Post-facelift scar removal

Here we see marked improvement. The scar is well concealed along the hairline and is almost indistinguishable from the surrounding skin.

Why scar correction matters after a facelift

Even with excellent surgical technique, some patients develop noticeable postoperative scars: they can turn red, thicken, rise above the skin—or, conversely, become depressed. This is not just a cosmetic issue... scars can itch, hurt and create a feeling of tightness near the ear and along the lateral face, reducing quality of life. Modern laser medicine can significantly improve the appearance and feel of scars, and when treatment is started early, minimize their formation. The effectiveness and safety of these methods are supported by systematic reviews and international recommendations.

When to start treatment

As early as possible. Early interventions (from ~2–3 weeks after suture removal or within the first months of healing) improve the prognosis and can reduce the severity of the future scar, as shown in randomized and controlled studies on surgical linear scars.

But we can help at any stage. Mature scars also respond to treatment you may simply need more sessions.

Why lasers are a “gold standard” for scar revision

• Proven efficacy and well-studied safety. Laser correction reduces redness, thickness, and surface irregularity and improves elasticity and texture.

• Symptom relief. Many patients experience less itching, pain, and “tightness.”

Types of scars after facelift

• Erythematous (“red”) scars along pre- and post-auricular incisions

• Hypertrophic scars (sometimes keloid)

• Atrophic/depressed edges and small “steps” along the flap margin

• Dyschromia (hyper- or hypopigmentation)

Scar type and stage determine laser choice and treatment intensity.

I would say this is another excellent result. The scar blends seamlessly with the hairline.

Laser technologies at Dr. Uskov’s Clinic

We use only modern, medical-grade laser systems. Our clinic has devices covering virtually all clinically used wavelengths for scar treatment, allowing us to personalize protocols for every post-facelift zone:

1. Vascular lasers (PDL 585/595 nm, KTP 532 nm, long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064 nm) reduce redness and early vascular activity, preparing the scar for the next steps. Early vascular laser use helps prevent or minimize postoperative scarring.

2. Non-ablative fractional 1540/1550 nm  safely stimulate collagen remodeling with minimal downtime, helping to smooth texture at earlier stages.

3. Ablative fractional CO₂ 10,600 nm and Er:YAG 2940 nm the most powerful tools for contouring relief, flattening hypertrophic areas, and “softening” scar edges. Efficacy for surgical scars, especially when started early has been demonstrated in RCTs and meta-analyses.

4. Hybrid/combined protocols (vascular + fractional; Er:YAG with adjunctive modalities, etc.) can yield synergistic benefits for selected patients.

Parameter selection and treatment sequencing are clinical decisions. We adhere strictly to international laser safety recommendations.

How treatment proceeds at Uskov Kliinik

1. In-person consultation and extended diagnostics

   Examination plus, when indicated, digital dermoscopy, Wood’s lamp (UV) examination, infrared visualization, soft-tissue ultrasound, and other tests to deliver the most accurate prognosis and an individualized plan. A medical consultation is mandatory before laser treatment.

2. Personalized protocol

   We consider scar type, location (pre/post-auricular, temporal, hairline), age of the scar, skin phototype, age, smoking status, comorbidities and medications, predisposition to pigmentation changes, and more.

3. Course of procedures

   Most cases require a series of 3–6+ sessions spaced 3–8 weeks apart; sometimes multiple technologies are combined in a single visit. The exact number depends on tissue response and goals (flattening, lightening, texture refinement).

4. Recovery and restrictions

   Downtime ranges from several hours (vascular/non-ablative) to 5–10 days for fractional ablative sessions. Strict photoprotection, gentle skincare, and personalized aftercare are essential.

Another typical scar location after a facelift. Here we see marked improvement of the keloid after laser therapy. The remaining redness fades over time.

What influences results

Outcomes are always individual and depend on many factors: scar type, phase and depth, anatomic location and tissue tension, age, phototype, hormonal background, smoking/diabetes, quality of home care, and more. That’s why we emphasize early initiation and set realistic expectations during consultation. Studies show that early start and combined protocols improve results.

Our principle: effective and safe

The mission of the team at Dr. Uskov’s clinic is maximum safety with minimal risk of side effects. At the same time, working with scars often requires intensive treatment and a course of combined procedures based on our in-house protocols (a tailored sequence of vascular, non-ablative, and ablative lasers; injectables when indicated). This multimodal approach is consistent with global best practice.

How we ensure safety

• Medical-grade, certified systems and the full spectrum of therapeutic wavelengths for scars

• Thorough pre-treatment work-up, careful patient selection, stepwise energy escalation

• Complication prevention (herpes prophylaxis, sun protection, skincare, pigmentation control for at-risk phototypes)

• Compliance with international standards for laser safety and patient management

Note: While laser therapy has proven safety and efficacy, it cannot make a scar “disappear”; the goal is to make it as inconspicuous and supple as possible and to relieve unpleasant sensations.

Specifics of facelift scars

Rhytidectomy scars run across areas of increased tension and high visibility (temple, pre-/post-auricular, hairline). Our task is to preserve natural contours and “blend” the scar into surrounding tissue. In early phases we often start with PDL/532 nm/1064 nm to control erythema and vascularity, then add non-ablative 1540/1550 nm, and, if needed, fractional CO₂/Er:YAG for texture and contour. This staged approach reflects current best practices.

In the early weeks after surgery, full-field ablative resurfacing of the flap is contraindicated. We use gentle settings and fractional methods at safe time points. The optimal “window” is chosen individually based on clinical healing signs.

How many sessions and what results to expect

• A minimum course is often 3–4 visits; mature or complex scars may require more.

• Before–after photos (on our site and during consultation) show typical dynamics: softening of edges, lightening, smoother texture, and reduced bright redness.

• Complete invisibility is not guaranteed, but in most cases we achieve substantial visible improvement and symptom relief.

Possible side effects

Short-term: erythema, edema, sunburn-like sensation, and crusting with ablative modes. Less commonly a temporary hyper/hypopigmentation, milia, infectious complications. Risks are minimized through skilled parameter selection, sun protection and adherence to aftercare.

What to do next

1. Book an in-person consultation at Uskov Kliinik. The doctor will examine the scar and if necessary, perform digital dermoscopy, Wood’s lamp UV exam, infrared assessment, ultrasound and other tests to create the most accurate prognosis and protocol.

2. Receive a personalized plan outlining staged laser modalities, intervals, home care, and restrictions.

3. Explore more resources on Dr. Uskov’s scar-treatment blog: scarsinfo.com with additional examples, explanations, and FAQs.