Facelift incisions play a key role in achieving natural-looking facial rejuvenation while minimizing visible surgical scars. By placing incisions along natural creases and around the ears, surgeons keep scars as discreet as possible while addressing visible signs of aging. Understanding where facelift incisions are placed, how they differ between surgical techniques, and what to expect during healing can help you make an informed decision about facial rejuvenation.

Where Are Facelift Incisions Placed?

Facelift incision placement varies depending on the technique being performed and the areas being treated. In many cases, the incision begins near the hairline above the ear, follows the natural contours in front of the ear, and curves around the earlobe. It may then extend behind the ear and into the lower scalp.

These locations let the surgeon access the underlying facial tissues while using natural folds, the contours of the ears, and surrounding hair to conceal scars. When a neck lift is performed alongside a facelift, the surgeon may place an additional incision beneath the chin to address concerns such as excess skin or muscle banding in the neck.

Although facelift scars are expected, careful planning can help reduce their visibility as they heal. Your surgeon will tailor the incision pattern to your anatomy, the extent of correction needed, and the recommended surgical approach.

How Do Facelift Incisions Differ by Technique?

Not every facelift requires the same incision pattern. The length and location of the incisions depend partly on how much access is needed to address sagging skin, deeper facial tissues, and changes in the lower face and neck.

Traditional Facelift Incisions

A traditional facelift typically uses incisions around the ears that may extend into the hairline or lower scalp. This approach gives the surgeon access to underlying tissues and excess skin in the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. The surgeon can adjust the incision pattern to accommodate individual anatomy and whether additional procedures are performed.

Deep Plane Facelift Incisions

A deep plane facelift generally uses incisions around the ears similar to those used in other comprehensive facelift techniques. The primary difference is the surgical approach beneath the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, commonly called the SMAS. By working within deeper tissue planes, the surgeon can reposition facial structures rather than relying primarily on skin tightening. Incision placement remains important for providing access while minimizing visible scarring.

Limited Incision Facelift

A limited incision facelift may use shorter incisions for patients whose concerns and degree of facial aging can be addressed with a more focused approach. The appropriate incision pattern depends on the areas being treated and how much tissue repositioning is required. A limited approach isn’t suitable for every patient, especially when more extensive changes in the lower face or neck are needed.

During a consultation at Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics, Dr. Gilpin can explain how different facelift techniques affect incision placement and which approach best fits your facial anatomy and goals.

How Can You Minimize the Appearance of Facelift Scars?

Although surgeons carefully position facelift incisions to reduce visibility, they cannot eliminate scars entirely. Their final appearance depends on factors such as individual healing, genetics, skin characteristics, incision placement, and postoperative care.

Following your surgeon’s instructions is an important part of supporting proper healing. Patients should keep incision sites clean according to their postoperative care plan, avoid unnecessary tension or pressure on healing tissues, and protect scars from sun exposure as directed. Smoking and nicotine use can impair wound healing, so patients should discuss appropriate precautions with their surgeon before surgery.

Also attend follow-up appointments so your surgeon can assess healing and address concerns. Incisions may initially appear pink or raised, but scars typically change and become less noticeable as they mature over time. Healing varies, and the final appearance of facelift scars may take several months or longer to assess.

What Is Recovery Like After Facelift Surgery?

Recovery involves healing facial tissues and the maturation of the incisions. Swelling, bruising, and some redness around the incision sites are common during the early postoperative period. Dr. Gilpin provides individualized postoperative instructions to help protect the incision sites and support healing. Patients are generally advised to rest, keep their heads elevated while sleeping, and avoid strenuous exercise until cleared to resume normal activities. Avoiding unnecessary pressure on the ears and following wound-care instructions can also help protect the healing tissues.

As swelling and bruising subside, many patients gradually return to social activities. Hair may help conceal incisions around and behind the ears as healing progresses. However, patients should not judge their final scar appearance during early recovery, when redness and swelling may still be present.

Learn More About Facelift Incisions in Nashville, TN

Choosing a facelift involves more than deciding which areas of the face to address. Incision placement, surgical technique, and postoperative care all contribute to the overall treatment plan. At Gilpin Facial Plastics & Aesthetics, Dr. David Gilpin takes an individualized approach to facial rejuvenation, considering your anatomy and aesthetic goals when planning surgery.

If you are considering a facelift in Nashville, TN, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gilpin to discuss your options. He can explain the expected incision pattern, answer questions about facelift scars, and help you determine which approach may be appropriate for achieving a naturally refreshed appearance. Contact our office to start your process.

Dr. David Gilpin

Double Board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics | + postsBio ⮌

Dr. David Gilpin is Nashville's most accomplished dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon and the founder of Gilpin Facial Plastics, the city's largest facial plastic surgery and medspa practice. With advanced fellowship training under one of the world's leading experts in facial plastic surgery, Dr. Gilpin brings extensive knowledge, skill, and experience to every procedure he performs. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in facelift plastic surgery, delivering natural-looking facelifts that enhance facial harmony while preserving each patient's unique features. Committed to continual learning and innovation, Dr. Gilpin stays at the forefront of facial rejuvenation techniques to provide patients with the most advanced and cutting-edge facelift procedures available.

Renowned for his personalized approach to both surgical and non-surgical facial procedures, Dr. Gilpin is known for achieving refined, long-lasting, and natural results. He has been featured in Nashville Lifestyles, recognized as a RealSelf Top Doctor, and regularly serves as a national speaker, sharing his expert knowledge with peers across the country. His clinical work has also been featured in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, where his case results were cited in a 2026 review on the use of recombinant platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) in tissue repair and regenerative medicine. Handpicked by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for the past six years and selected by Allergan to host the official Allergan Botox Day celebration two years in a row, Dr. Gilpin is trusted by A-list clients and respected colleagues alike. His leadership, experience, and compassionate care firmly establish him as one of the most sought-after facial plastic surgeons in Nashville, TN, and the eastern United States.

• Dr. David Gilpin

  Am I a Good Candidate for Neck Lift?
• Dr. David Gilpin

  Am I a Good Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?
• Dr. David Gilpin

  Deep Plane Facelift vs. Traditional Facelift: Understanding Your Options
• Dr. David Gilpin

  Botox for Crow’s Feet: Results and What to Expect