A very common question I get at virtually all my consults
is: “where are the incisions?”  This is a
very valid question and something that every patient should understand
well.  As facial plastic surgeons, how do
we plan incisions that are not noticeable?
We can use three main areas that help hide any potential
incision as much as possible.
  • along the curvature of facial features
  • parallel with relaxed skin tension lines
  • within the hair

Natural curves are a great place to hide incisions.  For example, our curves and contour of the
ear, the nose, the chin, or the jawline give us facial shape. Any incisions
that follow those facial contours will “blend in” to their surroundings.  These areas are commonly used for cosmetic
procedures.
Relaxed skin tension lines are those lines that you see when
you express your face (smiling, frowning, raising your eye brows, etc.).  Muscles of the face pull on the skin to
create facial expression. That muscle pull also creates natural folds in the
skin.  Any incisions that are placed
parallel to or within those lines also blend in very well.  These lines are commonly used for
reconstructive procedures.
Finally, any incisions within the hair hide very well.  Hair can cover up any potential scar or
imperfection.  In addition, when an area
heals well, hair can grow through a scar or previous incision site, covering
the area even better.
Facial plastic surgery is unique in that incisions must be
planned even more precisely than other areas. We cannot cover our faces with
clothing! Careful planning and design of incisions are important in not only
giving you the best result, but also avoiding any noticeable scarring during
the healing process.
Here’s to the beautiful human face,
-Dr. Yamamoto