Face Lift
On the face, sagging and wrinkles occur as the skin loses its elasticity due to aging over time. It will make the person look old.
In order to eliminate this unwanted image, the excess, sagging and loose skin on the face and neck is removed. The number of incisions and their locations may be different, depending on the technique the surgeon will use. It usually proceeds along the line from the temple area to the front of the ear; turns under the earlobe and reaches the scalp behind the ear. Scars are permanent, but over time these scars will lighten and become less obvious.
If the operation is performed on the area including the temple, forehead and eyebrows, upper face lift; if it is applied to the cheek and upper lip area, mid-face lift; If it is done under the chin and neck area, it is called a lower face or neck lift. Surgical intervention can be applied to each region individually or in combination.
Facelift surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. However, when local anesthesia is preferred, sedation will also be applied. The operation takes approximately 4-7 hours depending on the procedure to be performed. This is a little longer than other operations; because it is an operation that requires serious expertise and includes a lot of details.
After the surgery, when the effect of the anesthesia starts to wear off, there may be a slight pain that can be relieved with painkillers. There will also be a feeling of tension, swelling and bruising. Ice application helps to reduce these. The dressings are opened the next day and the patient is put on a neck brace. Bruising and swelling will be greatly reduced in the 1st week; The other slight swelling on the skin and the full fit of the surgery will take 4-6 months. The first results will be noticed in the 3rd week. Stitches are removed on the 5th and 7th days. You need to keep your head elevated for a few days. In general, the patient can take a bath after 3 days. Hair can be dyed after 20 days. You can return to work after 10 days. You can start long walks after 2 weeks and heavy sports after 3 weeks. Sports that impact the face should not be done for 4 weeks. Make-up can be used after the stitches are removed. After the operation, it is necessary to protect the face from the sun for a few months. For this reason, sunscreen with a high protection factor should be used when going out.
The possibility of serious bleeding after Face Lift surgery is almost negligible. It is important to use a "drain" after the operation so that small blood accumulations that may occur do not cause aesthetic problems.
Infection is rare after this surgery. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Numbness of the scalp and hair loss may also occur rarely. But the hair and the feeling will definitely come back.
It is beneficial for patients who smoke to quit at least 1 month before the surgery and not to smoke for a while after the surgery.
The point that the patient should never forget in face lift surgeries is that the surgery will not create a miracle. Undoubtedly, she will look much healthier and younger than before, but there should be no excessive expectations.