It is an operation performed to improve the natural ageing problems of the face such as excess skin, sagging (turkey neck, jowls etc), deep grooves and wrinkles.

How is face lift surgery performed?

In facelift surgery, the deeper layer (e.g. SMAS) is stretched and fixed, and the excess tissue is removed along with the excess skin. The natural contour of the face is restructured, giving the face a youthful appearance by hanging the cheek tissue upwards.

It is an operation that can be performed under general anesthesia and should take only 3 - 3.5 hours in experienced hands (this is a surgical intervention that requires expertise in aesthetic surgery). Excess skin is removed, the sagging tissues underneath (facial SMAS, orbicularis oculi muscle around the eyes) are stretched.

Who are the candidates for surgery?

Anyone, who has significant wrinkles, sagging and loosening problems in the face area, and who has a hereditary excessive sagging skin can consider this operation. A deep line or a fold running from the corner of your nose to the corner of your mouth, jowls, loss of a jaw line definition, deep wrinkles in the cheeks and sagging of the “highlight” areas of the cheekbones, and loose skin, wrinkles, vertical “cords” or excess fatty tissue in the neck are all indications of a face lift operation.

How is it decided which method to apply in face lift surgery?

According to the patient's examination findings, endoscopic, open or endo-open combined methods can be preferred. For example, open procedure may be preferred for excessive sagging on the face, because the SMAS tissue should be suspended, and the excess skin should be removed. It is not scientific to advocate only one method, patient-specific planning is essential. 

How long does the effect of face lift surgery last?

Its effect is said to last for 5-15 years (average 10 years). It should be taken into consideration that genetic factors, smoking, etc. use, stress, daily living conditions affect the duration of the result. However, you should look better than if you had not contemplated surgery after 10 years of your surgery.

Which operations can be performed together with face lift surgery?

The face is composed of different aesthetic units. Combined operations are often preferred to improve the problems of each unit and to obtain the harmony among them. Ancillary procedures are often added. These include upper lip lift, ear lobe reduction, eyelid elevation, perioral dermabrasion etc.  

How long is hospital stay after facelift surgery?

Usually, 1 night of hospitalization is adequate.

Can non-surgical methods be an alternative to facelift surgery?

Since non-surgical methods have a limited effect on the face, although generally helpful, they are not an alternative to surgery. We often recommend these ancillary methods after the surgical procedure. We recommend radiofrequency facial rejuvenation with FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved machines to our patients from the 3rd month after the operation, so we aim to take the effect of the operation even further. Some of ther supportive methods are PRP, mesotherapy, creams etc.

Will there be any scars after facelift surgery?

A certain degree of scarring remains in almost all surgical methods. However, in facelift operations, it is aimed to hide the scars in places such as the hairline, under the chin, in front of and behind the ears. It is expected that the visibility of these scars will decrease with time. According to the genetic structure of the skin, the severity of these scars varies from person to person. 

What should be considered before facelift surgery?

Those with chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory problems etc.) should ask their doctors for pre-operative medication regulation.Patients who use regular medication due to chronic disease should continue to take their medications regularly and should go to the control and ensure that all values ​​are at normal levels. The use of blood thinners, substances, and food supplements such as fish oil should be discontinued 10 days in advance.The results of internal medicine consultation at least 3 months ago are required for patients with chronic diseases. 

How often should check-ups be after facelift surgery?

Since patients generally are advised to come for control on the 3rd and 7th days, patients coming from outside the city and abroad should stay in the city for at least 7-10 days. 

What is the recovery process like after facelift surgery?

The results of the surgery and the feeling of tightness on the skin will be noticed immediately. Facial edema and bruising are expected. Swelling (edema) begins to gradually decrease after the 3rd day. All sutures are removed within 7 days of surgery. Although it varies from person to person, it usually takes 4-6 months for complete recovery and facial shape. 

What should be considered during the recovery process of face lift surgery?

It is important not to spend a long time in the sun, go out with sunscreen and not to be exposed to direct sun rays. Make-up can be done after 2 weeks and hair care can be done after 4 weeks. Using cosmetic skin care products for 1 month should be avoided, peeling and scrubbing should be strictly avoided. 

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

It should not be forgotten that every surgical intervention carries a risk. Complications of facelift surgery include bleeding, infection, suture reactions, and wound dehiscence, skin sloughing (smokers), which are generally seen in all surgical procedures.(For detailed information about complications; https://www.plasticsurgery.org)