Facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical method for removing facial sagging due to aging and wrinkles by stretching and hanging. However, in recent years, all interventions related to facial aging have begun to be referred to under the name of facial rejuvenation. As a person ages, the facial skin sags, wrinkles, and various spots and irregularities occur on it due to the effects of years, sun rays, daily stresses and other factors (smoking, alcohol, malnutrition). An elderly percentage; There is an image with prominent forehead lines, drooping eyebrows, drooping eyelids, bags and lines under the eyes, deep lines in the mouth-nose area, sagging cheeks, chin contours lost, neck lubrication and skin curtains. The skin has lost its vitality, sunspots and other moles have appeared, thinned and wrinkled.

During face lift surgery, nose and eyelid aesthetics, forehead correction, eyebrow lifting operations can also be added to make the face look more beautiful and younger. Injection of fillers (oil, hyaluronic acid, etc.) or peeling (mechanical, chemical, laser) for fine wrinkles and botox for wrinkles can be done.

Such surgeries may take 3-10 hours depending on the technique and what will be done. It is possible to go home the same day, but it is usually appropriate to stay in the hospital for 1 night. Additional operations (nose, eyelids, etc.) can be done in the same session. Facelift surgery is not scarless. However, these traces are not obvious as they are hidden. The scars are hidden in the scalp in the temple area, in front of and behind the ear. If the fat in the sub-chin area is removed, a 3-5 mm scar will remain under the chin. If eyelid and forehead lift is added, additional scars will remain on the eyelids and scalp on the forehead. However, these facial scars are mostly invisible and can be hidden.

After surgery

Early period after surgery usually passes on at ease. There may be a general swelling and bruising on the face, numbness and a feeling of tension. Since the facial nerves may be mildly affected by anesthesia during the surgery, there may be mild asymmetries on the face. These go away on their own in 3-5 days. A head wrap and cold pads are applied to the cheeks, leaving the eyes, nose and mouth open. In order to prevent the accumulation of blood in the tissue, silicone pipes called drains can be placed. The resistors are withdrawn within 2 days at the latest. The dressing is completely opened after 2-3 days. General inspection and dressing change is made. Hair can be washed during this period. If the stitches are not dissolving type, they are removed after 5-7 days.

Back to normal life

It gives good results if it is performed in accordance with the surgical technique. Rarely, second corrections may be necessary. From the 2nd day after the operation, the patient can stand up and do his homework. After a week, the patient can return to work and put on make-up after the swelling subsides. It is recommended to avoid heavy exercises and excessive sunlight for 2 months and to protect it from external impacts. The newly formed shape of the face and neck skin lasts for 5-10 years, sometimes for a lifetime, depending on the person’s structure and environmental conditions.