FACE LIFT SURGERY

WHAT METHODS ARE USED IN FACE LIFT SURGERY?

A face lift surgery aims to tighten the loose skin and support connective tissue that have loosened due to aging. During the surgery, some of the loose skin needs to be removed. Since scars will remain where the skin is removed, these scars are hidden in less visible areas. These areas include the hairline for the forehead, and around the ears for the midface and neck regions. If lower eyelid surgery is also performed, it can be done through the same incision as the midface lift. A critical aspect of a face lift is ensuring the facial nerves (facial nerve), which move the facial mimic muscles, are protected when tightening the connective tissue that supports the facial skin. These nerves branch into very fine fibers in both cheek areas and are closely associated with this connective tissue. Since there is a risk of temporary or permanent damage to these nerves during the face lift procedure, having the surgery performed by experienced hands will reduce the risk. During the face lift surgery, additional surgeries and applications such as eyelid surgeries, fat or filler injections may be required to improve the overall result. You will be informed about this during your consultation.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE FACE LIFT SURGERY

You need to be in good general health, psychologically ready for the operation, and have realistic expectations about the surgery results. During the patient examination, the plastic surgeon evaluates the patient's habits, such as alcohol, smoking, and harmful substances, as well as conditions like hypertension, heart and vascular diseases, and liver diseases. It is particularly important to stop smoking 3 weeks before the surgery; otherwise, the risk of complications increases. The surgery is planned based on the severity of deformation in the patient's face and neck, considering skin tissue, bone structure, the amount and distribution of fat, and the degree of sagging. This surgery can be combined with eyelid aesthetics. Additionally, procedures such as fat injections, PRP, filler injections, and forehead lifts can be added to this surgery. It is necessary to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, ginkgo biloba, and vitamin E at least one week before the surgery.

AGE FOR FACE LIFT SURGERY

This procedure is suitable for those who are around 40 years old or older; and for those under 40 who have sagging, fat accumulation, and folds in the neck, face, and around the lips.

ANESTHESIA METHOD AND DURATION

The surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The surgery lasts between 2-4 hours. At the end of the operation, two drains are placed in the operated area, which are removed after 24-36 hours. The patient leaves the surgery wearing a face lift corset, which should be worn for a week.

RECOVERY PROCESS AFTER FACE LIFT SURGERY

There are two different surgical methods: open and closed. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages, which are evaluated based on the patient's preoperative condition. A method is chosen according to the patient's needs. Evaluating these needs rather than the patient's request is, of course, healthier.

ANESTHESIA METHOD AND DURATION

Nose surgeries are performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The surgery lasts between 2-3 hours on average. At the end of the operation, silicone tampons are placed inside the patient's nose, and a silicone cast is placed on the nasal bridge. This is to reduce early swelling and support the newly formed nasal structure for a while to ensure it sets properly.

BRUISING, SWELLING, AND RECOVERY TIME

Postoperative stitches are usually self-dissolving, so they do not need to be removed. If there are any non-dissolving stitches, they will be removed on the 7th day. Swelling in the face begins to subside within 1-2 weeks. It is recommended to massage with moisturizers appropriately to soften the skin and reduce swelling. Pain is not usually severe and can be easily controlled with painkillers. Swelling and bruising decrease rapidly in the first few days and disappear within 2 weeks. It takes about 4-6 months for the skin to fully conform to the face.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOR FACE LIFT SURGERY

The patient needs to protect their face from physical factors. During the recovery phase, the stretched face should not be exposed to excessive movement. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated for a few weeks will help reduce swelling and protect your face. Painkillers should be used regularly when necessary. Avoid tight-necked clothing that may press on your face when dressing. Smoking should be strictly avoided for 1 month after the surgery. Smoking clogs the capillaries, affecting blood circulation in the facial capillaries post-surgery, and slows the healing process

Ebopras; European plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery qualification. As can be viewed on the official website at Ebopras.org, it is a postgraduate qualification given as a result of the written and oral exams organized once a year by the European Plastic Surgery Association. Ebopras is a Quality Recognition.

Op. Dr. Hakan TEYMUR received this certificate on 6 November 2016.