Facelift Surgery (Face-Neck Lift)

Facelift surgery removes sagging skin on the face and neck. Fat accumulation under the chin is eliminated and the subcutaneous tissue is reinforced. This surgery is generally performed on men and women over the age of 40. The procedure is done in hospital conditions, under the supervision of an anesthesiologist, in the operating room. The scars are hidden within the hairline at the temples, in front of and behind the ear. The early postoperative period is usually comfortable. Stitches are removed 5-7 days later. The patient can return to work and apply makeup after one week. For 2 months, it is advised to avoid heavy exercise, excessive sunlight, and physical trauma. The new shape of the face and neck skin, although affected by gravity, can last sometimes 5-10 years or even a lifetime depending on the patient’s condition.

Forehead and Temple Lift (Frontoplasty)

On the forehead, horizontal lines are normally present and vary in depth from person to person. Between the eyebrows, these lines take on a vertical form over time. Gradually, the eyebrows descend, creating a tired facial expression. This surgery is usually performed on men and women over 40 who have no other health problems. In the classic method, there is a crown-like scar 4-5 cm behind the hairline, but this scar is hidden within the hair. It can be performed under general anesthesia, or with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The early postoperative period is generally comfortable.

Mid-Face and Neck Lift

Why and who should undergo a facelift?

With the effect of aging, looseness and sagging can occur in the face. How does this happen? Facial bones start to resorb microscopically from the age of 25. As the soft tissues and skin surrounding the facial bones lose this underlying support, they become loose and lax. As the collagen structure in the skin and subcutaneous tissue weakens, the skin and soft tissues sag. When this sagging skin can no longer be corrected with non-surgical beauty methods, lifting procedures become necessary.

Where should the treatment begin?

There are five different approaches in the treatment of facial aging:

1- Contour corrections to restore volume in areas that have collapsed or lost fullness.

2- Elimination of looseness, sagging, and wrinkles around the eyebrows and eyes.

3- Removal of sagging and bags in the eyelids. Correction of sagging in the cheeks and mid-face.

5- Correction of sagging in the neck area.

Depending on the patient’s needs, the type and number of procedures may vary. According to the sequence above, these procedures can be performed singly, in pairs, triples, quadruples, or all five together.

1- Tissue Injections (fat tissue or tissue cocktail)

This concept was introduced in the 1990s. Initially met with skepticism when presented at international congresses, it has since become accepted worldwide and is now considered an “essential” technique. Today, it is widely agreed that tissue injections not only restore lost or altered contours but also rejuvenate the skin by transferring live cells. Some researchers suggest that fat tissue behaves like stem cells, contributing to vitality and rejuvenation. Tissue injections are now even used as preventive treatments for aging in younger patients (around age 30).

2- Mid-Face Lift

The midface bones are the weakest and earliest to resorb. As bone resorption increases, the soft tissues and collagen structures weaken due to age, environmental factors, and genetics. The cheeks and cheekbones sag, under-eye vitality diminishes, and tissues shift downward due to gravity. A youthful face has an oval, triangular shape, but with aging and sagging, it becomes square or rectangular. In a mid-face lift, the sagging tissues (skin, subcutaneous soft tissue, muscles, and fascia) are lifted vertically against gravity. With this technique, jowls and mild neck sagging can also be corrected. It can be performed through the temple, near the eye, or inside the cheek. When combined with tissue injections, results are more natural and long-lasting.

3- Neck Lift

Among facelift surgeries, the neck is the most demanding area. Fat under the neck and chin is reduced. The neck skin is lifted up to the chin area. The platysma muscles under the skin are tightened upward and sideways. Excess skin is pulled back toward the cheeks and removed. If the chin projection is weak, a chin implant may be added. This improves the contour between the jawline and the neck. In unsuccessful facelifts, residual sagging and fullness in the neck and double chin area are common. A neck lift is considered the most advanced stage of facelift surgery. It should be performed together with a mid-face lift, since excess skin must be lifted and removed upwards.

Postoperative Recovery – When and how does it happen?

Incisions are closed with sutures along natural skin folds and creases. Although surgeons make every effort to minimize visible scarring (such as within the hairline), scars are inevitable. In most cases, scars will fade over time and become hardly noticeable. The most visible one is usually behind the ear, but it can easily be concealed by hair.

Patients usually leave the hospital on the second or third day.

The goal of a facelift is a natural, younger, and more attractive appearance. However, because healing is gradual, the final results may not be visible for at least 3 weeks.

Makeup can be applied once stitches are removed. Sun exposure should be limited for a few months, accompanied by the use of high-protection sunscreen.

Recovery speed varies from person to person, but the general timeline can be as follows:

First day:
* At this early stage, you should wear your compression band to minimize swelling and bruising.

Within one week:

* Swelling will peak and then start to subside.

* Bandages will be removed and you can take a shower.

* Stitches will be removed.

* You can return to light work, but you should continue to wear your compression garment at night.

* Makeup can be used to cover any paleness.

Within two weeks:

* Most of the bruising will have disappeared.

* You can return to non-strenuous activities.

After a few weeks:

* You can resume exercise.

* Swelling will completely resolve.

* Any numbness in your face will lessen, but may take a few months to fully disappear.

During recovery, you should avoid sun exposure and make sure to use sunscreen for an extended period of time.