How to Treat Scars After Plastic Surgery

Scars after plastic surgery are the number one concern for most patients. Especially patients that have surgery on the face worry about a scar that is an obvious giveaway. The incision usually runs along the temple hairline and down to the earlobe for facelift patients. Dr. Kassir is a pioneer of facelift surgery. He has mastered a technique that will lead to minimal scarring. But let's discuss what leads to scars, how to treat them and what they will look like after.

What is a scar?

Scars are the body's way of healing. Every full-thickness injury of the skin will lead to a scar of some sort. Scars can come in different forms and sizes. Ideally, they are a faint line that falls into a natural crease or fold. Surgeons can hide scars by placing them in hair-bearing areas. However, certain skin types or genetic dispositions can lead to more prominent and visible scars. These are so-called hypertrophic scars and, in rare instances, keloids. Plastic Surgeons dedicate an entire career to mastering techniques that decrease the scar appearance.

What are the different healing stages of a scar?

For the first few weeks, the scar will be darker based on everyone's skin type and be slightly raised. It will also feel thicker and hard. By three months, the scar will have reached its maximum strength. After 4-6 months, the scar will begin to fade, and the color will appear more like the surrounding skin. Next, the scar will begin to soften and flatten. After one year, the scar will have most of its final appearance.

What is the best care to avoid scars?

First, scars can not be avoided when all the layers of the skin get cut. However, when done right and with the proper care, scars often turn nearly invisible. Incisions usually heal best when the healing environment is slightly moist. For the first two weeks, a thin layer of Aquaphor or an antibiotic containing vaseline cremes such as Neosporin or Bacitracin are an excellent adjunct. After three weeks, silicone strips or cremes are a good way to trap moisture and promote wound healing. Patients should wear silicone sheets or cremes for up to 6 months. By that time, the scar has matured and will begin to fade. Make sure you avoid sun exposure and cover your incision areas to reduce the effects of ultraviolet radiation on the scar. Apply sunscreen over SPF 30 daily to

Where are the scars from a facelift?

Every facelift technique has its scar pattern. The scars might be fully hidden in the hairline or around the ear and neck. Dr. Kassir designs his facelift technique to achieve the best possible lift with the least scar. In a brow lift or ponytail facelift, Dr. Kassir uses an incision that is hidden in the temporal hairline. In a neck lift, the incision will run right along the hair border. In a mini facelift, the incision will only run along the natural crease of the ear. For examples, look at our before and after facelift gallery.

Does every facelift automatically lead to scars?

Not necessarily. Dr. Kassir invented the K-Lift, which uses suture suspension to lift the neck and face. This technique does not need an incision and will not lead to scarring. However, most facelifts require some incision to achieve the best possible result. The most important thing about a facelift is that you feel rejuvenated and look as young as you feel afterward. Dr. Kassir will design a plan that matches your goals and expectations.

What if a Scar widens or thickens?

There are many options to treat hypertrophic scars. Steroid injections can decrease the thickness and size of a scar. CO2 laser resurfacing can reduce the profile and appearance of most scars. Another option is a surgical scar revision. By cutting out the old scar, the body has a new attempt to form a more delicate scar. The tissue tension has decreased at this point, and the likelihood of a scar becoming less visible is higher.

If you want to know more about facelifts or scars after surgery, write us or give us a call at 212-288-3000.