Facelift: What is it?

As we age, our face gets affected due to factors like gravity, exposure to the sun, or stress. This leads many to resort to endoscopic facelift methods. These issues cause wrinkles on the face while also causing sagging cheeks. Various treatments are approached to counteract the effects of aging, one of which is facelifting.

Due to aging, sagging, relaxation, and wrinkles emerge, and endoscopic facelift procedures are applied to correct them. The procedure involves removing the excess skin and ensuring the underlying tissues are positioned back to their original places. As a result, the facial area attains a more vibrant and brighter appearance.

Although generally performed for aesthetic concerns, facelift procedures can also be medically necessary. The appearance of the face generally stays young up to the age of 50. If this procedure is done at specific intervals, the duration of a youthful appearance can be extended.

How Does Facial Aging Develop?

Aging is a process everyone on the planet will encounter, affecting not just the skin but also fat, connective tissues, and bones. Aging brings various changes in human skin, such as dryness, loss of elasticity, and reduced collagen production, resulting in skin thinning.

Facial aging is examined in three areas: the upper part, the middle part, and the lower part of the face. The upper region witnesses aging due to facial expressions. Volume losses are observed in the middle, while sagging and wrinkles appear on the lower parts. These variations result in crow’s feet wrinkles, the prominence of under-eye hollows, emergence of tear troughs, deepening of sorrow lines, and appearance of fine wrinkles in many areas.

The pace of aging is linked to genetic factors. In addition to genetics, hormonal changes and chronic illnesses can accelerate the process. However, the primary causes of aging include sun exposure, excessive facial expressions, gravity, and smoking. The most effective treatment for aging is preventing these factors, after which endoscopic facelifts and similar treatments can be considered.

Is a Non-surgical Facelift Possible?

In addition to surgical processes which have a challenging and lengthy recovery period, non-surgical facelift methods have been developed. People who are anxious about undergoing general anesthesia and surgery often prefer non-invasive procedures. Endoscopic facelifts fundamentally utilize specialized medical materials. Thanks to these materials of different compositions, a lifting effect can be achieved on the face.

If there are numerous deformities on someone’s face, non-surgical procedures, which encourage collagen production, are ideal. Thus, over time, the skin repairs itself and regains its elasticity. The primary advantages of non-surgical facelifts include the absence of deep incisions and stitches, and a quicker return to daily life. Another factor in their preference is the painless and comfortable procedure.

Among non-surgical facelift methods are French suspension, spider web technique, star suspension, and therad lift. Although the aim of each of these applications is the same, their application techniques, durability, and effects on the individual vary.

How is a Facelift Surgery Performed?

There are several methods for facelifts. In choosing the method, factors like an individual’s health condition, age, gender, skin condition, and facial anatomy are crucial. The extent of the surgery is also determined based on the aging and sagging state of the individual. Like all procedures, a personalized treatment plan is prepared for endoscopic facelift surgeries.

The procedure follows these steps:

The operation is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.

It is a detailed surgery, considering numerous factors.

The cheeks, around the eyes, eyebrows, below the nose, neck, and jawline are all analyzed comprehensively.

Ensuring that all facial features are harmonious, the procedure is meticulously performed.

Maintaining the anatomical structure of the face is prioritized.

The tissues underneath the skin are pulled upwards during the procedure, achieving rejuvenation.

Depending on the area of the operation, the surgical process takes about 5-6 hours.

When is Surgery Needed?

Facelift procedures are commonly chosen when treatments like Botox are deemed insufficient. Many deformities, deep wrinkles, sagging, hollows, and similar issues can necessitate a facelift. Especially people over 50 encounter these skin problems more frequently, leading many in this age bracket to undergo facelift surgeries.

How Long Does a Facelift Surgery Last?

While non-surgical facelift procedures are short-term and temporary, endoscopic facelift surgeries offer a certain duration of permanence. The results of facelift procedures generally last between 7-15 years. However, the duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the individual’s skin type, the technique used, and the expertise of the surgeon. Once a facelift is performed, it cannot be reversed, making it an irreversible procedure. Factors like sleep deprivation, stress, poor diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption can cause the post-operative appearance to deteriorate. Therefore, making lifestyle changes after the procedure can extend the longevity of a facelift. Although facelifts and various techniques can mitigate signs of aging, they cannot halt the aging process entirely. As a result, aging continues.

What Should You Consider Before a Facelift Surgery?

The patient should be well-informed and ready for the procedure. Approximately a month should be set aside for a facelift due to its recovery period. Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for the procedure to go smoothly and to achieve natural results. If planned and performed correctly, endoscopic facelifts yield natural outcomes. If the patient is on any regular medication, the doctor should be informed. Blood thinners, certain painkillers, and Vitamin E should be discontinued several weeks prior to the procedure. Smoking and alcohol should be avoided before the procedure as they can impede wound healing. If the patient has any allergies to medications, it should be conveyed to the doctor. If the patient is pregnant or might be pregnant, the doctor should be informed beforehand.

Post-Facelift Lifestyle

After the procedure, the patient should sleep with their head elevated and avoid sleeping face down. Post-operative pain can be alleviated with painkillers recommended by the doctor. In case of severe pain, the surgeon should be consulted. Cold compresses should be applied to the cheeks every 1-2 hours post-operation to help reduce swelling, redness, and bruising. Swelling and bruising generally disappear within a few weeks. Only medications prescribed or recommended by the doctor should be consumed. Aspirin and similar drugs should be avoided. The bandages on the face should be removed by the doctor. It’s advised to keep the stitches dry until the follow-up appointment. After the bandages are removed, the skin can be gently cleansed with soap or lotion. Soft handling is crucial. Excessive laughing or guffawing can damage the stitches in the first week post-operation. Hard-to-chew foods should be avoided, and salt intake should be limited for a month. Sun exposure should be avoided for about a month and a half. If exposure is unavoidable, wear a hat. Heavy exercises should be avoided for at least three weeks. Tight clothing should be avoided in the first week. Comfortable attire is recommended. Pools and similar areas should be avoided for a month.

What are the Facelift Techniques?

Various facelift techniques are available and are chosen based on an individual’s facial condition and needs. Some procedures target the forehead, while others focus on the cheeks and neck. Common facelift techniques include:

What is a Mini Facelift?

As collagen production in the skin diminishes, sagging and wrinkles occur. One solution to these problems is the mini facelift. During this procedure, an incision is made near the earlobe to address mild to moderate sagging. Performed under local or general anesthesia, this procedure can also be combined with other methods. Mini facelifts generally offer a comfortable experience and are completed in about 2 hours. Underlying tissues are lifted and repositioned, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance.

Modern Facelift Modern facelifts today are generally aimed at preserving facial muscles. Stretching the skin alone might not provide long-lasting results in these surgeries. Therefore, reshaping the SMAS layer and fat grafting to areas with volume loss is necessary. This technique offers the most effective anti-aging results and ensures a faster recovery.

Endoscopic Facelift Endoscopic facelifts, using small incisions, result in a natural appearance in a person’s facial expression. The incisions are made in the hair-bearing skin, ensuring that there are no visible scars post-surgery. There are numerous reasons why this procedure is preferred over traditional methods, one of the most significant being a shorter recovery time. However, the decreased risks associated with this method also count as a major benefit.

As a result of these procedures, an individual can appear up to 10 years younger compared to their peers. Additionally, endoscopic procedures also slow down the aging process.

At What Age Can A Facelift Be Done?

Facelift procedures are generally performed to correct skin structure that has deteriorated with age. One of the reasons for choosing endoscopic facelifts is to have excess skin removed for a tightened look. Particularly, skin sagging is more noticeable between the ages of 40 and 50. Hence, the procedure is mainly performed on individuals within and beyond this age range.

The most apparent age range for facelift surgeries is between 45 and 55. For those outside this age bracket, surgical interventions are carried out. It’s essential to understand that because the procedure involves surgical steps, it should not be administered outside this age range unless absolutely necessary.

How Long Does The Facelift Effect Last?

Like all aesthetic and medical procedures, there’s a finite duration for their effect. After a facelift, an individual can maintain their new facial structure for many years. On average, the effects of these procedures last for about 10 years. However, due to various factors, the effect can last even longer. Since the aging process will continue, the impact of the procedure will fade after a decade.

In some cases, the effect of a facelift might be shorter-lived. Reasons include stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. The youthful appearance achieved post-facelift can diminish early due to these factors.

How Long Is The Recovery Period After A Facelift?

The recovery process after a facelift varies from one person to another. Several factors influence the recovery duration, like the type of operation and the area treated. By adhering to the doctor’s recommendations post-surgery, the recovery period can be expedited. Key points about the recovery include:

Stitches on the face and eyelids are removed a week after the surgery, and metal stitches are taken out on the 10th day. Swelling and edemas that arise post-surgery start to reduce from the 5th day onwards. Redness and bruising dissipate within a few weeks. Once the swelling, edema, and bruises subside, the final results of the facelift become evident. As the recovery period varies between individuals, for some, it might be shorter, while for others, it might take longer.

Facelift Prices 2023

The cost of facelift surgeries varies based on numerous factors, such as the patient’s condition Pricing policy of the treatment center Doctor’s experience Method used Other procedures done in conjunction

The price range varies depending on an individual’s skin condition. Since these surgeries are personalized, prices differ based on the chosen method and skin condition. It’s essential to research generally about the procedure and its costs.

To get a precise price range, an initial examination at the treatment center is necessary. Prices are determined after this examination. Therefore, for general information on endoscopic facelift procedures and their costs, one should contact the treatment center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need To Have Another Facelift?

Facelift procedures slow down the effects of aging for a certain period. However, aging, albeit at a slower pace, continues. Especially when the aging process progresses beyond the duration of the previous facelift, a repeat procedure might be necessary. When to opt for the procedure again varies depending on the type of procedure, individual’s aging rate, and life expectations. To maintain the effects of a facelift, a second surgery might be required.

Am I Suitable For A Facelift?

For candidates considering a facelift, primary considerations are sagging and excess skin on the face and neck. The main objective of the procedure is to eradicate signs of aging in these areas. During the planning phase pre-surgery, the face and neck regions are thoroughly assessed. This evaluation includes: ,Facial bone structure ,Face shape, Fat distribution in the face, Skin quality, Excess skin, The position and firmness of tissues beneath the skin

Where and How Should I Tighten My Face?

Planning and processes for facelifts vary from person to person. Especially depending on the person’s age, skin type, and sagging condition on the face, facelift procedures differ. Before the procedure, the expert surgeon analyzes and evaluates the person’s face in detail. A specific plan emerges from this evaluation, and actions are taken according to this plan. To get the best answer, one should first be examined.

Will There Be a Noticeable Scar After a Facelift?

It’s challenging to speak of a pronounced scar after facelift procedures. However, there can be minimal scars left after the procedure. These scars heal and disappear over time. Another determining factor for scar visibility is the surgeon’s technique. In procedures carried out by expert surgeons, scars are generally hidden behind the ear, ensuring no noticeable scar appearance.

When Are the Results Seen After a Facelift?

The recovery period for this surgery spans a month. However, the recovery process follows different trajectories for each patient. On average, healing is observed within 2-3 weeks. During this period, complications, swelling, and edema diminish, leading to quicker results. In general, it takes about 6-12 months to achieve the final results. However, for some people, reaching the final results can be shorter or longer.

When Can One Return to Normal Life After a Facelift?

Returning to normal life after a facelift depends on the recovery process and the type of operation. Adhering to the doctor’s advice and carefully following each recommendation accelerates the recovery process, facilitating a quicker return to everyday life. The type of operation also provides insight into when one can resume regular activities. After the surgery, patients rest for a few days, and after this resting period, they continue with their daily tasks. This timeframe encompasses the recovery process.

Is a Facelift Noticeable by Everyone?

Surgical procedures generally cause significant changes in the application area. Facelifts are performed on the most prominent part of the body. Therefore, many people can notice if someone has had this procedure done. Procedures conducted by expert surgeons usually result in positive changes. These changes, which have no negative aspects and give the person a more vibrant appearance, yield satisfying outcomes.

How Long Will My New Appearance Last After a Facelift?

Facelifts are long-lasting procedures. The permanence of the procedure can extend up to 10 or even 15 years. This period is dependent on factors affecting the durability. After the facelift, it’s crucial for the patient to care for themselves and adopt a different lifestyle. After all, halting the aging process is impossible, and as time progresses, the effect of the new appearance starts to fade. Therefore, to maintain the new look for a more extended period, one should take care and pay attention to their wellbeing.