Reverse visible signs of aging by tightening underlying muscles and smoothing deep wrinkles for a dramatic rejuvenation.
Face lifting (or Rhytidectomy) is an aesthetic surgical procedure aimed at eliminating skin sagging and deep wrinkles that have formed in the facial and neck regions.
The most frequent cause of skin sagging and wrinkles is the descent of facial tissues due to gravity and the natural aging process. Similar changes in the facial region also occur following excessive weight loss.
Facelift surgery involves a multi-layered approach to rejuvenation:
Tissue Tightening: The underlying structures and muscles (often the SMAS layer) are surgically tightened and repositioned (hung up) to restore youthful contour.
Skin Redraping: The sagging skin is then gently stretched over the repositioned tissues.
Skin Removal: Excess skin is carefully trimmed and removed to achieve a smoother, firmer result.
Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners): If you are using blood-thinning drugs, you must cease use 7 to 10 days before by consulting your doctor.
Supplements: Inform your physician about all medications, nutritional supplements, and slimming teas, as some can increase bleeding risks.
Allergies: Please definitely inform your physician of any allergies toward any substance or medication.
Smoking: Patients consuming tobacco products are strongly advised to cease smoking at least three weeks before the surgery.
Alcohol: No alcohol should be consumed for one week before the surgery.
Fasting: The patient should be strictly hungry (fasting) at least six hours before the surgery.
Medical Records: Please bring all requested examinations (CT, ultrasound, mammography) with you.
Personal Preparation: Do not wear makeup, nail varnish, or jewelry/piercings, and do not bring valuables.
Face lifting surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Screenings performed before the surgery include:
Blood Analysis: To check blood levels, liver function tests, renal function tests, clotting values (coagulation tests), and screen for infectious diseases.
Imaging & Cardiac Evaluation: Pulmonary X-ray films to investigate the status of the lungs, and ECG (electrocardiography) to investigate heart rhythm and cardiac status.
Consultation: If the patient has a pre-existing medical condition, necessary tests and consultations are established to ensure there are no factors that will impede the surgery.
How long does face lifting surgery last? Face lifting surgeries last approximately two to four hours.
How many days is it necessary to be hospitalized after the face lifting surgery? (Note: This was missing in your original text, so a standard estimate is provided.) Patients are typically hospitalized for one to two days for post-operative monitoring and initial dressing changes.
How many days does the recovery period last after the face lifting surgery? Visible swelling and bruising substantially heal in about ten days after the surgery.
When can the patients return to the social life and professional life after the face lifting surgery? Since swellings and bruises largely heal after ten days, the patients may return to their normal lives after these ten days.
What is the best age for a facelift? The optimal age for a facelift is highly personalized and depends on skin elasticity, genetic structure, and the visible signs of aging.
General Range: Facelift surgery is usually performed between the ages of 40 and 60, as this is when sagging and wrinkles become evident, but the skin still retains some elasticity.
Individual Variation: Because the aging process is different for every individual, the right time should be determined according to personal needs and can range from mild interventions in the 30s to effective results even in the 60s.
Conclusion: The concept of ‘best age’ is personalized and must be determined after an evaluation with a specialist surgeon. Minimally invasive procedures should also be considered prior to major surgery.
How much scarring may persist after the face lifting surgery? Scars persist in front of and behind the ear. These scars are generally well-hidden along the natural creases of the ear and may extend into the scalp (hairline) in some people.
Is it possible to eliminate the scars of the face lifting surgery? The complete disappearance of the scars is not possible. However, since the incisions are carefully placed, the prominence of these scars decreases distinguishably as they fade over time.