Facelift - Medlife Group

Rhytidectomy, commonly referred to as a Facelift, is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens facial tissues. The loss of youthful contours in the face can be due to variety of factors, including thinning of the skin, loss of facial fat, gravity, sun damage, smoking, as well as heredity and stress. A Facelift procedure can help deal with these issues and improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. To help with the results, browlift and eyelids procedures are also suggested with a facelift operation.

People who show some signs of facial aging but still have some skin elasticity are the considered the best candidates for facelift surgery. Generally, this includes people who are in their 40s to 70s, although older people occasionally are candidates. Facelift is considered a highly satisfying procedure according to the patients’ statements about how their self-esteem, life satisfaction and self-rated physical attractiveness are improved after they underwent facelift surgery.

Facelifts vary depending on the patient’s desired results. In the most common procedure, an incision is made in the hairline near the temples. The incision goes in front of the patient’s ear, down in front of and hugging the earlobe, then back to the lower scalp behind the ears.

Fat and excess skin may also be removed or redistributed from the face. The underlying muscle and connective tissue are relocated and tightened. If there’s minimal skin sagging, a mini facelift may be done which involves shorter incisions.

If a neck lift is also going to be performed, the excess skin and fat will be removed. The skin of the neck will be tightened and pulled up and back. This is often done through an incision just under the chin. The incisions are made in such a way that they blend with your hairline and facial structure.

The scars of a skilfully performed facelift procedure are nearly impossible to see after healing. The doctor will place them in creases and other natural hiding spots to hide them from notice. The incisions are carefully planned to be hidden in the ear canal, behind the ear and in the hairline. After a short recovery period, people will notice that the patient looks like a younger and more refreshed version of himself/herself and is unlikely to have any visible scarring to indicate the procedure.

Our doctors in Turkey will be helping and guiding you throughout this process with every detail explained carefully. For further information or if you would like to find out what method of procedure is best suited for you, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I a suitable candidate for Facelift?

The greatest candidates for facelift surgery are who have some evidence of facial aging but still have some skin elasticity. Persons in their 40s to 70s are the most common candidates, however older people are rarely considered.

2. Does Facelift Operation hurt?

Patients report minor soreness in the evenings following the facelift procedure. Due to the action of swelling, a small pain may be felt. The majority of people who have had a facelift are discharged from the hospital the day after the procedure. 

3. Should I get a Facelift operation with Neck Lift?

A neck lift is usually performed at the same time as a facelift. Because the sutures used in a neck lift can be put around the ears, combining a facelift and a neck lift can help with skin healing and scarring. Even so, a neck lift can be performed without undergoing a facelift.

4. Where are Facelift incisions made?

Facelifts vary depending on the patient's desired results. An incision is created in the hairline near the temples in the most frequent surgery. The incision is made in front of the patient's ear, down to the earlobe and hugging it, then back to the lower scalp behind the ears. Fat and extra skin on the face can also be removed or redistributed. The underlying muscle and connective tissue are relocated and tightened. If there is just minor sagging of the skin, a micro facelift can be performed with less incisions. Excess skin and fat will be removed from the neck if a neck lift is also performed. The skin of the neck will be pulled up and back and tightened. This is commonly accomplished by making an incision just beneath the chin. The incisions are meant to mix perfectly with your natural hairline and facial structure.

5. How visible are scars after a Facelift?

The scars of a skillfully performed facelift procedure are nearly impossible to see after healing. The doctor will place them in creases and other natural hiding spots to hide them from notice. The incisions are strategically placed in the ear canal, behind the ear, and in the hairline to ensure that they are not visible. After a brief period of recovery, onlookers will observe that the patient appears to be a younger, more refreshed version of himself/herself, with no obvious scarring.

How Does Process Work?

First Day: You will arrive at the airport and our team will drive you to your hotel.Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel with a VIP vehicle.

Second Day: You will be taken to the hospital in the morning for the physical consultatin and pre-operative tests then you will get your operation! Facelift operation generally takes 3 to 4 hours. After the operation you will stay at the hospital for the night.

Third Day: After our doctor checks your health situation, our team will take you back to hotel. From now on, our nurses and aftercare team will be checking up on you at the hotel.

Fourth - Seventh Day: Free day! You can rest in your room or go shopping if you feel well enough. We also have extra services which you can visit malls, cultural places, massage centers, hairdressers, city tours etc. You can spend your time as you wish.

Eighth Day: Check-ups and controls will be done and our team will take you to the Airport with a VIP vehicle for your flight back to your country.

Pre-Op Instructions

Avoid aspirin or aspirin related products, vitamin E, herbal supplements or any medications containing these compounds for two weeks before surgery. If you still need to take medications due to a terrible ache, please ask your doctor first.
Avoid hair colouring, perms, or other hair treatments for 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery.
Refrain from smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. Nicotine and tobacco smoke delay healing and can result in scarring. This is the perfect time to give up the habit.
Avoid sun damage two weeks before surgery. While we recommend wearing a SPF 30 or higher, our physicians and staff wear a SPF 50 every day.

Post-Op Instructions

There will be swelling and bruising in your face. As they fade, you will begin to see the results. It’s important to keep your head elevated for the first 2-3 days as it will amazingly reduce your recovery time.
Following surgery, your entire head will be bandaged to apply an even pressure to your face, neck and head. The bandages are usually removed after a day.
You may experience numbness and tightness around your face and neck. This will subside over the next 2 months after surgery.
For mild bleeding and swelling around the incision areas, apply an ice compress with small pressure.
The skin incisions should be washed with soap and water 3 times a day, starting the day after surgery. This should be done very gently and pat dried (do not wipe). After drying, the incisions should be cleaned with a %50 solution of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide and a Q-tip. Mix the Hydrogen Peroxide with an equal amount of warm tap water. Incisions should not be allowed to become dry or crust over.

Your prescriptions for after surgery (typically an antibiotic and pain med) will be given to you the day of surgery.

Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
It is fine to shower the day after surgery. Use a baby shampoo and be gentle while washing and drying your face. Be careful not to snag your sutures with a comb.
Incisions will normally be red for several months but will gradually fade. They should not be exposed to direct sunlight for 6 months after surgery. Sunscreen is mandatory over all incisions.
Make sure to finish your antibiotics even if you feel completely better and think that you do not need it.
Beginning 6 weeks after surgery, you can start applying a gentle massage with Vitamin E or cocoa butter.
Do not drink alcohol or smoke for the first couple of weeks.
Take it easy for the first week. No strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks. Wear your compression garment 24/7 for the first 2 weeks. After the second week we recommend you to continue wearing the garment while at home for an additional 2 weeks.