Can you see scars after a facelift?
During a facelift, the skin and the underlying tissue are shortened and tightened. The scars usually end up hidden. The reason for this is that the incision runs in front of the ear or along the ear into the hairy temple region or into the hairline, depending on the excess skin to be removed. The incision runs downwards around the earlobe behind the ear, possibly down to the neck hair area if the neck is also tightened. With these incision techniques, visible scars are usually effectively avoided and are not visible.
Risks
Of course, a facelift involves the general risks of any other surgical procedure. In addition, nerve damage can occur under certain circumstances, especially in the area of the face. Frequently occurring risks are the development of swelling and bruising in the surgical area.
Infections and impaired wound healing can lead to serious complications, disruption of the surgical result (e.g. unsightly scarring) and/or an extension of the healing time. Above all, appropriate, careful incision, maximum sterility and an approach of the wound edges as free of tension as possible can significantly reduce the risk of scarring and wound infection. In addition, special scar ointments can help to prevent the formation of unsightly scar tissue.
A surgical result that is as symmetrical as possible is essential for a harmonious overall impression. Asymmetries that arise in the course of a facelift can severely disturb the entire facial image. Especially in the area of the face, however, asymmetries can often occur.
This risk can only be minimized by careful execution and an enormous wealth of experience on the part of the treating surgeon. The possibility of damaging the facial nerve (nervus facialis) represents one of the greatest risks in facial surgery. This nerve supplies the entire facial musculature and is therefore essential for facial expression.
Since the facial nerve has an enormous number of branches and cross-links, damage and irritation of small nerve branches can be compensated in many cases. If this is not possible, paralysis of the affected facial musculature sections and limitations of the mimic abilities result. Especially when laughing, affected patients show strong distortions.
As a rule, these distortions do not persist permanently. Within the first six months, a large number of patients show a clear improvement in the muscle paralysis, and in most cases the damage even disappears completely. During the facelift, there is also the risk of damage or severing of branches of the sensitive facial nerve (trigeminal nerve), resulting in a limited sensory perception in the affected skin area.
