Many patients who undergo a facelift say it was one of the most rewarding decisions they’ve made, restoring their youthful appearance and self-confidence. However, as with any surgery, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. The good news? With the right aftercare, facelift scars can be discreet and fade beautifully over time.
In this blog, Dr. Deepa Bhat explores the best methods of scar care after plastic surgery for patients all over Tampa, FL.
How Do Facelift Scars Form?
Facelift scars result from strategic incisions typically hidden around the ears, along the hairline, or under the chin. While Dr. Bhat takes great care in placing incisions in less visible areas, how those scars mature depends heavily on how you care for your skin during recovery.
Scar healing goes through three key phases:
- Inflammatory phase: This initial phase involves the body’s immediate response of clotting and producing inflammation to fight infection.
- Proliferative phase: During this next phase, the body forms new tissue, increasing collagen production to repair damage.
- Maturation phase: The new tissue matures, becoming firmer and tighter. This phase usually takes 6-12 months. Scar color also begins to fade.
Tips for Scar Management After a Facelift
Managing scarring after facial surgery is a team effort between you and your doctor. Dr. Bhat places incisions in areas where scarring will be the least conspicuous, ensuring the best aesthetic results possible. Despite this, there are certain actions that only you can take post-op to make sure your skin heals as optimally as possible. Read on to learn more!
- Follow Dr. Bhat’s instructions carefully – Your facelift aftercare plan is your roadmap to optimal healing. Dr. Bhat provides detailed instructions for keeping incisions clean and dry, applying ointments, and avoiding infection. Using antibacterial soap and avoiding premature touching or manipulation of incisions is key.
- Keep your skin hydrated – Hydrated skin heals more efficiently. Once incisions are closed and healing (as Dr. Bhat advised), apply a silicone-based gel or a vitamin E moisturizer to promote smoother, less visible scars.
- Take sun protection seriously – Sunlight is one of the biggest threats to healing facelift scars. UV rays can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy. Avoid direct sun and tanning beds, and wear hats or scarves when outdoors.
- Perform scar massage – With Dr. Bhat’s clearance, begin gently massaging your incision areas using circular motions. This can help flatten scar tissue and soften the skin. Combine this with a scar treatment oil or silicone cream for added benefit.
- Don’t use nicotine – Nicotine significantly slows healing and restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of visible scarring and complications. Patients should avoid all nicotine and THC products for several weeks pre- and post-op.
- Eat mindfully and drink plenty of water – Your skin needs nutrients to rebuild. Prioritize a recovery-friendly diet: lean proteins, leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and plenty of water. Avoid excess salt and sugar, which can promote inflammation.
- Utilize topical scar treatments – Dr. Bhat may recommend professional scar therapy products such as silicone gel sheets, prescription creams, or custom-compounded topicals. Always consult before using new products near incision sites.
- Be patient – Scars evolve. What looks red or raised early on will usually flatten and fade over several months. Be kind to your body—your final results won’t be fully apparent until around 6 to 12 months post-surgery.
When to Ask for Help
Certain circumstances may cause you to see something unusual and require medical assistance. If skin redness begins to increase and travels outside the incision line, this may be a sign of infection. Excessive heat or warmth in the scar, discharge, or strange odors are also signs you may need medical attention. Call Dr. Bhat right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Early intervention is critical for attending to complications.
Why Choose Dr. Deepa Bhat for Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL?
Dr. Deepa Bhat is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon serving patients in and beyond Tampa, Florida. She utilizes today’s most innovative and advanced surgical techniques while adhering to stringent safety protocols, delivering a seamless and satisfying treatment experience. Meticulously detailed and precise, Dr. Bhat ensures your incisions are placed in areas where scarring is later minimized as much as possible. She provides in-depth aftercare instructions that help you navigate the recovery process with ease and confidence. If you are looking for an experienced, skilled plastic surgeon in the Tampa area, look no further than Dr. Deepa Bhat. She looks forward to meeting you for a personalized and empowering consultation.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that, while inevitable, scarring can be well-managed after surgery, resulting in a pleasing and natural-looking final result. By following Dr. Bhat’s instructions, staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and practicing mindful scar massage, you can assist your body in healing optimally. Each person is unique, however, and will heal at a different rate and in a different way, so it is important to be patient and understand that scar management is gradual. Dr. Bhat will be happy to discuss scar care and revision with you in greater depth during your private Tampa consultation, so don’t wait – reach out to us today!