Full facelift with surgery
Face Lift (Rhytidectomy) — Surgical and Non-Surgical Methods
A facelift, or face lifting procedure, can be performed both surgically and non-surgically. The main goal of a facelift is to restore the elasticity of the skin, eliminate sagging, and rejuvenate the facial appearance. Surgical facelift is an aesthetic procedure designed to create a younger look. This method can significantly improve deep wrinkles on the cheeks, around the lips, and along the jawline.
It is completely natural for people to find the signs of aging on their face unpleasant and sometimes worrying.
What is a Face Lift Surgery?
The primary goal of facelift surgery is facial rejuvenation. Many people who experience loose or wrinkled facial skin may feel less confident. A young and lively facial appearance not only enhances personal beauty but also boosts the individual’s morale and energy.
All humans instinctively seek to maintain beauty and youth, which is why rejuvenation methods have a long history and many different approaches exist — from home remedies, medications, massages, to surgical facelift, and less invasive procedures. While these less invasive techniques can temporarily correct facial sagging, surgical facelift is generally more effective and longer-lasting, considered almost a permanent solution. Facelift surgeries employ various techniques such as Mini-lift and Classic lift, according to the degree of skin laxity.
During facelift surgery, excess skin from the sides of the cheeks, neck, and forehead is lifted. This frequently changes the position of the eyes and eyebrows as well, resulting in a younger and fresher face. Facelift surgery may also involve lifting the forehead, eyebrows, cheeks, or jawline, and, if necessary, may be combined with neck lift procedures.
Main Applications of Facelift Surgery
Facelift surgery can bring remarkable and noticeable changes to the face. All age-related changes, environmental damage (like direct sunlight), loose tissues, and loss of facial fat can be reduced or even eliminated through facelift. Other contributing factors to skin aging include significant weight loss, internal stress, and genetic predisposition.
The key achievements of a facelift surgery include:
- Correcting sagging cheeks
- Tightening facial skin
- Preserving cheek prominence
- Correcting drooping corners of the mouth and lips
- Removing excess skin on the jawline
- Reducing deep wrinkles from the sides of the nose (“smile lines”) and under the cheeks
- Eliminating neck skin sagging and fat (if combined with a neck lift)
How is a Facelift Done?
This surgery is performed through very fine incisions around the face, and the scars usually fade over time and become barely noticeable. The main goal is to remove sagging skin and restore a fresh look.
Incision locations:
- Around the ears and along the natural curve of the ear
- At the temples, with an incision length of about 4 cm
- Along and behind the ear, with scars fading post-surgery
- For severe neck sagging, a small incision under the chin may be made
Are Eyelid and Brow Surgeries Included?
No, eyelid surgery and brow lifts are separate cosmetic procedures. Some believe these are all performed together, but usually, they are done separately. However, they may be combined if required, often with an endoscopic brow lift or upper/lower blepharoplasty, depending on the patient’s needs as determined during consultation.
Stages of Facelift Surgery
- Usually performed under anesthesia. If anesthesia is unsafe, local anesthesia might be used.
- Incision: Areas to be incised are carefully marked, and the type and extent of cuts depend on the amount of skin sagging.
- Mini lifts require smaller incisions (for mild sagging)
- Classic lifts use longer incisions, usually hidden around the hairline and behind the ears
- Skin and tissue lifting: Loose fat or tissue may be removed or repositioned. The skin is then tightened and sutured in place. Excess skin is trimmed away.
- Suturing: Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures are used, and, if non-absorbable, stitches will be removed after a scheduled period.
Who Needs a Facelift?
Facelift is ideal for men and women dissatisfied with facial skin aging and sagging, especially:
- Those with moderate or advanced facial or neck sagging
- Those with excess neck fat
- People with significant weight loss and apparent facial or neck aging
Post-Operative Care for Facelift
- Have plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities. Swelling is normal after facelift surgery, and keeping your head elevated helps reduce it.
- Swelling is often most pronounced around the eyes and persists for the first three days, then gradually subsides. Apply cold compresses and keep your head up (semi-sitting position).
- Swelling and bruising may last for 2 to 3 weeks, with minor remaining swelling resolving over time.
- Choose soft foods after surgery and avoid spicy, hot, or hard foods.
- After the fourth day, daily bathing is allowed (avoid hot water and saunas).
- Avoid any intense activities, lifting, or bending for at least 2 weeks.
- Real results become evident in 6-9 months post-surgery.
- Walking (not strenuous exercise) should start early to speed up healing and prevent blood clots.
- Avoid salty foods, especially at night, and do not consume fast food and fizzy drinks.
- Take medications regularly as prescribed.
- Have post-operative check-ups in the first week, and stitches are usually removed two weeks after the surgery.
- Avoid chewy foods and start with liquids and soft foods. Keep your salt intake low.
- Driving is not recommended as long as you need painkillers.
- Avoid heavy exercise for 3-6 weeks after the surgery.
- Maintain a stable weight for the best outcome. Scars will fade over time, and final results are visible after one year.