What happens when you want cosmetic surgery but worry about the scars? Dr. Angela Sturm is a facial plastic surgeon who sees these concerns every day. In her practice, she addresses:

• Why some people get more visible scars than others.
• What surgical and patient care steps can lead to better healing.
• How support and preparation influence recovery.

She’ll share her experience with facelifts and the simple things you can do to help incisions heal.

Key Takeaways

1. The way scars heal and their final appearance is greatly influenced by the surgeon’s technique. Careful handling of tissue, proper closure methods, and minimizing tension on the skin are crucial. Using advanced surgical approaches, like the deep plane facelift versus a SMAS lift, can lead to better, less noticeable scars.

2. Each patient’s skin type and age affect how scars heal. Older patients often see flatter, less visible scars faster, while younger individuals may experience redness and raised scars that take longer to fade. Regardless, almost everyone eventually achieves a fine line scar if proper technique and care are followed.

3. Patient compliance with post-surgical instructions is essential for optimal scar healing. This includes keeping incisions clean and moisturized, using prescribed ointments (especially those with silicone), sun protection, and considering non-surgical treatments such as microneedling or laser therapy at the right time.

4. Healing is not just physical but emotional. Having a supportive environment—with friends or family who remain positive and understanding through the recovery journey—significantly eases the process and helps patients stay grounded and focused on long-term results rather than temporary imperfections.

5. Open discussion with your surgeon about your individual skin type, expected recovery timeline, and possible outcomes fosters better expectations. While every surgeon may have unique philosophies and techniques, following their specific instructions and understanding the realistic healing trajectory is key to satisfaction.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Deep Plane Facelift Benefits

04:08 Understanding Surgical Scar Timeline

06:34 Teamwork in Surgical Recovery

Subscribe to Beauty Unveiled on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

Schedule a consult with Dr. Sturm HERE.

Follow Dr. Sturm on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.