Troell Cosmetic Surgery & Facial Plastic Clinic

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

Creators and Guests

Host
Dr. Robert J. Troell M.D
Troell M.D has extensive experience in cosmetic procedures, including facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Troell is also known for his expertise in stem cell therapy and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments.

What is Troell Cosmetic Surgery & Facial Plastic Clinic?

Facial Plastic Surgery clinic specializing in high-definition liposuction, face and body implant surgery, fat transfer, and advanced facial procedures.

Will there be Will there be a visible scar after a facelift? Rarely have I had in my 30-year career doing facelifts had to do any revision for the scar. If you look, the incision is beveled in the hairline, so you don't raise the hair tuft. It's very hard to see that because the hair tends to grow through the scar. The only part of the incision that you really see is right from the hairline down right this superior part of the ear incision. Because we go behind the tragus, you can't see it, right along the earlobe, in the crease between your neck and your ear, and then in the posterior hairline. So very, very hard to see. Only this little incision here is visible. To decrease the chance of that being visible, laser skin resurfacing, the best using a carbon dioxide laser, can be treated over the incisions to minimize the scar appearance as well. well.