A facelift, also known as facial plastic surgery, is referred to as aesthetic surgery in different countries. During the procedure, specialists correct the contours of the face and reduce signs of aging, such as sagging and loose skin. The surgery also involves removing excess skin from the neck.
The first and most important stage is anesthesia. Anesthesia, which can be administered either intravenously or as general anesthesia, is necessary to ensure maximum comfort for the patient. The choice of anesthesia depends on personal preference and the complexity of the procedure.
The style of incisions depends on the type of facial surgery. For example, in the case of temple lifting, the incision is made in the temple area. Through this incision, the skin that is hanging around the eyes is removed, which opens up the eyes, raises the edges of the eyebrows, and eliminates shallow wrinkles. This type of incision and facelift is often combined with the removal of sagging skin around the eyelids, known as blepharoplasty.
The middle portion of the face is also included when performing facial skin tightening. In this instance, the cheekbones and nasolabial folds can be stretched thanks to the incisions made in the upper cheek region.
There is another option, known as Mendelssohn's technique, in which incisions are made in the lower third of the face, allowing for the stretching of the neck and plastic lifting of the lower part of the face.
If necessary, surgeons may also perform a circular facelift. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, the operation can last from 1 to 4 hours. In this case, the patient receives general anesthesia.
Thus, facial plastic surgery includes various types of incisions, the choice of which depends on the type of facelift and the patient's preferences.
In order to give the skin a more youthful appearance, surgeons also perform tissue manipulation during a facelift, which involves lifting and moving the underlying skin tissues. In order to create a natural appearance, extra skin is also removed at this point.
After completing the surgical procedure, surgeons close all incisions using sutures or skin adhesives. In the case of sutures, surgeons use special threads designed to connect the skin and its underlying tissues. Depending on the type, these threads are either removed by the doctor or absorbed naturally during skin regeneration.
In the case of skin adhesives, only materials specific to the skin are used. They are designed to hold incisions together and secure them while they heal. After healing, they do not need to be removed, as they disappear like absorbable sutures.
During both procedures, surgeons use a special technique to close the incisions and minimize the risk of scarring. In this process, surgeons smooth both sides of the cut skin and use only fine sutures (also known as micro sutures) or skin adhesives to keep the incisions free from additional stress.
After surgery, the patient may notice some swelling and bruising, which should heal completely within a few weeks. It is recommended to apply ice to the swollen areas and keep the head elevated to help reduce swelling and bruising.
Results become more visible after the final healing, when general facial swelling has subsided. However, changes can be noticed 4 to 6 months after the operation, and the final result can be evaluated only after 12 months.
Although the results of a surgical facelift are long-lasting, they are not permanent because of ongoing aging. Stated differently, skin that has been surgically stretched over the years can be re-stretched to get rid of sagging areas.
Following a facelift, the skin appears more elastic, free of wrinkles and sagging, with more defined contours and a younger, healthier appearance.
A surgical facelift is a comprehensive aesthetic intervention aimed at removing sagging skin and wrinkles. Since it is a type of surgery, Medines Medical Center performs it by qualified surgeons and other specialists for excellent results.
