When do I need facelift?

In esthetics, non-surgical procedures are quite common. Botox, filler, radiofrequency and laser devices are at the service of many people. It is possible to manage getting older successfuly with these methods until the age of 50,  perhaps even longer in some face types. You might look younger by doing this regularly. However, after 50 years of age most people start to become effected with other obvious factors. At this stage, face lift becomes essential. Especially for the irregularities in the jaw line and in the neck area, the skin sags near the ear can also be very disturbing.

Aspirin, E Vitamin-like drugs, herbal teas should be stopped before under going facelift surgery. Smoking significantly slows wound healing, especially in the face. The use of cigarette should be stopped at least 3 weeks before surgery. Hair can be dyed 1 week before surgery. Keeping hair long helps to hide post-operative effects.

Generally special tools and materials will be used to reduce traces. In placing incisions during facelift surgery, cosmetic surgeons aim for the best combination of effectiveness and discretion. Doctors commonly make incisions above the hairline so that any scarring will be hidden. They may also follow natural facial creases (e.g., the line where the ear meets the side of the face), since these locations heal well and hide possible scarring better than other areas. If the complications described below (bleeding, infection, frequent skin lesions seen in smokers) develop, wound healing may be delayed and scars may be left.

One day after the operation, the drain is placed behind the ear to prevent the accumulation of fluid in the area. Post-operative ice application accelerates the healing process. He/she will be discharged on the 2nd day after the surgery. In one week, the stitches on the face and eyelids are removed. On the 10th day, metal seams within the hair are removed. Bathing can be done 2 days after the operation. It is normal to feel numbness in the face but that improves in about a couple of weeks. When doing makeup, use light gestures when lifting your hair. Avoid intense activities such as heavy housework, excercises or sex for at least two weeks, and avoid activities such as alcohol, steam baths and saunas for a few months. Sunscreen creams should be used regularly for up to 6 months. Swelling and bruises disappear in 3 weeks. It is usually possible to return to work in the second week.

Hemorrhage: Risk is reduced by the drain that we place next to the ear. However, this risk is of little concern in patients with hypertension. Blood that accumulates under the skin can be easily removed. Bleeding under the skin can delay healing and cause bad marks. For this reason, it is very important that blood pressure is controlled and aspirin-like drugs that increase bleeding are stopped at least 1 week in advance.

Infection: The risk of infection is generally very low. With preventive antibiotics applied before and after surgery, this risk is further reduced. In rare cases, if an infection develops, additional antibiotic therapy may be required.

Visible scarring: scars may occur due to infection or skin lesions usually encountered with smokers. Additional treatments may be needed for these scars.