Should I Be Worried About Facelift Scars?

Everyone knows the expression, “first impressions are everything,” and oftentimes your appearance can dictate that impression. Modern cosmetic plastic surgery offers a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical options to help patients enhance their face and turn back the clock on aging. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men and women seeking to improve their appearance is a facelift. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi has successfully performed numerous Las Vegas, NV, facelift procedures and is committed to ensuring the best possible outcome for each of his patients.

Though the goal of any facelift is generally the same — to tighten the skin for a younger, fresher appearance — there are several different variations of the procedure available. Some of the most commonly performed facelift techniques offered by Dr. Khorsandi include:

• Traditional facelift: This procedure is typically reserved for older patients who have significant sagging of the skin.

• Short scar facelift: For younger patients with a more moderate amount of sagging, the short scar facelift offers a more conservative approach with smaller incisions.

• SMAS facelift: Often considered the standard among facelift procedures, the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) facelift requires lengthy incisions and is a highly effective treatment for severe sagging of the facial skin.

In addition to these procedures, the expert medical team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, is proud to offer more targeted procedures such as the midface facelift, brow lift, and multiple nonsurgical facelift options. The best way to determine which procedure may best meet your needs is to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Christopher Khorsandi. During your initial consultation, Dr. Khorsandi will take the time to listen to your goals, discuss available options, answer your questions, and recommend an appropriate course of action. Once a plan and procedure are agreed upon, you will be able to schedule your surgery and begin your preparations.

With the face being such an important and prominent physical feature, it is natural for men and women to experience some level of anxiety when preparing to have surgery on their face. The compassionate medical team at VIP Plastic Surgery is always available to answer any questions you may have about a procedure, the recovery, the expected results, or otherwise.

One thing that many patients worry about leading up to their facelift is scarring. As with any invasive surgical procedure, incisions are required. Because of this, scarring is unavoidable. However, the vast majority of Las Vegas facelift patients at VIP Plastic Surgery are pleased with their outcome and have very minimal visible scarring following the procedure. Dr. Khorsandi takes great care to place his incisions strategically — usually along the hairline, behind the ears, or in natural folds — resulting in minimally visible and sometimes totally concealed facelift scars. Things you can do to minimize the risk of visible scarring following your facelift include:

Stay healthy: As with any surgical procedure, your body will go through a healing process following the surgery, during which time scars will form. A healthy lifestyle both before and after surgery is crucial to ensure proper healing and minimal scarring. Patients who maintain a healthy weight, stay adequately hydrated, and eat a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients typically heal faster and have a more pleasing cosmetic outcome, particularly with procedures involving the face, than those who do not practice these habits.

Know your history: Some patients are naturally more likely to develop significant scar tissue than others, whether due to genetics or other factors. Whatever the case may be, if you or a family member has a history of forming large, raised, pigmented, or otherwise significant scars following a surgical procedure, it is important to let your doctor know so they can plan accordingly and make adjustments to the surgical outline if needed.

Have realistic expectations: Though every effort is made to minimize or conceal facelift scars, patients must remember that no surgery can be performed without some resultant scarring. Through the use of strategic incision placement as well as topical treatments applied postoperatively, Dr. Khorsandi and the caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery are committed to offering the highest level of patient care and satisfaction when it comes to reducing, minimizing, and concealing scarring after a facelift.

Choose a qualified provider: Arguably the most important thing you can do to minimize the risk of visible facelift scarring is to select a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon. Ask your potential surgeon how many facelifts he or she has performed, and request before-and-after photos of actual patients so you can see the results of their work.

How do I get started?

If you think a facelift may be right for you, the first step is to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today, and learn more about how a facelift can dramatically enhance your appearance with minimally visible or fully concealed scars.