiness and tightness are common. Many start silicone gel/sheets once wounds are fully closed. Strict sun protection.
Pinkness begins to fade; scars may feel firm. Gentle massage often starts after 3–4 weeks if cleared. Make‑up camo is usually fine once skin heals.
Scars flatten and lighten. Final maturation can take up to 12–18 months. If scars stay raised, itchy or widen, ask about steroid, laser or revision options.
Most facelift scars settle well. If they don’t, options exist — timing and the right treatment matter.
Contact your surgeon promptly if you notice:
Raised, thick or very itchy scars may benefit from:
For widened hairline scars, hair grafts can help. Scar revision re‑orients or narrows scars. Most definitive treatments wait 6–12 months.
Clear, direct answers to the most common concerns about facelift incisions and scar healing.
No. A submental incision is common when the neck is addressed. Mini lifts often omit it; full facelift‑neck lifts usually include it for best contouring.
Many surgeons recommend waiting 4–6 weeks and avoiding chemicals directly on incision lines until fully healed. Confirm your timeline with your team.
Early on, pink lines and swelling can be seen. With time, careful placement and good aftercare, most patients’ scars become subtle and often unnoticeable in conversation distance.
It’s common for scars to look more pink and firm during early remodelling. Keep sun protection and silicone going. If thick or very itchy, ask about steroid or laser options.
You can’t change genetics, but early silicone therapy, pressure/taping, strict sun protection and not smoking all help reduce risk. Tell your surgeon if you’ve scarred badly before.
Minor issues can be treated earlier, but most formal revisions wait 6–12 months to allow scars to mature unless there’s a functional problem or wound breakdown.
Ask where your scars are likely to sit, whether your healing looks on track, what care to consider and when treatments like laser or steroid injections may help. Australia‑based support with next‑step guidance.
Share clear photos to discuss your incision pattern and healing stage.
Unsure about your result? We can guide you on questions to ask next.