The natural aging process is different for everyone. Much of it relies on your genetics, your lifestyle, and diet, as well as stress or physical trauma. Even those with incredibly well-adjusted skin and texture can feel as if the aging process is unkind and discouraging to their self-esteem and confidence. Some individuals opt to undergo surgical procedures to undo some of the loosening or sagging of skin that has come with age. If you’ve been considering any of these procedures, such as a facelift, you may be concerned with scarring. Depending on your skin type, your individual healing process and what procedure you decide to undergo, the results can vary. These factors can affect your likelihood of having scarring after neck or face procedures.
Face-lift Vs. Mini-Facelift
A facelift is a popular surgical procedure for helping men and women look younger. It eliminates loose skin, by elevating sagging skin and tissues. The tightened skin makes a clear outline of the jaw and reduces the skin and muscles of the neck. It’s performed with an incision around the ear or beneath the chin.
A mini-facelift varies from office to office. It’s typically a smaller surgical procedure that creates incisions above the ear and in the hairline behind the ear to pull and tighten the skin. This procedure mainly affects the face, rather than the neck. Some patients have good muscle bands under the chin, so they don’t neck any adjustments in this area. The results of this procedure may not be as long-lasting as a regular facelift.
What scarring can come from these procedures?
A “short scar” is a term for the scar left behind from a mini facelift. This scar goes around the earlobe, upwards into the hair in front of the ear, and it also has an incision starting underneath the sideburn and contouring around to proceed around the front of the sideburn. The skin is pulled upwards in front of the ear in a much more vertical direction than a standard incision, which pulls neck skin up onto the face. In a regular facelift, the incision and later scar typically runs behind the back of the ear and into the hairline behind the ear.
The most important thing to consider in any surgical procedure is what results you’re looking to achieve. A facelift and mini-facelift can tighten and lift the sagging and loose skin or facial tissue. They both can leave behind minor scars, though they’re often in different sections of the face. Explore your options for facial and neck procedures and discuss your goals with your doctor.
At MAXiM Facial Aesthetics, we offer a wide variety of surgical and nonsurgical options to restore a youthful, radiant look to men and women, such as stem cell facelifts. Get your complimentary consultation by calling us at (646) 475-2099 or using our convenient online appointment request form to schedule an appointment at our New York City or Long Island locations.
