Face Lift Surgery

What is Face-Lift?

Face lift surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that corrects the signs of aging in the face and neck area. The aim of the surgery is to tighten the skin, stretch the facial muscles and give the facial features a younger, fresh and natural appearance. Facelift surgery is aimed at eliminating problems such as sagging, wrinkles and looseness due to the aging process.

The following procedures are usually performed during facelift surgery:

Skin Tightening: The skin surface is tightened, excess skin can be removed and stretched.

Muscle Stretching: Facial muscles are stretched and tightened. This makes facial features look younger.

Adipose Tissue Arrangement: Fat tissue can be removed or reshaped when necessary during surgery.

Facial Surgery Techniques: Different techniques can be used, such as traditional face lift, SMAS (Subcutaneous Aponeurosis System) techniques, minimally invasive methods. Which method to use may vary depending on the patient's needs and the surgeon's preferences.

As a result of facelift surgery, a younger, fresher and lifted appearance is obtained. However, results may differ from person to person and signs of aging may slowly return over the course of the surgery.

Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or sedation. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising and mild pain are normal during the post-operative recovery period. The recovery process may vary depending on the general health condition of the person, the complexity of the surgery and the techniques used.

If you are considering facelift surgery, it is important to meet with a plastic surgeon and discuss your expectations in detail, as well as the potential risks and consequences of the surgery.

What are Face-Lift Surgery Techniques?

There are different techniques of face lift surgery. These techniques may vary according to the patient's needs, skin structure, and the surgeon's preferences. Here are some commonly used facelift surgery techniques:

Traditional Face Lift: This technique is generally preferred for patients who experience more sagging and wrinkles. The skin incisions extend from the back of the ear to the hairline and may also include a section that extends to the back of the face. The facial muscles and underlying tissue (SMAS) are also stretched. With this technique, sagging in the upper, middle and lower parts of the face is corrected.

SMAS Face Lift (SMAS Face Lift): SMAS (Subcutaneous Aponeurosis System) techniques target a layer of facial muscle and connective tissue. This technique aims to achieve more natural and long-lasting results. With SMAS stretching, the skin is fixed to deeper and more durable tissue.

Minimally Invasive Face Lift: These techniques aim to tighten the face using a less invasive approach. It includes endoscopic techniques or methods that work with small incisions. These techniques are generally preferred to correct lighter sagging and the recovery time is shorter.

Lower Face Lift: This technique usually targets sagging and wrinkles in the jaw line and neck area. Lower face lift surgery is used to correct sagging in the areas between the chin and neck.

Mid Face Lift: A mid face lift targets the area between the cheekbones and the sides of the nose. This technique aims to correct sagging and wrinkles in the mid-face area.

Neck Lift: This technique is often used to correct sagging and fat deposits in the neck area. Neck lift can be performed together with or separately from facelift surgery.

It is important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine which facelift surgery technique is best suited for your situation. Considering your skin structure, signs of aging and your wishes, the technique that can achieve the best result for you should be determined.

What should be considered after the Face-Lift operation?

After face lift surgery, there are some important points that you should pay attention to in order to preserve the result of the surgery, speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications. Here are some general recommendations that you should pay attention to after facelift surgery:

Rest and Recovery: Get adequate rest in the post-operative period. Avoid heavy physical activities and move as your doctor recommends.

Cold Application: You can apply an ice pack or cold compress in the first days to reduce swelling and bruising after the surgery.

Suture Care: If sutures have been used, maintain suture care as recommended by your doctor. Be aware of when the stitches will be removed.

Head Position: You can reduce swelling and bruising by keeping your head elevated for the first few days.

Special Bandage or Bra: Use the special bandage or bra as recommended by your doctor. This can support the healing process.

Medication Use: Use the painkillers and medications recommended by your doctor regularly. This can help you keep the pain under control.

Nutrition and Hydration: Pay attention to a healthy diet and make sure you drink enough water. This can support the healing process.

Smoking and Alcohol: Limit or quit smoking and alcohol use in the post-operative period if possible. This can positively affect the healing process.

Doctor Controls: Do not forget to go to the doctor's controls regularly after the surgery. Your doctor will monitor your recovery and make recommendations if needed.

Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from sunlight after surgery.

Psychological Support: Emotional difficulties may be experienced after the surgery. It is important to seek psychological support when necessary.

Make-up and Skin Care: You can start using make-up and skin care products at the time recommended by your doctor.

Although there is usually a rapid recovery after facelift surgery, every patient is different and the recovery process may vary. Strictly following your doctor's recommendations will help you to preserve the outcome of the surgery in the best way possible and to minimize possible risks.

Your facelift recovery explained from Day 1 to Day 30

Facelift recovery Week 1

During this time, you must make sure you are following postoperative incision care and keeping them clean to prevent infection.

Day 1. After surgery, you may feel unsteady and sleepy. You should have set up support from family and friends to drive you home and care for you on your first night home. Day one is usually when you most need pain medication to stay on top of discomfort.

Day 2. Your surgeon will schedule a follow-up visit around this time. They will remove or change your surgical dressings and evaluate your incisions and swelling. If everything looks good and normal, the surgeon will re-dress the area, review postoperative care once again and send you on your way.

Day 3. Rest is recommended for this day, but you should start to feel better and want to move around some. Bruising and swelling usually reach their height around day 3 and 4, but both will likely be present for several additional weeks. Continue to take medication if you experience discomfort.

Days 4-6. By this time, most people no longer need prescription pain medication. You should start to see the swelling go down. You should also start feeling more comfortable moving about. Doing light housework is often permitted if you feel well enough.

Facelift recovery Week 2

Days 7-14. During this week you’ll likely still have some swelling and bruising around the affected areas. Swelling and bruising can also cause some people to experience some numbness, tingling and tightness. These are all common occurrences after a facelift and should not cause concern. At the end of the second week post-surgery, many people are feeling like themselves and ready to return to work and begin doing light activities like walking.

Facelift recovery Weeks 3 and 4

Days 15-30. Removal of your sutures may occur anywhere from the end of week one to week three and depend on your particular procedure as well as your healing process. At weeks 3 and 4, you still may have some residual swelling and tightness, but for the most part, will start looking and feeling much better. Here is where patients often begin to see real improvements in their facial contour. By this time, you can get back to exercising and enjoying activities without people noticing much, if any, outward signs of your procedure. Incision sites will have a pinkish-red hue but this should fade with time.

What to expect after Day 30

After the one-month postoperative mark, you should be back to doing normal activities and enjoying life with your new look. It can take up to one year for very minor swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness to reside, but those typically are only noticeable to you.

Keep in mind that the above timeframes only represent very general timeframes. Everyone will have a unique experience, and you should always follow the directions provided by your plastic surgeon. People who do their research, take the necessary precautions and follow their surgeon’s post-op care instructions usually have the easiest recoveries and the best outcomes. It's important to communicate with your surgeon throughout the entire process. Ask questions and let them know if you are experiencing any symptoms that you feel are out of the ordinary.