Face Lift

What is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

Facelift surgery is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to remove wrinkles, sagging and signs of aging that occur over time in the face and neck area.
This procedure gives the face a younger, firmer and more dynamic appearance.
Facelift surgery is generally suitable for individuals aged 40 and over, but younger individuals with signs of premature aging on their face can also benefit from this operation.

With the aging process, the skin loses its elasticity and sagging occurs due to the effect of gravity.
Facelift surgery helps to achieve a younger appearance by removing these sagging.
Generally, facelift can be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as neck lift, brow lift or eyelid aesthetics.

Who is Face Lift Surgery Suitable for?

Facelift surgery is suitable for individuals who are bothered by sagging and wrinkles in the facial area.
The goal of the surgery is to create a firmer facial structure by stretching the skin.
The following conditions define suitable candidates for facelift surgery:

• Significant sagging and laxity in the skin: With age, the skin loses its elasticity and sagging occurs on the face.
  Sagging is especially common on the cheeks, jawline and neck.
• Deep wrinkles on the face: Deep wrinkles on the forehead, sides of the nose and around the mouth stand out as signs of aging.
• The desire for a younger appearance: Facelift surgery gives the face a younger, dynamic and vibrant appearance.
• Those with good skin elasticity and bone structure: Facelift surgery gives more successful results in individuals with adequate skin elasticity and good general health.

How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?

Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and takes an average of 3 to 5 hours.
During the surgery, your surgeon performs a series of procedures to tighten the skin tissue on your face, remove sagging skin and tighten the facial muscles.
Facelift surgery can be performed with several different techniques, these techniques are determined according to the person’s facial structure and needs:

1. Classic Facelift: An incision is made starting in front of the ear and extending to the hairline.
   Through this incision, the skin and subcutaneous tissues are freed, sagging skin is stretched and excess skin is removed.
   The incision scars are hidden behind the hairline and behind the ear, making them invisible.

2. Endoscopic Facelift: This technique is performed through smaller incisions and intervenes in the tissues under the skin with the help of a camera called an endoscope.
   Endoscopic facelift is a less invasive method and the recovery time is shorter.

3. Mini Facelift: It is a technique used to correct milder sagging and wrinkles.
   Mini facelift is performed with smaller incisions and involves a more limited intervention.
   It is generally preferred for people under the age of 40 or individuals with mild sagging.

During the surgery, the muscles and tissues under the skin are tightened, excess skin is removed and the natural contours of the face are preserved to achieve a more youthful appearance.

Preparation Before Facelift Surgery

A detailed consultation with your surgeon is important before facelift surgery.
In this meeting, you will be informed about how the surgery will be performed, your expectations, possible risks and the healing process.
Some points to be considered before surgery are as follows:

• Smoking: Smoking can negatively affect the postoperative healing process.
  It is recommended to stop smoking at least two weeks before surgery.
• Blood thinners: Blood thinners such as aspirin should not be used before surgery.
  Such drugs may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
• General health status: Your surgeon will assess your general state of health and determine whether you are suitable for surgery.

Recovery Process After Facelift Surgery

The healing process after facelift surgery may vary from person to person.
However, you can usually return to daily activities within a few weeks.
The main points to be considered after surgery are as follows:

• Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising may occur on the face after surgery.
  This usually subsides within a week.
  Most of the swelling goes away within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Pain and discomfort: Mild pain may be felt after surgery.
  Your surgeon may give you painkillers to relieve the pain.
• Drains Drains may be placed for some time after surgery.
  These drains allow the fluid accumulated in the operation area to be removed.
• Removal of stitches: The stitches are removed about one week after surgery.
  During the healing process, it is important to take skin care as recommended by your surgeon.

During the healing process, protecting the face from impacts, avoiding heavy activities and regular visits to the doctor will help speed up recovery.

Risks of Facelift Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, facelift surgery also has some risks.
However, these risks can be minimized in operations performed by an experienced surgeon.
Possible risks are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Delayed wound healing
• Temporary or permanent damage to facial nerves
• Scar formation

By paying attention to your surgeon’s recommendations, you can ensure that these risks are minimized.