This is due to the deformities in facial skeleton and soft tissues, loss of soft tissue support, and cumulative effect of gravity. This shift mostly affects the tissue layer beneath the facial skin, which contains fatty tissue, some ligaments and mimic muscles. The changes in this layer lead to deepening of some previously existing lines, and distortion of facial contours, jawlines and neck contours. With the addition of fine wrinkles and superficial skin irregularities, the “old” looking face effect becomes inevitable.

The aging face is rejuvenated by dealing with each deformity separately, and finding specific solutions for every single component of the problem. Modern face lifting techniques aim to reposition the facial anatomic structures to their original (youth) positions, rather than just tightening the facial skin. An incision which is located just anterior to the ear and sometimes extends behind the earlobe is used for exposure to these anatomic structures. This incision is almost invisible in the long term. In the post-operative period, the swelling and bruising of the face will heal in a week, and the patient can return to daily social life. The results will start to settle within a few months.

Face-lifting is generally performed in combination with eyelid correction (blepharoplasty).

What are the age-related changes in the face? How do they happen?

Most common age – related changes are deepening of some previously existing lines, distortion of facial contours, jawlines and neck curves. Age – related changes are simply the deformities in facial skeleton and soft tissues due to loss of soft tissue support, and cumulative effect of gravity. As a result of deflation and loss of flexibility within the course of aging, facial structures and volume tend to shift downwards.

What are the key points of aesthetic approach to the ageing face?

The aging face is rejuvenated by dealing with each deformity separately, and finding specific solutions for every single component of the problem. Generally, facial deformities are examined in three levels: upper face, midface, and lower face. Usually all three levels are affected from the process of ageing. While planning a facelift, all three levels should be carefully diagnosed, and a harmonious change in all levels should be considered. The most important principle for a facelift to be successful, is to stick with the original anatomy of the patient instead of converting him/her to someone else. Rsted, fresher, happier, younger, but still the same person!. Just like all the other aesthetic operations, the biggest enemy of success is extremity in a facelift plan.

What does a face-lift aim? What to expect?

Modern face lifting techniques aim to reposition the facial anatomic structures to their original (youth) positions, rather than just tightening the facial skin. Immediately under the skin, there is a layer of tissue called SMAS. This layer consists of fatpads, mimic muscles, suspension ligaments, and membranous structures, and the facial sagging mainly occurs in this layer. It’s impossible for a facelift to be succesful without SMAS restoration. On the other hand, the volume distribution in the face should be revised. Fat injection/removal and some implants may be used for this purpose.

What are the types of face-lifting?

There are numrous kinds of a face-lift procedure, such as lower face lift, neck lift, forehead lift, midface lift, temporal lift, mini facelift and total facelift. One or more of these techniques can be used depending on the patient’s needs. Over 50 years of age, total facelifts adressing all levels are generally preferred.

How is a face-lift performed? How long does it take?

Face – lifting operations requires hospital conditions and takes 2-8 hours depending on the extent of the operation.

How long do I stay at the hospital? When can I get back to work/daily life?

Depending on your condition and the extent of the operation, you may stay in hospital for 1-2 days but it’s possible to get you home in the same day. Your bruises and swelling will last for 7-10 days. You can go back to normal daily life after 7 days.

I live outside the city/country. How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?

You may stay in İstanbul for 10 days to have your stitches removed and be fully recovered.

Can any additional operations be performed simultaneously with a face-lift?

Face-lifting is generally performed in combination with eyelid correction (blepharoplasty). Also, procedures like nose-jobs, chin surgery etc can be added to the plan.

My main problem is in my neck. What should I do?

Problems in the neck area can be solved with neck lift operations or less invasive techniques like liposuction, according to the severity of the deformity. Surgery should not be employed when it’s not absolutely necessary. On the contrary, it should definitely be done when there is an absolute indication. Struggling to solve a surgical problem with less invasive methods will end up with nothing but loss of time&money.