Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Treatment

Facelift Surgery (Rhytidectomy)

Facelift surgery is a surgical procedure performed to reduce the sagging and laxity that develop in the facial tissues over time and to restore more defined facial contours. Also known as rhytidectomy, this operation is planned primarily to address signs of aging in the cheeks, jawline, and lower face.

With age, the skin can lose elasticity, the supporting tissues of the face can loosen, and the distribution of facial fat can change. These changes may cause the cheeks to descend and the jawline to lose its definition. The goal of a facelift is to address these changes in line with each person’s facial anatomy and expectations.

What Is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift is an aesthetic surgical procedure that involves repositioning the soft tissues of the face and, when necessary, removing excess skin. It does not target the skin surface alone; depending on the chosen technique, the supporting tissues beneath the skin are also addressed.

The extent of the surgery is determined by the areas of sagging and the individual’s needs. If there is also laxity in the neck, the procedure can be planned together with a neck lift.

A facelift alone does not eliminate every sign of aging. Skin spots, fine surface wrinkles, and changes in skin texture may require other treatments. In addition, the surgery does not stop the natural aging process.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Facelift surgery may be considered for people who have noticeable facial sagging, whose general health is suitable for surgery, and who have realistic expectations about the results.

During the consultation, the following points are examined in particular:

• Tissue sagging in the cheeks and lower face.
• Loss of definition along the jawline.
• Skin laxity and excess skin.
• Changes in the neck area.
• The bone structure of the face and the distribution of soft tissue.
• Health conditions and smoking habits that may affect healing.

Candidacy for surgery is not determined by age alone. The condition of the tissues, medical history, and personal expectations are evaluated together. The presence of conditions that could impair healing may require the treatment plan to be modified or the surgery to be postponed.

What Are the Facelift Techniques?

Different surgical approaches can be used in facelift surgery. Terms such as “mini facelift” usually describe the extent of the procedure, whereas terms such as SMAS and deep plane refer to the tissue layers being treated and the surgical approach.

There is no single ideal facelift technique for every patient. The technique is chosen based on examination findings, not on the name or popularity of a method.

Evaluation Before Facelift Surgery

During the preoperative consultation, the face and neck are evaluated together. The changes that concern the patient, the results they expect, and the extent to which surgery can meet those expectations are discussed.

Previous surgeries, chronic illnesses, regularly used medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements should be disclosed to the physician. Information about any previous fillers, thread lifts, or other facial procedures should also be provided.

The necessary tests and anesthesia evaluation are arranged according to the patient’s health status and the scope of the planned procedure. The physician will explain the preparation process regarding smoking and nicotine use. Medications, especially blood thinners, should not be stopped or changed without the advice of the relevant physicians.

How Is Facelift Surgery Performed?

Facelift surgery is performed under appropriate surgical conditions and anesthesia. General anesthesia or, for suitable patients, local anesthesia combined with sedation may be considered.

Depending on the technique, incisions may be planned along the hairline, in front of the ear, and behind the ear. Through these incisions, the necessary tissues are accessed, the supporting tissues are repositioned, and excess skin is removed. An additional incision may be needed if the neck is also treated.

At the end of the procedure, the incisions are closed. If needed, a drain and appropriate dressings may be used to help reduce fluid buildup. The length of the operation, hospital stay, and discharge plan vary depending on the extent of the procedure, any additional treatments, and the patient’s health status.

Recovery After a Facelift

Recovery after facelift surgery progresses in stages. Your appearance in the first few days does not reflect the final result of the surgery.

1. The First Few Days

   Swelling, bruising, tightness, and temporary changes in sensation may occur in the face. Dressing care, drain monitoring if applicable, and medication use are managed according to the surgeon’s instructions.

   Attending follow-up appointments, caring for the wounds as instructed, and following the recommended activity restrictions are important parts of the recovery process.

2. Returning to Work and Social Life

   Some patients may be able to return to desk work within about two weeks. However, the visibility of swelling and bruising, the nature of the person’s job, and the extent of the surgery all affect this timeline.

   Returning to social life does not mean the tissues have fully healed. A separate evaluation by the physician is required before returning to strenuous exercise and physically demanding activities.

3. When the Results Become Visible

   As swelling subsides in the first weeks, the facial contours begin to look more defined. Resolution of residual swelling and settling of the tissues may take longer. For this reason, minor differences in the early period should be evaluated during follow-up visits.

Does a Facelift Leave Scars?

Because facelift surgery requires incisions, it does leave scars. The incisions are planned to follow the natural contours of the hairline and the area around the ears as closely as possible.

The visibility of scars depends on factors such as the technique used, skin type, wound healing, and postoperative care. Although they may become less noticeable over time, it cannot be guaranteed that they will disappear completely.

What Are the Risks of Facelift Surgery?

Like other surgical procedures, facelift surgery carries certain risks. Possible complications include:

• Bleeding and blood collection under the skin (hematoma).
• Infection.
• Delayed wound healing or skin loss.
• Noticeable scarring.
• Temporary or permanent changes in sensation.
• Movement problems due to facial nerve involvement.
• Asymmetry and the need for additional correction.
• Anesthesia-related complications.

Risks vary from person to person. Preoperative evaluation and regular follow-up are important in managing these risks.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

The effects of a facelift can last for many years; however, there is no fixed duration that applies to everyone. The skin and facial tissues continue to age after surgery.

Genetics, skin quality, sun exposure, smoking, and weight changes can affect how your appearance changes over time. When assessing results, long-term follow-up matters as much as the appearance in the first few months.

Which Procedures Can Be Combined With a Facelift?

Changes in different areas of the face cannot always be addressed with a single procedure. Depending on individual needs, treatments such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, or facial fat grafting may be considered.

For example, if lower facial sagging is accompanied by excess eyelid skin, separate procedures may be needed for these two areas. Whether additional procedures are performed in the same session or at different times is decided by taking into account general health, operating time, and the scope of the procedures.

What Determines the Cost of a Facelift?

The cost of facelift surgery varies according to the individualized surgical plan. The scope of the procedure, the surgical approach chosen, hospital conditions, anesthesia, and any additional procedures performed at the same time can all affect pricing.

For this reason, it is not possible to set the same price for everyone based solely on the name “facelift.” Based on the treatment plan created after the consultation, it should be made clear which services are included in the surgery and follow-up process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts

This content has been prepared for general informational purposes. Treatment plans and surgical results may vary from person to person.