When people talk about facelift surgery, many tend to focus primarily on the postoperative results — how much younger the face looks, or how clearly defined the jawline becomes. But for me… small details such as the position of the incision are just as important. They are, in many ways, the signature of each surgeon.
Type 1 – Pretragal Incision
This incision is placed in front of the tragal cartilage.
Advantages:
- Good blood supply to the wound
- Lower risk of wound separation
- Easier postoperative care
Disadvantages:
The scar may be more visible in the early period if suturing is not meticulous
Best suited for:
- Older patients
- Patients with poorer circulation
- Those with a higher risk of delayed wound healing
Type 2 – Tragal Incision
This incision is hidden along the edge of the tragal cartilage.
Advantages:
The scar is well concealed and appears more natural
Disadvantages:
- Higher risk of wound healing issues, as the skin in this area must be thinned
- In some cases, traction on the cartilage may make the ear opening more noticeable
Best suited for:
- Patients in their 30s–40s
- Those with good blood circulation
- Patients who prioritize the most concealed scar possible
However… what truly makes a scar “beautiful” does not depend on incision placement alone. It is the result of three key factors:
The patient — underlying medical conditions, genetics, and individual wound-healing ability
The surgeon’s technique — especially deep-plane (SMAS) surgery. If possible, patients should request video documentation confirming true deep-layer dissection, as the term “deep facelift” is increasingly used in marketing today
Postoperative care — strict adherence to the surgeon’s instructions is essential (you may watch the related video via the link in the comments)
In the end… a small scar beside the ear can tell a powerful story of transformation.
