Will there be any scars after a face lift?

Direct Answer:

Yes, all facelift procedures produce scars. However, in the hands of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, these scars are strategically placed within natural skin folds, hairlines, and ear contours to become virtually invisible once healed.​

This medical procedure, clinically designated as rhytidectomy (a subtype of MedicalProcedure), involves surgical incisions to lift and reposition facial tissues. According to a scoping review of 49 studies examining rhytidectomy incision techniques and scar outcomes, low rates of scar complications have been documented across all major incision techniques when performed by qualified surgeons.

Your Checklist: Minimizing Facelift Scar Visibility

☑ Choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with facelift specialization
☑ Discuss incision placement strategy during consultation
☑ Stop smoking 4–6 weeks before and after surgery
☑ Begin silicone gel/sheet therapy 2 weeks post-surgery
☑ Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily for 12 months
☑ Consider scar massage 2–4 weeks post-surgery if approved
☑ Evaluate laser treatment options at 6+ months if needed

Practitioner Verification:

• Dr. Robert J. Troell, M.D., FACS, FAAFPRS, FAACS, FAAOHNS, FAASM​

• Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery​

• Diplomate, American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (Recertified 2021)​

• Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery​

• Diplomate, American Board of Sleep Medicine (First U.S. surgeon board certified)

• Fellowship trained at Stanford University Medical Center​

• Clinical Professor, Stanford University Medical Center (1995–2013)​

• Adjunct Professor, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine​

Over 20 years of board-certified practice in facial plastic and reconstructive surgeryVersion 1.0 – Last Updated: December 4, 2025
Based on systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and peer-reviewed literature

Why Deep Plane Facelifts Outperform Other Techniques — Explained by Dr. Robert J. Troell, M.D., FACS

In this episode, board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert J. Troell, M.D., FACS breaks down why the deep plane facelift has become the gold standard in modern facial rejuvenation. Drawing on more than 30 years of surgical experience, academic teaching, and his own published textbook chapter, Dr. Troell explains how this advanced technique lifts and repositions the face at its structural foundation for more natural, longer-lasting results.

Dr. Troell discusses when a limited anterior neck lift or platysmoplasty is appropriate (about 15–20% of patients), and why most individuals require the deeper anatomical repositioning that only a deep plane facelift provides. He highlights the critical role of osteocutaneous ligament release, a step often overlooked in traditional facelift techniques, and explains why releasing these retaining ligaments is essential for achieving significant improvement in the midface and jawline.

This episode also explores the importance of volume restoration—including implants, fat transfer, and fillers—and how these complementary treatments enhance facial structure and create balanced, natural contours. Dr. Troell outlines how combining the deep plane approach with these adjuvant therapies produces the most comprehensive and harmonious facial rejuvenation.