Facelift scars: Everything you need to know

Are you concerned about Scars after a Facelift?

If you’re considering a facelift, one of your first concerns is likely:

“Will the scar be visible?”

And that’s completely understandable.

The goal is not only to look younger, but to feel confident in your reflection without anyone noticing that a procedure has been done.

Let me explain why, with the right technique and proper aftercare, scars should not be a concern.

¿Te preocupan las cicatrices tras un lifting facial?

What Makes the Deep Plane Facelift Special for scars?

Thanks to the absence of skin tension, scars from a Deep Plane lift are much more concealed and heal faster than in a traditional lift.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with various facial rejuvenation techniques.

And if there’s one technique that stands out above the rest for its natural, long-lasting, and refined results, it’s undoubtedly the Deep Plane facelift.

Unlike more traditional methods (which work superficially on the skin), the Deep Plane technique operates at a deeper level.

We reposition the muscular tissues and facial ligaments, returning them to their original position, without applying any tension to the skin.

The result?

Because there’s no tension on the skin, healing is much better compared to a traditional facelift, achieving natural rejuvenation with almost imperceptible scars.

Where Are the Incisions Made in a Deep Plane Facelift?

The scars are camouflaged around the ear, so they remain hidden. They can be pretragal or retrotragal, depending on the case.

The placement of the incisions is not a simple technical detail.

It’s a critical part of the aesthetic result.

And it requires anatomical knowledge, aesthetic sensitivity, and significant surgical experience.

For the Deep Plane facelift, the incisions are strategically placed in areas where the anatomy of the face naturally hides them:

In front of the ear, following the natural fold in that area. The incision can either be pretragal (in front of the cartilage) or retrotragal (behind the cartilage).
Behind the ear, following the retroauricular fold, often extending towards the scalp. Over time, this incision is hidden, even if you wear your hair up.
When working on the neck, a small incision is typically added under the chin.

Pretragal vs retrotragal incisions in facelift

Pretragal vs. Retrotragal incision: which is better?

The incision in front of the ear can either be pretragal (in front of the cartilage) or retrotragal (behind the cartilage).

While it might seem like the retrotragal incision is always better (since it may appear more hidden), it largely depends on each case.

Generally, I prefer the retrotragal incision. However, if the tragal cartilage has a pronounced angle or there’s a pretragal fold, the pretragal incision is often better disguised.

What factors influence facelift scar healing?

Beyond surgical technique, your skin type, age, smoking habits, and aftercare all matter: there are lots of factors at play.

One of the great advantages of the Deep Plane facelift is that, since no tension is applied to the skin, scars heal better, with finer and more discrete lines.

But good healing doesn’t only depend on surgical technique.

There are also personal factors that need to be considered to maintain realistic expectations.

Here are the key factors that influence healing:

Skin type

Each patient heals differently.

And skin type plays a significant role:

Thicker skin or skin with a good collagen level generally heals better and leaves less visible marks.
However, even with delicate or fair skin, excellent results can be achieved with a proper care routine.

Age

While it’s true that healing tends to be faster in younger patients, age alone doesn’t mean worse healing.

What really matters is the overall health and, most importantly, a proactive approach during the post-operative period.

Smoking

Smoking seriously compromises healing, both aesthetically and medically.

That’s why I always ask my patients to stop smoking at least 2 months before and after the procedure.

And the difference is noticeable.

Postoperative care

This is where your role becomes crucial.

Protecting the skin from the sun, keeping the area clean, applying the prescribed products…

Every little action contributes to a better result.

I will guide you throughout the process, but your involvement is key to success.

What happens to facelift scars over time?

In skilled hands with proper aftercare, these scars become practically invisible as time goes on.

It’s normal to be concerned about the scars at first.

During the first few weeks, they may appear slightly red or swollen. This is completely normal.

However, with a little time and basic care, the scar will become thin, clear, and practically invisible.

After a month, the change is noticeable, and at three months, it’s nearly imperceptible. Generally, between six months and a year, many patients tell me they have to look closely in the mirror to even remember where the incision was.

Want to see real cases of how Deep Plane Facelift scars evolve in my hands?

Check out the photo gallery to see the typical progression of scars.

Still have questions?

Book an appointment and let’s assess your case together.

Step-by-step transformation of facelift scars | Dr. Mazarro

Do you want to check the evolution of the global result?

Click here to discover the recovery process of a Deep Plane Facelift with a dedicated specialist.

Deep Plane Facelift: The Recovery

Dr. Alejandro Mazarro - Especialista Deep Plane Facelift Barcelona

Let’s talk, shall we?

Dr. Mazarro – Deep Plane Facelift Expert in Barcelona

Taking the step to have a facelift isn’t easy. Behind it there are usually months —sometimes years— of doubts, of looking at yourself in the mirror and feeling that your face no longer reflects how you feel inside.

Choosing a specialist to entrust your face to is an important decision. Your face is how the world sees you, the reflection of your identity.

That’s precisely why years ago I made a decision: to specialise in Facial Lifting, a surgery that requires the utmost precision and deep knowledge of facial anatomy.

Because I’m firmly convinced that only through specialisation is it possible to achieve the results you’re looking for.

Today, after almost 10 years of experience in facial lifting, I’m certain it was the right decision.

And you, don’t you want the peace of mind of putting your face in the hands of a specialist?

Alejandro Mazarro

Book an appointment

And discover how to recover your best version

Fill out the form or contact us via WhatsApp (+34 644 534 515) or email (info@drmazarro.com).

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Where are the scars located in a Deep Plane Facelift?

Incisions are usually placed around the ear, in areas such as the tragus fold, the hairline, and behind the earlobe. They are designed to remain hidden by natural facial shadows or the hairstyle.

Are facelift scars very noticeable?

No. If the surgery is performed correctly, scars become almost invisible after a few weeks. Their strategic placement and meticulous suturing allow them to blend seamlessly with the skin.

How long does it take for a facelift scar to heal?

Healing varies, but typically scars are closed and secure within 10–15 days, difficult to notice after 3 months, and by 6 months many patients can barely remember where they were.

Can scars be prevented from becoming visible?

Following postoperative instructions is essential: avoid direct sun exposure, use scar cream, and don’t smoke. These steps help scars heal better and remain discreet in the long term.