Face and Neck lift
With aging, sagging, loss of volume, wrinkles and looseness may appear on the face and neck. Face lift and neck lift are important procedures to give the person a younger and more dynamic appearance. The traces of time, loss of elasticity in the skin and the effect of gravity are most evident in the face and neck area. For this reason, these two areas are considered to be the areas where age is most easily read.
Face-Neck Lift not only stretches the skin; it also lifts the tissues in the deeper planes of the face, preserving and renewing the natural facial expression. The aim is not to “change the face”; it is to reunite one’s own face with a more rested, fresher and timeless version.
These procedures can be performed alone or often combined with other operations such as eyelid aesthetics, eyebrow lift or fat injection to provide holistic rejuvenation of the face.
Which surgical technique ?
Although many different techniques have been defined, I apply deep plan facelift or high SMAS surgical techniques that target not only the sagging superficial skin layer of the face, but also the subcutaneous SMAS layer. The SMAS layer is the important subcutaneous structure that contains the mimic muscles of the face, and stretching the SMAS provides a more natural rejuvenation. Since the stretching force is not limited to the skin, the duration of surgical success in high SMAS or deep plan facelift operations is significantly longer than other techniques. In addition, since the tension is not reflected on the skin, it makes the healing of the operation scar in front of the ear smooth.
In this way, the cheeks are lifted, the jawline becomes more prominent again, and the sagging in the neck is eliminated. The result is not an understated rejuvenation, but a natural, elegant and refreshed appearance. Postoperative incision scars are not noticeable as they are hidden within the ear and hairline; a smooth and vibrant expression is achieved on the skin.
Recovery process ?
- Since surgeries are usually performed under general anesthesia, patients should be hospitalized for 1-2 days for follow-up and treatment.
- Edema, swelling and bruising may occur in the early postoperative period and these symptoms decrease significantly within 2 weeks. Therefore, the majority of patients can return to their social life within 1-2 weeks.
- After the operation, the use of compression garments that put pressure on the neck and face is recommended, and medical treatment and lifestyle changes (smoking, etc.) recommended by the doctor should be taken into consideration.
Who is this operation suitable for?
This operation is generally suitable for people who have lost skin elasticity and developed sagging on the cheek and jaw line, regardless of age. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that the need may arise at younger ages due to factors such as genetic factors, sun damage, stress, smoking.
Face and neck lift surgery is an effective solution when there are deep banding in the neck area, relaxation in the jaw line, volume loss in the cheeks and uncertainty in the facial contour.
This procedure creates a younger but far from artificial expression by rebalancing the person’s external appearance and internal energy.
Patients with significant sagging affecting the mid and lower face, for whom non-invasive cosmetic treatments (botox, fillers, etc.) are often inadequate, are suitable candidates for these procedures. In patients who apply for this purpose, it is important for the patient to determine a personalized treatment strategy with the physician, taking into account the operation and the postoperative period.
Is facelift surgery permanent?
Although the results obtained with surgery are permanent for many years, sagging skin can be seen again over time as the aging process continues. Nevertheless, the facelift procedure reverses this process for years and gives a younger appearance. It should be taken into consideration that the permanence of the results is significantly affected by the skin structure, lifestyle, smoking and sun protection habits of the person.
Can neck lift and facelift be performed together?
Considering the characteristics of facial and neck aging and the close neighborhood of the anatomy, simultaneous correction of sagging in the face and neck usually provides a more harmonious and holistic result. Thus, the combined application makes it possible to achieve a natural, balanced and younger appearance in the face and neck area.
Other applications that can be combined with face and neck lift
Face and neck lift surgery alone provides a highly effective regeneration; however, in some cases, combined procedures can be applied to support the results. The most preferred applications:
- Eyelid aesthetics (Blepharoplasty): Completes facial rejuvenation and relaxes the gaze.
- Facial fat injection: Provides fullness and vitality in areas with volume loss.
- Botox and filler applications: Helps to achieve a mimic-free and natural facial expression.
- Skin renewal applications: Skin quality is improved with procedures such as laser or PRP.
This holistic approach ensures that every part of the face is rejuvenated in a natural harmony.
Why is naturalness important in face and neck lift surgery?
The aim of modern plastic surgery is not to make the face excessively tense; it is to create a natural feeling of youth. For this reason, the surgeon preserves the anatomical contours of the face and prioritizes the person’s unique facial expressions and expressions.
After a face and neck lift, the person’s face does not change – only fatigue, sagging and dullness are replaced by a fresh, healthy and elegant expression. A facial rejuvenation that preserves naturalness creates a renewing effect psychologically as well as aesthetically.