Although facelift is perceived as a medical procedure performed due to aesthetic concerns, it also appears as a medical necessity from time to time. Today, we cannot talk about the fact that only women prefer face lift operations, which are commonly performed for aesthetic concerns. Face lift procedures, which are also very popular among men of our age, are mostly preferred to recover skin loosening and sagging on the face after a certain age.
It is not quite right to talk about an age restriction for facelift procedures, because it is sufficient for the person to feel his own face aged and to detect that the face has lost its dynamics as a result of the examination. After obesity surgery, which has become very popular today, patients lose serious weight and the sagging skin that develops on the skin disturbs individuals who have a weak and fit appearance. These patients also prefer facelift techniques.
How is Face Lift Surgery Performed?
Apart from the non-surgical and injection procedures for face lift tape and face lift, surgical face lift is also possible. If the person applies due to necessity and / or aesthetic dissatisfaction, and if deformations such as loosening and sagging are detected in the skin as a result of the examination performed by the specialist physician, it is not very difficult to eliminate these problems with facelift surgery.
With the developing technology, both the cost of such operations and the acceleration of the operation and post-operative process increase the preferences in this direction. While planning the surgery, first of all, by looking at the youth photos of the patient, it is determined how aging occurs, where and in what direction deformation occurs on the face.
There is a common belief that with facelift surgery, only the skin is stretched. However, this is not true. With an operation that will give accurate and successful results, not only the skin, but all skin layers are shaped in three dimensions. With the incision made on the skin, the connective tissues under the skin, mimic muscles and loosened tissues are intervened. With the touches made to these deep tissues under the skin, the loosened and sagging elements are moved to the places where they should be on a normal face and the existing disorders are eliminated.
One of the main questions that comes to mind regarding facelift surgeries is whether there will be any scars after the surgery. Since the facelift surgery is performed with small incisions of 1 to 2 millimeters in endoscopic methods and remaining in the hair, there is no scar image. In classical methods, these incisions heal over time and become invisible as they are located in front and behind the ear and the natural lines of the face are placed between them.
How Long is the Permanence of Face Lift Surgery?
It is extremely possible to achieve a rejuvenation result of 5 to 10 years on the face of the patient with a facelift surgery performed with a correct planning. The permanence of the effects of such surgeries to be performed by skilled hands is definitely longer than the facelift band and other methods. Although it is possible to pronounce this permanence period as 10 years under normal conditions, it is useful to underline that the main determinant of the duration is the living conditions of the person.
Factors such as excessive smoking and alcohol consumption, a stressful lifestyle, lack of sleep, staying away from sports and exercise, inadequate and problematic eating and drinking habits, and perhaps most importantly, not taking precautions against sun damage can shorten the 10-year permanence period. It is also stated that this permanence period may be prolonged in people who have adopted a quiet lifestyle, limited or completely eliminated alcohol and cigarette consumption, have the necessary sleep habits for adults, have a regular and adequate diet, regularly perform the minimum exercises our body needs, and protect themselves against sun damage. must be specified. Fulfilling personal care requirements and using laser, filler, and similar small touches under the supervision of a physician, without escaping the convenience of “Once I had an operation, I don’t need to do anything anymore”; It is in the hands of individuals as much as possible to keep the satisfactory appearance obtained as a result of the surgery as long as possible.
How Does the Post-Face Lift Process Work?
Until a while ago, patients had concerns that after facelift surgery, the face would become very swollen, bruised, and that the person would not be able to go out in public for a long time. However, these worries are no longer necessary today. Because, thanks to the developing technology in the field of plastic surgery and endoscopic surgical methods, the damage to the tissues during the operation has been minimized, and in parallel, the recovery period of the patients has visibly accelerated. While the postoperative hospital stay is usually one or two days; The patient who is discharged at the end of this period can return to his daily life directly.
If there is bruising or edema on the face, it is possible to talk about the fact that the swelling begins to decrease and the edema begins to disappear within 48 to 72 hours. After 7 to 10 days, the patient will be able to return to work. A waiting period of 1.5-2 months is required for the surgery to reach a complete result and for the face to regain its natural state.
Another post-operative concern is that the new face will be very different from the old one. “Will I be recognized by my surroundings? Will I be able to be distinguished from my photos on documents such as driver’s license and ID?” Worries like this are totally unfounded. Because the operation does not interfere with the bone structure, which is the basis of facial expression. With only the intervention on the skin, a younger, more lively appearance is achieved.
What does lift a face mean?
Facelift surgery typically involves making incisions in inconspicuous areas around the face, such as along the hairline or behind the ears, and then lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues to address sagging, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging.
The excess skin may be removed, and the remaining skin is then redraped for a more youthful appearance. Facelift surgery can also be combined with other facial procedures, such as neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, to achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Facelift surgery is typically performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon and is typically done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
The specific techniques used during a facelift can vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and the surgeon’s approach.
The goal of a facelift is to provide natural-looking results that enhance the overall appearance of the face and restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance.
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but typically involves some downtime for swelling, bruising, and healing, with results that can last for several years.
It’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine if facelift surgery is appropriate for you and to discuss the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of the procedure.
Does a face lift change your smile?
A facelift, when performed correctly by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, should not significantly alter your smile. However, there are some potential factors to consider:
Swelling: After a facelift surgery, swelling and bruising are common side effects. Swelling around the lower face, cheeks, and neck can temporarily affect the mobility and appearance of the facial muscles, including those involved in smiling. However, as the swelling subsides over time, your smile should return to normal.
Tightness: Facelift surgery involves lifting and repositioning the skin and underlying tissues, which can result in a sensation of tightness in the face. This tightness may affect your ability to smile naturally immediately after the surgery, but it should gradually resolve as the tissues settle into their new position.
Scarring: Facelift surgery typically involves incisions made along the hairline or behind the ears, which can result in scars.
While plastic surgeons strive to place incisions in inconspicuous areas and use techniques to minimize scarring, some scarring may be visible.
If scars are prominent, they could potentially affect the appearance of your smile, particularly if incisions are made near the corners of the mouth. However, most facelift scars fade over time and become less noticeable with proper healing and scar management.
It’s important to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who has a good understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics to ensure that the facelift procedure is performed in a way that preserves the natural appearance of your smile.
During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns and expectations with the surgeon and ask questions about potential effects on your smile or other facial expressions. It’s also important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for optimal healing and to communicate any changes or concerns you may have during the recovery process.
How long does a facelift last?
The longevity of a facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, can vary depending on several factors, including the surgical technique used, the individual’s age and skin quality, lifestyle choices, and overall health.
On average, a facelift can last between 5 to 10 years, although some people may experience longer or shorter durations. The results of a facelift are not permanent, as the natural aging process continues after the surgery. Over time, the effects of gravity, sun exposure, and other factors can gradually impact the appearance of the face.
It’s important to note that while a facelift can provide significant improvement in the signs of facial aging, it does not stop the aging process altogether.
However, with proper care and maintenance, such as practicing good skincare, protecting the skin from sun damage, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the results of a facelift can be prolonged.
Regular follow-up appointments with the plastic surgeon and adhering to their post-operative instructions can also help optimize the longevity of the facelift results.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate facelift technique and manage realistic expectations regarding the duration of the results based on your individual circumstances.
What is the difference between a facelift and a cheek lift?
A facelift and a cheek lift are both cosmetic surgical procedures that aim to improve the appearance of the face, but they target different areas and have distinct techniques.
Facelift: A facelift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging skin, wrinkles, and other signs of facial aging in the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck.
It typically involves making incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin, to access and lift the underlying facial tissues.
The skin is then re-draped and excess skin is removed to create a smoother, more youthful appearance. A facelift can provide comprehensive rejuvenation of the lower face and neck, addressing multiple areas of concern.
Cheek lift: A cheek lift, also known as a midface lift or a lower facelift, specifically targets the midface area, including the cheeks and nasolabial.
It involves lifting and repositioning the sagging cheek tissues to restore volume and create a more youthful contour. This procedure typically involves smaller incisions made around the hairline or inside the mouth, and may be performed in combination with other facial procedures, such as a lower eyelid lift or a facelift, to achieve a more harmonious facial rejuvenation.
In summary, while both a facelift and a cheek lift are cosmetic procedures that aim to enhance the appearance of the face, they differ in the areas they target and the techniques used.
A facelift addresses the lower two-thirds of the face, including the cheeks, jowls, and neck, while a cheek lift specifically focuses on the midface area to restore volume and improve cheek contour. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the most appropriate procedure based on your individual facial anatomy, concerns, and desired outcomes.
How painful is a face lift?
As with any surgical procedure, pain and discomfort can be expected after a facelift. However, the level of pain experienced can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as individual pain tolerance, the extent of the surgery, and the surgical technique used.
Most patients report experiencing mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain after a facelift. Pain and discomfort are typically most intense during the first few days following the surgery, and then gradually decrease over time.
It’s important to note that modern surgical techniques and anesthesia options have improved over the years, making facelift procedures generally well-tolerated by most patients. The use of local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia during the surgery can help minimize pain during the procedure itself.
In addition to pain medications, your surgeon may provide other recommendations to help manage postoperative discomfort, such as applying ice packs, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care and take any prescribed medications as directed.
It’s also worth noting that discomfort levels can vary throughout the recovery process, and most patients find that the pain diminishes significantly after the first few days.
However, it’s essential to communicate any concerns or questions about pain or discomfort to your plastic surgeon, as they can provide appropriate guidance and address any issues that may arise during the healing process.
What should I avoid after facelift?
As with any surgical procedure, pain and discomfort can be expected after a facelift. However, the level of pain experienced can vary from person to person and depends on factors such as individual pain tolerance, the extent of the surgery, and the surgical technique used.
Most patients report experiencing mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain after a facelift.
Pain and discomfort are typically most intense during the first few days following the surgery, and then gradually decrease over time. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to help manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period.
It’s important to note that modern surgical techniques and anesthesia options have improved over the years, making facelift procedures generally well-tolerated by most patients. The use of local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia during the surgery can help minimize pain during the procedure itself.
In addition to pain medications, your surgeon may provide other recommendations to help manage postoperative discomfort, such as applying ice packs, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery period.
It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care and take any prescribed medications as directed.
It’s also worth noting that discomfort levels can vary throughout the recovery process, and most patients find that the pain diminishes significantly after the first few days.
However, it’s essential to communicate any concerns or questions about pain or discomfort to your plastic surgeon, as they can provide appropriate guidance and address any issues that may arise during the healing process.
How long after facelift will I look normal?
The recovery timeline after a facelift can vary from person to person, and it’s important to keep in mind that healing and results are unique to each individual.
However, in general, most patients can expect to see noticeable improvement in their appearance and start looking more “normal” within a few weeks to a few months after their facelift surgery.
Here’s a general timeline of what you might expect during the recovery process after a facelift:
Immediately after surgery: You may experience swelling, bruising, and tightness in the facial area. Your face may appear swollen and bruised, and you may feel discomfort or pain. This is a normal part of the immediate postoperative period.
First week: Swelling and bruising typically peak during the first few days after surgery and then gradually start to subside. You may still have some residual swelling and bruising, but it may be less intense by the end of the first week.
First few weeks: Swelling and bruising continue to decrease, and you may start to feel more comfortable. However, you may still have some mild swelling and bruising, and your facial features may still appear slightly distorted or “pulled.”
First few months: Swelling continues to gradually subside, and you may start to see more natural-looking results. Your facial features should start to look more balanced and harmonious, and you may start to feel more confident with your appearance.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that full healing and final results can take several months to a year, depending on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates.
Long-term results: The final results of a facelift can be long-lasting, and you can expect to enjoy the benefits of your facelift for masny years.
However, it’s important to understand that the aging process will continue, and your face will naturally change over time. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, protecting your skin from sun damage, and following good skincare practices can help prolong the results of your facelift.
It’s crucial to be patient during the recovery process and follow your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully to optimize healing and achieve the best possible results.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the recovery timeline and final results of your facelift, as individual experiences can vary.
Your plastic surgeon will be the best resource for providing specific guidance and answering any questions or concerns you may have during the recovery process.