Scarring After Facelift Surgery: What’s Normal and What’s Not?

Concern about scarring is one of the most common worries before facelift surgery. While a facelift does involve incisions, well-performed modern facelifts are designed to heal with discreet, natural scars that are difficult to notice once fully healed.

Understanding what normal facelift scars look like, how they change over time, and when scarring may be abnormal helps set realistic expectations and reduces unnecessary anxiety.

Where Are Facelift Scars Usually Located?

Facelift incisions are intentionally placed in natural creases and hair-bearing areas to keep scars as hidden as possible.

Common locations include:

• Along the hairline at the temples
• In front of the ear (within natural folds)
• Around the earlobe
• Behind the ear and into the hairline

In some cases, a small incision may be placed under the chin if a neck lift is included.

What Do Normal Facelift Scars Look Like?

Immediately after surgery

• Red or pink incision lines
• Mild swelling around the scars
• Slight firmness or tightness

This stage is normal and temporary.

1–3 months

• Redness gradually fades
• Scars may feel slightly raised or firm
• Makeup or hair usually conceals them well

3–6 months

• Scars soften and flatten
• Color fades to light pink or skin-tone
• Texture becomes smoother

6–12 months

• Scars are usually thin, pale, and hard to detect
• Most patients consider scars no longer noticeable

This gradual improvement is the normal scar-healing process.

What Factors Affect Facelift Scarring?

Several factors influence how scars heal.

Surgical technique
Precise incision placement and minimal skin tension reduce scar visibility.

Skin type and genetics
Some individuals naturally form thicker or more visible scars.

Smoking
Nicotine significantly increases the risk of poor scar healing.

Aftercare
Proper wound care and sun protection are critical.

Tension on the skin
Over-tight skin closure can widen scars over time.

What Is NOT Normal After Facelift Surgery?

While most scars heal well, certain signs may indicate abnormal scarring.

Warning signs include:

• Thick, raised scars that continue to worsen
• Widening scars along the hairline or ear
• Persistent redness beyond 6–9 months
• Pain, itching, or inflammation that does not improve
• Distorted earlobes or hairline

These issues should be evaluated by a surgeon.

Hypertrophic Scars vs Keloids

Some patients worry about keloids, but true keloids after facelift surgery are rare.

• Hypertrophic scars stay within the incision line and often improve with time
• Keloids extend beyond the incision and are uncommon on the face

Early treatment can usually improve hypertrophic scars.

How Surgeons Minimize Facelift Scarring

Experienced surgeons focus on:

• Placing incisions in low-visibility areas
• Avoiding excessive skin tension
• Using fine suturing techniques
• Aligning incisions with natural creases

Modern facelift philosophy prioritizes natural healing over aggressive tightening, which helps scars age well.

What Patients Can Do to Improve Scar Healing

Patients play a major role in scar outcome.

Helpful steps include:

• Avoid smoking before and after surgery
• Follow incision care instructions carefully
• Protect scars from sun exposure
• Attend follow-up visits
• Avoid pulling or stretching the incision area

Scar creams, silicone products, or laser treatments may be recommended if needed.

Can Facelift Scars Be Treated If They’re Noticeable?

Yes. If scars remain visible, options may include:

• Scar revision procedures
• Laser treatments
• Steroid injections (for raised scars)
• Microneedling or resurfacing

Most scar issues can be significantly improved when addressed early.

Facelift Scarring Expectations in Korea

Korean facelift techniques often emphasize:

• Minimal skin tension
• Conservative incision design
• Scar-conscious surgical planning

As a result, scars from facelifts in Korea tend to heal thin and discreet, especially when patients follow aftercare guidance.

Final Thoughts

Scarring after facelift surgery is normal, but prominent or obvious scars are not the goal—and usually not the outcome when surgery is done properly. Most facelift scars fade gradually and become barely noticeable within a year.

Understanding what’s normal, following post-operative care, and choosing an experienced surgeon are the most important factors in achieving good scar healing.