We can't stop aging, can we? When you look in the mirror, do you feel like your facial skin is sagging a little, your cheeks are drooping a little, or you have a chin under your chin? It's normal to feel a little sad and frustrated because of these signs of aging. So, a 'facelift' is something that many people are talking about and interested in as a solution to this. Let's talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
What exactly is a facelift?
Simply put, a facelift is a surgical procedure. In medical terms, it is also called a ``Rhytidectomy''. This procedure is done to reduce the signs of aging on your face and neck, giving you a more youthful, refreshed appearance. It may involve removing or reshaping skin, fat, or muscle.
A facelift can solve problems like these:
- Sagging and sagging facial skin.
- Deep wrinkles running from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
- The fat in the cheeks has decreased and the cheeks appear to have sunken .
- The sagging skin on the sides of the jaw is what we call 'jowls' .
- Sagging skin on the neck and the accumulation of extra fat create the appearance of a 'double chin' .
But there's one thing to keep in mind: A facelift cannot completely change your appearance or stop aging. It also cannot treat sunburned skin, superficial wrinkles, or skin discoloration.
Are there types of facelifts?
Yes, absolutely. Because everyone's face and needs are different, there are several types of facelifts. Your doctor will help you choose the type that best suits you.
| Facelift type | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Traditional Facelift | This is a complete facelift. Incisions are made around the ears and along the hairline, the muscles under the skin are tightened, and excess skin and fat are removed. This is suitable for people with very aging facial features. |
| SMAS Facelift | The focus here is on the lower part of the face. The SMAS is a layer of muscle in the face. This is tightened and excess skin is removed from the cheeks and lower face. |
| Deep Plane Facelift | In this procedure, the skin, fat, and SMAS muscle layer are lifted and reshaped as a single unit. Multiple areas of the face can be treated at the same time. |
| Mid-Facelift | This mainly targets the cheek area. It repositions fat in the cheeks and tightens the skin. |
| Mini-Facelift | This is a small, quick procedure. It is often recommended for relatively young people who have just started to lose their lower face and neck. |
| Cutaneous (Skin) Facelift | This does not affect the muscles. It only tightens the skin and removes excess tissue. It is mainly done on the neck and lower face. |
Other treatments performed along with a facelift
Often, a facelift is combined with other treatments to achieve a more youthful appearance.
- Eyelid surgery `(Blepharoplasty)`
- Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
- Facial implants
- Brow lift reduces forehead wrinkles
- Dermal fillers (injections)
- Jawline rejuvenation
- Chemical peel or laser skin treatment
Who is suitable for this surgery?
Generally, to be eligible for this surgery, the following must be met:
- You must be in good physical health and not have any medical conditions that could affect wound healing.
- You should be a non-smoker . Smoking greatly hinders wound healing.
- You need to have good mental health and realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.
The best results are achieved by those between the ages of 40-60, who have visible signs of aging on their face but still have some elasticity in their skin.
What happens when you go to see the doctor?
Since this is a very personal surgery, it is very important to discuss everything openly with the doctor.
Things you should talk to your doctor about
- What you expect from this surgery, your goals.
- Your illnesses and allergies.
- About the medications, vitamins, alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs you are currently using.
- About previous surgeries.
What is the doctor checking?
- Your overall physical and mental health is checked.
- Explains to you about facelift options.
- They will examine your face, take measurements, and take photos with your consent.
- Recommends the type of surgery that is right for you.
- Talks about the results, risks, and possible complications of the surgery.
- Explains the method of performing anesthesia.
How do you prepare before surgery?
Your doctor may advise you to:
- Get a medical test, such as a blood test.
- Stop or change some medications you are currently taking.
- Stop smoking completely.
- Avoid taking medications that increase bleeding, such as aspirin.
It is essential to arrange for someone to take you home after surgery and someone to stay with you for at least the first couple of days.
Let's prepare for the time of recovery at home.
Prepare these things at home before surgery:
- Gauze, clean towel.
- A phone you can keep near where you rest.
- The creams recommended by the doctor.
- Comfortable clothes with buttons in the front.
- A thermometer to check the temperature.
What happens after the surgery and what are the risks?
After the surgery, your face will be bruised and swollen. This may last for two to three weeks. You will be bandaged for the first few days, and you may have small tubes (drains) inserted to help drain the blood.
Like any surgery, a facelift carries some risks, but these are very rare.
- Problems related to anesthesia.
- Infection.
- Wound healing problems.
- Blood accumulation at the surgical site (Hematoma).
- Change in skin sensation or numbness.
- Facial nerve injury.
- Temporary or permanent hair loss in the areas where the incisions were made.
- Scarring.
The most important thing is that the results of this surgery usually last about 7-10 years. After that, you will continue to age. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon .
If something like this happens, call the doctor immediately!
If you experience any of these symptoms after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately:
- If the bandage is so wet that it is bleeding and coming off.
- If there is excessive swelling .
- If you get a fever .
- If something like pus comes out of the cuts.
- If there is severe pain .
- If the stitches break before the day of cutting the stitches.
Since cosmetic surgery is not usually covered by insurance, you will have to pay for it yourself. So be sure to discuss the costs with your doctor upfront.
Take-Home Message
- A facelift only reduces the signs of aging and gives a younger look. It cannot stop aging.
- The results are not permanent. They usually last about 7-10 years.
- This is a serious decision, so think carefully and choose a qualified, experienced doctor.
- Have realistic expectations about what you will get from the surgery. Discuss everything openly with the doctor.
- To achieve the best results and ensure safety, follow all pre- and post-surgery instructions carefully.
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