Aging occurs not only in the skin but also in the supporting tissues beneath it. The layer of muscle and connective tissue (SMAS) loosens and the fat pads shift downward; as a result, sagging of the cheeks, loss of definition in the jawline and laxity of the neck may be seen.
A face and neck lift is based on repositioning the underlying supporting tissues, not merely tightening the skin. Because approaches that only tighten the skin can lead to a taut and unnatural appearance, addressing the deeper tissues is preferred today.
The aim is not to turn the person into someone else, but to bring the facial contours closer to their own natural line.
1. Examination. Skin quality, the degree of tissue laxity, bone structure and general health status are assessed.
2. Planning. The placement of the incisions (in concealable areas such as the hairline and in front of and behind the ears) and which layers will be addressed are determined. In some cases, procedures such as eyelid surgery or fat injection may be evaluated within the same plan.
3. Procedure. It is performed under general anesthesia. The supporting tissues are repositioned and excess skin is adjusted.
4. Follow-up. A dressing may be used in the first days; healing is monitored through regular check-ups.
Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are expected findings in the first weeks. Temporary numbness or changes in sensation may be seen in the face; this generally decreases over time.
It may take approximately 6 months for the result to settle fully.
As with every surgical procedure, this one carries certain risks. Being aware of them is necessary for a sound decision:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and current health status are assessed in detail at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
Incisions are planned in areas that can be naturally concealed, such as the hairline and in front of and behind the ears. Scars fade over time, but scar healing differs from person to person.
Naturalness is at the center of planning. For this reason, repositioning the deep supporting tissues is preferred over tightening the skin alone.
The tissue repositioning achieved surgically is permanent; however, the aging process continues. The appearance of the result continues to change naturally over time.
Depending on the person's needs, procedures such as eyelid surgery or fat injection may be evaluated within the same plan. This is decided after the examination.
Mini facelift is a general term describing lifting procedures performed with more limited incisions and over a smaller area. When the degree of sagging is advanced, limited approaches may not be sufficient. Which scope is suitable is determined by evaluating tissue laxity, skin quality and the condition of the neck area together.
The endoscopic approach refers to working on the upper face and forehead with the help of a camera placed through small incisions. Not every patient is suitable for this approach; suitability varies according to the anatomy and the region of the sagging.
These procedures are not a substitute for surgical lifting. The effects of methods such as threads, fillers and focused ultrasound are limited and temporary; they do not provide the expected improvement in advanced tissue sagging. It is therefore important to discuss expectations realistically.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
