Facelift

What Are the Different Types of Facelift?

The facelift procedure has different variations in itself. The most appropriate choice among these is determined by the specialist surgeon according to the patient’s face anatomy, skin tightness level and the patient’s wishes. Each procedure is patient-specific. Below are the different facelift techniques and their explanations.

 

1. Skin Only Facelift

Facelift has been applied in different ways since the beginning of 1900s. This method is also known as cutaneous face lift and requires less incision than other techniques. It is a skin-only procedure and the level of tightening is slightly thinner than the new methods. However, it has the advantages of low risk and rapid recovery.

 

2. Traditional Facelift (SMAS)

Although SMAS, which is accepted as a traditional method, is more complex than other techniques, it has a long-lasting effect. This technique is based on the manipulation of muscles just below the skin, known as the superficial muscle-aponeurotic system. The muscle group referred to herein is directly related to the formation of facial expression.

For the application of the technique, an incision is made starting from the hairline to the earlobe. After the skin is removed, the underlying muscles and tissues are tightened. This allows them to adopt their new positions.

 

3. Deep Plane Lift

It can be said that it is a technique that goes one step further than the traditional method. It is a method developed for people with severe wrinkles and sagging and is usually applied to older patients. In addition to the adjustment of the SMAS layer, the muscles that are deeper are also adjusted. Although it is much more effective than the traditional method, the surgeon who will perform this procedure should have a very good level of expertise. Otherwise, there is a possibility of damage to the nerves in the face.

 

4. Mini Facelift

This method involves a partial face lift. It is a more invasive method and its cost is low. However, it should be known that their effects are limited.

 

Stages of Facelift Surgery

The steps followed in the facelift procedure are as follows.

 

1. Anesthesia

With general anesthesia, it is ensured that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure.

 

2. Incisions

In the second stage of the procedure, incisions will be made by your surgeon to the hairline on both sides of your head. Depending on the procedure, the incisions may extend up to the anterior part of the ear, the bottom of the earlobe and the rear part of the ear. In addition, if the operation is to be performed on the jaw line, incision will be performed here, as well.

 

3. Lifting

The skin is pulled backwards and upwards to remove excess skin.

 

4. Suturing the Skin

The skin repositioned to its new position is sutured.

 

5. Bandaging

Bandage is applied to the face to reduce swelling and bruising to the lowest level.

What Should Be Considered in Facelift Surgery?

There are some tasks that should be done by the patient for the facelift to be successful. Some of them can be listed as:

• You must stop smoking at least 2 weeks before the operation. This will make it easier for the operation to achieve success and long-lasting results.
• Your doctor will give you some advice before surgery. You must follow all of these.
• You can bring a headscarf and wide sunglasses to the clinic to hide bruises and swelling that may occur after surgery.
• Ask your doctor how long you will avoid eating and drinking before the surgery and act accordingly.
• Find someone to accompany you after surgery.
• Obtain 2-3 weeks leave off from work as you will need to rest and expect bruises and swellings to pass after 2-3 weeks of surgery.
• Do not bring your valuable belongings and jewelry when you come to the clinic.
• Remove your false nails and nail polishes and come to the clinic as there is a possibility of a pulse monitor on your finger during surgery.

 

Recovery Period

Swelling and bruising will occur on your face after surgery. They usually recover within 2-3 weeks. Never forget, however, that patients’ recovery times vary.

Sutures can be removed within 5-7 days, while a significant percentage of the patients may return to work at the end of two weeks. As time passes, bruising and swelling will decrease. The recovery after the facelift procedure is slower than other operations. At this point, there is no need to worry.

 

What Should I Expect from Facelift Surgery?

People suffering from sagging and wrinkles on their face may experience psychological traumas due to this condition. Looking older than they really are also affects people’s self-confidence negatively. Facelift procedure may be preferred to eliminate these conditions. Before this procedure, you should discuss your questions with your doctor and provide the exact information requested by the doctor. This not only determines whether you comply with this procedure, but also makes your expectations more realistic.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and you may feel tired and sleepy after the operation. After a while, you will feel pain after anesthesia loses its effect. Thanks to the painkillers prescribed by your doctor, you can overcome this process without any problems.

After the procedure, you will feel numbness on some areas of your face. This is extremely normal. This situation will diminish and disappear. Some patients may need several weeks and others may require several months to completely disappear. Most of the bruises on the face will pass within 2 weeks. Note that you should wait for at least 6-9 months to get the final results.

Before & After Photos

You can examine the successful results closely by comparing the pre- and post-photographs of our patients with Facelift surgery in our clinic. These results will help you in your decision-making process.