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Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Scar Cream

A facelift (rhytidectomy) repositions skin and tightens deeper tissues, but it also leaves fine rhytidectomy scars around the ears, along the hairline, and sometimes under the chin. If these wounds thicken, darken, or stay red, they can draw unwanted attention. This overshadows your refreshed contours and undermines your confidence. With proper scar care and a clear plan, those lines can mature into flat, skin-toned seams that blend into natural folds. Here, you’ll learn exactly where facelift scars form, how they heal, and the steps to keep them nearly invisible.

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Facelift scars are placed in spots that make them hard to see after they heal. The main goal is to keep them discreet by hiding incisions along hairlines, behind the ears, and in natural facial folds. Here are the most common areas:

  • Temporal Hairline: This incision typically begins at or just behind the temples, in the hair-bearing area. It allows access to lift the upper face while keeping the scar hidden in the scalp.
  • In Front of the Ear (Pre-auricular): This cut follows the natural crease where the ear meets the face, making it almost invisible from the front.
  • Behind the Ear (Post-auricular): The incision goes around the earlobe and into the crease behind the ear, sometimes extending into the scalp. It provides access to the lower face and neck while remaining hidden when the head is turned.
  • Under the Chin (Submental): If a neck lift is done along with the facelift, a small incision is made under the chin to tighten loose muscles. This area heals well and stays tucked beneath the jawline.

With proper care, these scars often fade to blend in with the natural skin lines.

Modal Showing Facelift Scars
How Facelift Scars Heal
  • Inflammation Phase (Days 0-7). Your body’s first responders seal the wound and fend off bacteria. You can expect redness, mild swelling, and tenderness; this is normal and temporary.
  • Proliferation Phase (Week 1-4). Fresh collagen fills the gap, and tiny new blood vessels supply oxygen. The scar appears pink and may feel tight or itchy; these are signs that rebuilding is happening.
  • Remodeling Phase (Month 1-12).Collagen fibers reorganize, flatten, and strengthen. The color shifts from pink to tan to your natural skin tone, while the texture becomes smoother. Most people notice their scars blend well by six months and continue to improve throughout the year.
  • Medical-grade silicone (gel or sheets): Begin silicone treatment once sutures are removed (usually day 7–10) and wear daily for at least eight weeks. Silicone keeps scars hydrated, flattens raised edges, and fades redness.
  • Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher: UV exposure can permanently darken fresh scars. Apply fragrance-free SPF every morning and reapply when outdoors, especially during the first six months.
  • Gentle fingertip massage: Around week 3–4, begin light circular massage for two minutes, twice daily. This helps collagen realign and softens firmness.
  • Micropore tape or light compression: In the first few weeks, paper tape reduces tension on fresh scars, preventing spreading or widening.
  • In-clinic refinements: If scars remain thick or red after three to six months, treatments like fractional laser, radio-frequency microneedling, or tiny steroid injections can help smooth and lighten them, always under your surgeon’s guidance.
Scar Treatment Options

Here are the do’s and don’ts to help minimize the risk of visible facelift scarring:

Do’s:

  • Follow your surgeon’s incision-care instructions closely.
  • Keep wounds clean and lightly moisturized in the first week.
  • Begin silicone therapy when cleared and remain consistent with it daily.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and diligent SPF whenever outside.
  • Stay hydrated, focus on a protein-rich diet, and avoid nicotine.
  • Attend every post-operative visit so your surgeon can monitor healing.

Don’ts:

  • Pick at scabs, peel flakes, or shorten silicone wear time.
  • Expose fresh scars to tanning beds, sun lamps, or midday sun for six months.
  • Smoke or vape; nicotine constricts blood vessels and slows healing.
  • Apply acids, retinoids, or abrasive scrubs on incisions without explicit approval.
  • Ignore signs of infection such as increasing redness, heat, drainage, or foul odor—contact your provider right away.

Phase 1

Month 1

Phase 1 begins with intense moisturization and healing with two creams that include aloe vera and vitamin E. During the first phase, these creams will help deeply clean the scar, prepare it for healing, and minimize inflammation.

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Phase 2

Month 2-3

Phase 2 helps to strip away the build-up of dead skin or damaged tissue through a cream that contains potent ingredients like allantoin, glycerin, and aloe. It focuses on keeping the scar moisturized to promote healthy skin regeneration.

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Phase 3

Month 4-5

Phase 3 helps to smooth down any raised areas of the scar with a cream containing purified snail mucin. This snail mucin can help ease raised locations and create smooth, stunning skin while eliminating residual redness.

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Phase 4

Month 6-9

Phase 4 is another preparation stage that uses ingredients like coconut oil, tocopherol, and salix alba. This cream helps ensure the scar is ready for the final step of the treatment and the skin is healthy.

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Phase 5

Month 10-12

Once you reach phase 5, your scar may appear healed on the surface but still requires treatment for the deeper layers. Phase 5 includes a cream that contains retinol and vitamin A to heal the skin below the surface and provide a complete transformation.

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FAQs

When should I start using silicone sheets after my facelift?
How long and how often should I wear silicone sheets?
Will rhytidectomy scars ever become completely invisible?
Can I wear makeup to hide my facelift scars while they heal?

Conclusion

Scar Protocol offers the entire treatment in a package, or you can buy the products individually. We offer a 90-day guarantee or your money back! You can transform your scars and eliminate their appearance for healthy, beautiful skin and results you can enjoy.

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Send a photo of your scar and one of our dedicated scar experts will review and respond within 24 hours if your scar is a good candidate for our system.

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