A facelift can produce dramatic anti-aging results, but many people worry about scarring. The good news is that modern facelift techniques are designed to hide scars inside natural folds, around the ears, and along the hairline — making them nearly invisible once healed.

Here’s everything you need to know about facelift scars, including placement, normal healing, and how to reduce their appearance.

Where Are Facelift Scars Located?

Facelift scars are strategically placed in areas where they blend naturally with the skin:

✔ Around the Ear (Most Common)

• In front of the ear (tragal area)
• Inside natural creases
• Behind the ear into the crease
• Down into the hairline behind the ear

These scars become hidden once fully healed.

✔ Along the Hairline

Used for certain facelift types, such as deep-plane or high SMAS facelifts.
Placed along:

• Temple hairline
• Behind the ear
• Lower scalp

Surgeons design these incisions to follow your natural hairline pattern.

✔ Under the Chin (Optional)

A tiny incision may be made here for neck contouring or platysma tightening.

✔ Inside Natural Facial Folds

The surgeon uses existing creases to disguise scars.

What Do Facelift Scars Look Like Over Time?

Immediately After Surgery

Scars appear red, raised, or slightly swollen — normal for early healing.

1–3 Months

Incisions fade to pink and flatten. Slight firmness or numbness around scars is common.

3–6 Months

Scars become lighter, smoother, and far less noticeable.

6–12 Months

Most facelift scars blend into the skin tone and are extremely difficult to see.

Healing varies based on genetics, aftercare, technique, and skin type.

Common Facelift Scar Issues

While facelift scars often heal well, some people may experience:

✔ Hypertrophic Scars

Raised or thick scars due to inflammation.

✔ Hyperpigmentation

Darkened scars, more common in deeper skin tones.

✔ Visible Hairline Scars

If hair follicles are disrupted during incision.

✔ Poor Scar Placement

Occurs from outdated techniques or inexperienced surgeons.

✔ Tension Scars

Wide scars caused by too much pulling of the skin.

These issues can be improved with scar treatments, lasers, or revision techniques.

How Korea Minimizes Facelift Scars

Modern facelift techniques focus heavily on invisible scarring:

1. SMAS & Deep-Plane Lifting

These techniques tighten deeper layers rather than pulling skin, reducing tension and improving scar quality.

2. Hidden Incision Techniques

Incisions follow:

• Ear contour
• Hair patterns
• Natural fold lines

This makes scars blend better.

3. Laser Scar Treatments

Fractional lasers, pico lasers, and erbium lasers help scars fade faster.

4. Silicone Gels & Scar Taping

Reduces thickness and promotes smooth healing.

5. PRP & Exosome Therapy

Supports tissue regeneration and improves scar color + texture.

How to Reduce Facelift Scars at Home

✔ Follow all aftercare instructions

Early healing determines ~70% of final scar quality.

✔ Use silicone gel or silicone sheets

Clinically proven to minimize raised scars.

✔ Avoid sun exposure

UV darkens scars — apply sunscreen daily.

✔ Do not stretch or massage scars too early

Follow your surgeon’s timeline.

✔ Stay hydrated & avoid smoking

Smoking delays wound healing and worsens scars.

When Facelift Scars Need Professional Correction

You may need additional treatment if scars are:

• Thick, raised, or rope-like
• Dark or hyperpigmented
• Misplaced or too visible
• Wide due to tension
• Associated with pixie ear deformity

Correction options include:

• Laser resurfacing
• Scar revision surgery
• Fat grafting around the scar
• PRP or exosome injections
• Steroid injections for raised scars

With expert care, most problematic scars can be significantly improved.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Facelift scars are a normal part of surgical rejuvenation, but with modern techniques and proper care, they are usually subtle and well-hidden.
Understanding scar placement, healing stages, and available treatments can help patients achieve confidence in both their facelift results and long-term appearance.