Deep face lift scars are a natural part of the healing process after the procedure, but the way they form, where they’re placed, and how they mature over time can vary significantly from patient to patient.

Before undergoing your procedure, it can be helpful to understand incision placement, the nature of the incisions, and how your body may respond during recovery.

In this blog, we will walk through what you can physically expect from facelift scars, how they are positioned, and the way they typically change over time. It’s always best to receive personalised advice during a consultation, as every patient is different.

Where are facelift scars placed?

During a facelift, the doctor will create incisions in areas that allow the underlying tissue and muscle to be addressed while aiming for them to be as discreet as possible once healed.

For a standard facelift, incisions usually begin around the hairline at the temples, travel down in front of the ear, curve around the earlobe, and may extend slightly into the hairline behind the ear. This placement makes use of natural creases and hair-covered areas to help reduce visibility once healing has progressed.

When a deep plane facelift is performed, which addresses tissue at a deeper level, the incision placement is generally similar, though the internal work is more extensive. The surface incisions, however, still follow the same general positioning, which is why the conversation around deep face lift scars is largely the same as for other facelift techniques, with the main difference being the potential length of the incision depending on the extent of the procedure.

How do scars form after a facelift?

Once the skin is closed after surgery, the body immediately starts repairing the incision site. This involves the formation of new collagen fibres, which occurs quickly in the early stages.

Initially, facelift scars tend to appear red or pink, and they may feel firm to the touch. Over time, the collagen remodels and the colour generally becomes lighter, with the scar gradually becoming less noticeable.

In the first few weeks, the scars are still in the early phase of healing. This is when they can be most visible, not because they are permanent in this form, but because the tissue is still repairing itself. As the weeks and months pass, scar tissue becomes softer, flatter, and less pronounced.

The final appearance can take a year or more to fully develop, and this timeline varies depending on skin type, genetics, incision care, and overall healing capacity.

What can you expect during the healing process?

Straight after surgery, you can expect some swelling and bruising around the incision lines. This is part of the body’s natural response and is not limited to the scar area alone. The initial tightness or pulling sensation near the scars is normal as the tissue adjusts to its new position.

In the first two weeks, the incisions will likely still be quite noticeable. By the six-week mark, scars are usually still present but often starting to lose some of their early redness.

As the healing moves into the months after surgery, the tissue will continue to heal. While most swelling resolves within a few months, the scar maturation process will continue quietly in the background for many months longer. Your doctor will usually advise on when to start applying scar care products, if suitable for your skin.

How can deep face lift scars differ?

Deep plane facelift scars don’t necessarily look different from standard facelift scars on the surface, but the recovery process might be slightly different due to the greater internal adjustment involved in this method. While the incisions themselves are positioned in a similar way, the procedure may require them to be slightly longer, especially behind the ears.

Internally, a deep plane facelift involves adjusting layers beneath the skin, so while the surface healing of the scars progresses at a similar pace, some patients may notice the tissue around them feeling firm for a longer period. This is not usually a cause for concern and tends to resolve as healing continues.

How can you care for scars after a facelift?

How you look after your scars in the weeks and months after surgery can influence their long-term appearance. Your doctor will usually give specific instructions tailored to your procedure and skin type. This may include keeping the area clean, avoiding unnecessary tension on the incision lines, and protecting the skin from direct sun exposure, as UV rays can darken healing scars.

Once the incisions are fully closed and the doctor confirms it is suitable, topical products may be introduced to help with scar maturation. The aim here is not to erase the scar entirely, but to encourage them to blend as much as possible with the surrounding skin over time.

What factors can affect scar visibility?

The visibility of facelift scars is influenced by several factors, including the incision placement, the body’s natural healing ability, and how well aftercare instructions are followed. Skin quality, age, and any existing medical conditions can also influence the way scars mature.

Smoking and excessive sun exposure are two factors that can negatively affect healing and scar appearance. Nicotine can reduce blood flow to the healing tissue, while UV rays can darken scar tissue. This is why doctors often recommend avoiding both during recovery.

If you are considering a facelift and want further information about incision placement, scar care, and healing expectations, booking a consultation can give you detailed advice tailored to your specific needs. During this time, you’ll be able to discuss the approach that will be taken for your procedure and review the likely position of scars in your own case.

Book a consultation with Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney

Dr Rastogi is an experienced cosmetic doctor based in Double Bay, Sydney. He is a fellow and the President of ACCSM (Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine).

Throughout the surgical journey, Dr Rastogi aims to provide his patients with a warm and supportive environment. Your consultation will be about two hours or more, to allow for sufficient time to plan a highly tailored procedure and provide you with personalised advice.

If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact our team.

Read more about facelift:

Does a Face Lift Leave Scars?