If you dream of returning to a younger version of yourself, devoid of wrinkles and sagging skin, a facelift may be an option worth considering. A facelift provides a way to treat the deeper tissues of the face in an effort to restore your youthful appearance, leaving you with a more vibrant appearance. Facelift surgery is often the first choice for those men and women who are no longer satisfied with what they see in the mirror and want to achieve a younger appearance and improve signs of aging such as sagging skin on the face and neck and deep wrinkles around the nose and mouth.
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What is a facelift?
Across cultures, the face constitutes one of the most symbolic and important elements of the human body. Physical appearance is important to humans, and more than any other part of the body, one’s facial attractiveness influences a range of critical social outcomes. Facial characteristics influence relationships, careers, and general confidence and self-esteem.
Facelift surgery significantly reduces the inevitable facial aging that occurs over time and restores aesthetic harmony. As we age, facial muscles simultaneously relax and tighten, which in turn creates sagging skin and wrinkles. A facelift reverses the effects of aging by tightening loose skin around the lower face and neck, then repositioning facial tissue to give facial features a more youthful look. A facelift can also be used to correct facial anomalies and asymmetries. Loss of youthful appearance can be caused by a combination of factors that may occur alone or in combination with other influences, including:
- heredity factors
- Environmental factors such as skin damage due to prolonged exposure to sunlight
- Pressure nervous
- Personal habits such as smoking and improper diet
- The extreme pull of gravity
These factors often lead to noticeable aging effects, and may lead to:
- Crow’s feet are lines in the corners of the eyes
- Wrinkles or deep creases on the forehead
- Retracted jawline
- Soft chin, or excess fat deposits under the chin that creates the appearance of a double chin
- Deep wrinkles under the eyes
- General loss of skin and connective tissue elasticity
- Wrinkles extending from the nose to the corner of the mouth and deep nasal folds
Although a facelift won’t prevent a face from aging, it does offer patients a way to dramatically turn back the clock and slow down the process. Facelifts may be combined with other cosmetic surgeries such as eyelid and neck lifts and brow lifts to achieve a complete facial rejuvenation.
Benefits of a facelift
A 2015 study in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery confirmed that patients reported very high levels of satisfaction with their appearance and quality of life after a facelift. 92% of patients reported benefits such as increased self-confidence in different social settings, while another 93% reported an improvement in psychological state. The most notable postoperative improvements were seen in the softening of the nasolabial folds, cheeks, lower face and mandible.
Another recent study, a follow-up of 93 patients who underwent plastic surgery in 2011, reported that over 96% of respondents agreed that they viewed themselves as having a more youthful appearance after surgery, with a subjective average reduction in apparent age of 11.9 years. Just over 94% of post-surgical face-lift patients agreed that having their face lifted was a worthwhile undertaking, with many commenting that after surgery, everyday aspects of life, such as looking in the mirror or taking pictures, no longer filled them with dread. A facelift offers a range of benefits, including:
- Tightening and smoothing of the skin around the face, neck and jawline
- Removing excess fat from the face, especially the chin area
- Smoothing and softening of wrinkles or deep wrinkles
- Eliminate loose skin
- Facial muscle tightening
- More youthful and comfortable look
However, the more serious benefits of facelift surgery are often intangible in nature. Dr. Ondir Tan, who is the general supervisor of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Turkiyaholidays Center, says that the strongest indicators of successful plastic surgery are determined by the levels of patient satisfaction and an improvement in the quality of life. Most patients who undergo plastic surgery claim that the most important benefits they gain from the procedure are increased self-esteem and confidence. Many patients who have had a facelift attest to the power of the procedure to revitalize their lives and strengthen their sense of self-worth, proving that the benefits of a facelift go far beyond the skin.
Who is suitable for a facelift?
Most surgeons agree that the best facelift candidates have realistic expectations about what the surgery will do for them, and understand the importance and why they need to closely follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions. To get the best results, it is essential to arrange a one-on-one consultation with a specialized plastic surgeon at the Turkiyaholidays Center which is completely free of charge for all patients, so that you can get expert professional advice on the most appropriate procedure for you. To determine if you are a suitable candidate for a facelift, there are several important factors to consider that will ultimately affect the effectiveness of the procedure.
The effect of age on a facelift
According to Dr. Onder Tan, waiting until the signs of aging appear on the face reduces the likelihood of achieving the best results. For most people, the noticeable changes in their bodies due to aging begin to become apparent as they approach their late thirties.
Taking early action and booking a facelift while you’re in your 40s or 50s prevents physical changes caused by aging before they become permanent. Furthermore, people in their 40s and 50s are healthier, with fewer medical problems, than those in their 60s, which means there is a greater likelihood of experiencing a faster recovery.
There is a benefit to having a facelift earlier rather than later. If you prove yourself to be a good candidate for a face-lift in your 40s, you can enjoy the results for longer and also benefit from a refreshed appearance during an often important time for one’s career. Plus, by treating facial aging before it becomes severe, you can achieve improved results and the ability to age more gracefully over time.
the patient’s gender
Although facelifts are usually sought by women, the procedure is equally effective for men looking for a facelift. The 2015 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that a facelift is the fifth most popular surgical procedure among American men.
With this in mind, there are specific considerations that men need to take into account before undergoing a facelift. For example, it is important for surgeons to be careful to avoid presenting their male patients with a feminine appearance by making adjustments to factors in their appearance. The surgical procedure itself may be more difficult because men have wider faces, heavier necks, stronger skin support structures, and thicker skin. The most effective procedures create a more youthful appearance by contouring the neck and jawline.
skin elasticity
A good candidate for a facelift will have skin that has preserved its natural elasticity. Smooth skin is important because the surgeon will tighten the skin during the procedure to smooth out wrinkles, and successful recovery depends on the skin’s ability to adjust to its new contours. Skin elasticity may be affected by factors such as a person’s genetic background, dieting history, acne scarring and sun exposure. It is noted that skin that has been severely damaged by the sun will never achieve the same result from a facelift as skin that has not been damaged by the sun.
facial bone structure
A well-defined bone structure can greatly enhance the effects of a facelift, with some surgeons asserting that a strong facial bone structure is the cornerstone of a successful facelift. Defined cheekbones and chin make the face lift longer, which of course does not mean that patients who lack strong bone structures cannot undergo a facelift. Patients with less distinct features can definitely benefit from getting a face transplant or fat transfer to support a facelift.
The general health of the patient
A facelift is one of the most invasive plastic surgeries, so being in good health before surgery is very important and can help ensure that you get the best possible surgical results. Adopting a healthy diet during the preoperative period can enhance the results of facelift surgeries. For many cosmetic surgeries, reaching an ideal weight greatly enhances the final outcome.
Surgeries such as breast reduction and breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction and even facelifts are positively affected by preoperative weight loss and postoperative maintenance. I often advise patients that liposuction is not a tool for weight loss, and if weight loss is planned or required, it is best to try to reach that goal before surgery. When this is done, the surgical outcome improves dramatically.
All plastic surgeons stress the importance of quitting smoking before undergoing a plastic surgery. In addition to accelerating facial aging, smoking also carries significant risks for facelift patients. Exposure to smoking, whether directly or indirectly, or the use of any nicotine-releasing product that has been shown to increase the incidence of serious complications after facial plastic surgery and in most cases other cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. Most plastic surgeons refuse to perform facelifts on patients who are active or who use nicotine in any way.
Patients who are preparing to undergo a facelift are advised to stop smoking or using nicotine releasing products at least 10 to 14 days before the facelift, and for at least 10 to 14 days after the surgery. Specifically, tobacco use can reduce blood flow to the skin. Wound healing depends on the blood supply. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, narrowing small blood vessels. Smokers have a much higher rate of delayed healing, infection, open incisions, necrosis or loss of raised facial skin and underlying tissue, poor scarring and anesthesia problems.
Types of facelift
Facelift procedures and techniques and their variety are constantly evolving. Furthermore, different facelifts target specific areas of the face, differ in the type and amount of incisions required, and differ in the length of time required to recover from surgery. With a wide range of factors to think about, this can lead to confusion about what is available and best suited to your needs and budget. These are the five most common facelift techniques other than the laser facelift (which is not a surgical procedure):
- Deep Flying Tensile
- Traditional facelift
- Mid face lift
- Small scar tightening
- Endoscopic facelift
Each of these procedures is described in more detail below, focusing on what occurs during surgery, the advantages and disadvantages of each technique, which candidates would benefit most from this type of surgery, and approximate costs.
First: the deep flying tension
Clinical studies have shown that the deep plane lift provides the longest lasting results of all facelift procedures, with effects visible for 10-15 years afterward. It is also credited with providing a more natural appearance, avoiding the pulled-down look of some face-lifts by going deeper under the skin, under the layer of the superficial neuromuscular system, under the skin that envelops the muscles used for facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning. However, the deep fly lift is a more technical surgical procedure than most other facelifts, requires a higher level of anatomy and requires a greater level of experience from the surgeon.
What happens during the surgery?
- Small incisions are made along the hairline
- The neuromuscular layer is lifted and separated from the skin
- After separating this layer from the skin, the deep level is inserted as the surgeon goes below the layer to release the attachments
- The surgeon redraws the neuromuscular layer and the skin layer over it in a more youthful position, free from the tensions that cause wrinkles
- After repositioning the neuromuscular system, excess loose skin is removed and, in some cases, skin and muscle tissue are remodeled
- The skin and neuromuscular system are then held in place with sutures or natural adhesives
- A deep lift can be combined with an eyelid lift, a forehead lift and sometimes a neck lift, to enhance the overall end result.
Advantages of Deep Fly Tensioning
The deep fly lift allows for improved access to the center of the face, which includes the area below the eyes, the sides of the nose, and above the mouth. The loss of volume and proportions in the fat pads in this region is an important component of facial aging that may not be adequately addressed by conventional face-lift techniques.
Cheek ligaments are released and cheek fat pads and muscles are lifted. Access to this area allows the surgeon to reduce the deep nasolabial folds, revitalizing the mid-face area. Less recovery time is another advantage of the deep fly roping technique. There is less swelling and less chance of scarring, which means it is possible to return to work and your social life after just two weeks.
Cons of deep jumper screwing
One of the risks posed by the deep fly lift procedure is the possibility of causing facial nerve damage in the anatomy below the layer of the neuromuscular system. This technique requires a surgeon with years of training and extensive knowledge of the facial nerve and muscle systems to consider a deep fly lift. There are a limited number of surgeons sufficiently qualified to perform the most safe and effective procedures of this technique.
When performed by a highly trained esthetician, the complication rates are no different from other facelift procedures, but the results are more dramatic and more natural. Additionally, since a deep plane lift is a more extensive surgical procedure that reaches deeper facial tissues, the healing process for these lower layers is longer. However, the healing will not be obvious to the casual observer, as there is no visible swelling. The most suitable candidates for the deep fly thrust technique include:
- Older patients
- Individuals with severe facial sagging and laxity
- Those who want to be fresh and relaxed while avoiding any obvious signs that they are doing work
- Individuals who do not want to undergo multiple facial surgical procedures may choose to undergo this technique due to the long-term results
The cost of a facelift with the deep plane lift technique
A deep fly lift usually costs between $12,000 and $15,000 in the United States, and in the Turkish Wizard center it ranges from $3,000 to $5,000. The price is affected by a combination of factors such as surgeon fees, facility cost, medication cost, and anesthesia cost.
Determine your case cost individually
Second: the traditional face-lift
Some surgeons refer to a facelift below the neuromuscular system as a traditional facelift. Similar to a deep lift, a conventional lift lifts the position of the neuromuscular layer, a relatively thin layer that supports but does not compromise the vascular tissue underneath. In some cases, a traditional facelift reduces the effects of aging by manipulating the skin, fat, and muscles of the face, providing patients with vital vision.
There are different types of traditional facelifts, such as the mild traditional facelift that differ in the degree to which the layer of the neuromuscular system is lifted or treated. In many cases, there are more similarities than differences between these procedures because they share the use of smaller incisions, faster recovery, and are often performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The differences are most often related to the surgeon’s experience and preference for the surgical technique.
What happens during the surgery?
- An incision is made above the hairline
- The cuts are made along already existing creases in the skin, usually in front of the ear, below the earlobe, and behind the ear
- The surgeon lifts the neuromuscular layer, which in turn lifts the soft tissues and structure of the face
- The device layer can be folded and reattached by itself
- The layer of the device can be lifted, tightened, and the excess part removed to be fixed in the elevated position, known as a neuromuscular resection
- The skin is reattached or fixed using sutures or staples
Advantages of a traditional facelift
A traditional facelift is effective in drying and rejuvenating the tissues of the upper layers of the face, which tend to sag with age. This technology provides a longer life than its miniaturized counterparts. Because the surgeon does not venture below the neuromuscular layer, it is also safer with less risk of nerve damage.
Negatives
Healing and recovery from a traditional facelift takes a significant portion of the time with bruising and swelling usually taking about two weeks to subside. There may also be more scarring compared to less cosmetic surgeries. The best candidates for a traditional facelift are:
- Those aged 45 years or older
- Individuals who have a slack neck
- Individuals with sagging around the jaw line
- Patients with mid-face sagging
- The presence of loose skin
- Deep wrinkles
The cost of a traditional facelift
Depending on the variance of procedures used and the extent of work done, a traditional face-lift can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000. But in the Turkiyaholidays Center, the cost may range from about $ 2,500 to about $ 4,000.
Determine your case cost individually
Third: mid-face lift
A facelift can dramatically rejuvenate one’s appearance by addressing the retraction and descent of the fat pad or mid-face, which greatly reduces the signs of aging. A mid-face lift is achieved by vertical suspension of mid-face tissue and a possible volume increase such as fat grafting. A mid-face lift can be performed alone, or to complement other facelift procedures such as a traditional facelift, which generally target one-third to two-thirds of the face.
What happens during the surgery?
- Small cuts are made at the hairline and inside the mouth
- Alternatively, a mid-face lift can be performed endoscopically through the top of the head, or through the lower eyelids to reduce recovery time and increase accuracy.
- Cheek augmentation may be done with a transfer material through a fat transfer
- The natural fat layer that sits above the cheekbones is raised, bulged and held in place, giving curves higher in the middle of the face.
Advantages of a mid-face lift
An effective mid-face lift can create a more youthful appearance by creating higher curves in the middle of the face while preserving the patient’s personal features and reducing the hollowness of the cheeks and lower eyelids. Many surgeons note that a facelift is a delicate and rejuvenating procedure for the face. There is less risk and recovery time compared to more invasive procedures.
Negatives
One of the advantages of a mid-face lift is also one of its main weaknesses. The subtle effects of the procedure may not make a big enough difference for those seeking complete rejuvenation, but rather leave the patient with modest, more natural improvements. However, the mid-face represents a primary consideration in any cosmetic surgery, and effective improvement in this area can make a significant difference to a person’s overall appearance.
Another possible defect is lower lid swelling if the surgeon chooses to perform the surgery through the lower eyelids, which is a very sensitive area. However, many surgeons who perform mid-facelift surgery nowadays opt for laparoscopic surgery, which has minimal chances of scarring or swelling.
The best candidates for a mid-face lift are:
- Individuals in their thirties to fifties with heaviness under the cheeks
- Individuals with deep nasolabial folds or wrinkles
- Individuals looking for a cheek lift who do not need a chin or neck lift
The cost of a mid-face lift
A mid-face lift usually ranges between $6,000 and $10,000 in many countries. However, we perform this operation at reduced prices in the Turkiyaholidays Center, from about $ 2000 and up to $ 3,500 as a maximum.
Determine your case cost individually
Fourth: Lifting with a small scar
A mini-scar lift, or minimal facelift, refers to the incision or scar pattern that characterizes this type of procedure. A mini scar lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to resuspend the tissues that support the central and lower face, smooth the nasolabial folds, reduce wrinkles and add definition to the jawline. There are various forms of mini-scar lift, including the mini-scar lift technique which is sometimes referred to as an express face-lift.
What happens during the surgery?
- The surgeon usually makes an S-shaped incision at the top of the head or in the hairline in front of the ear. Unlike a deep lift or a traditional lift, the incision will not extend behind the ear.
- However, the small incision allows the surgeon to access the superficial neuromuscular layer.
- The device is repositioned through an incision, allowing a moderate amount of loose skin on the face to be tightened.
- A neck lift may be accompanied by a facelift for a short time to correct sagging fatty tissue below the jaw.
The advantages of a small scar facelift
A small scar lift, such as a mini lift, can be done in the surgeon’s office with local anesthesia. Recovery is faster, with some patients back at work in as little as two days, as well as having less swelling and bruising. For individuals who wish to wear their hair pulled back, there is no scarring behind the ear as it may be combined with other procedures such as an upper or lower eyelid lift, and a more comprehensive facelift result can be achieved.
Negatives
Small scar lift has limited effectiveness in treating sagging skin around the neck. Lifting with a small scar may cheat the patient if more extensive facial surgery is more appropriate. If a patient is going to put time, effort, and money into a facelift, they may choose one that will do more than necessary and last longer. Forgoing a traditional lift to save a few inches from the cleft or shortening the recovery period by five days is no big deal when compared to the more comprehensive result they could get.
When deciding which facial is best for you, don’t skimp on scar length. Shorter size doesn’t always mean better and longer size doesn’t mean worse. Often, a short incision can leave a crease or abnormal skin direction. A meticulous facial plastic surgeon can disguise scars so that they are almost invisible regardless of their length. In other words, the most important issue or question is where the incision is placed and how it is closed.
The best candidates for a small scar facelift are:
- Individuals primarily seek to enhance the features of the central and lower third of the face around the cheeks and lower jaw
- Individuals who do not have significant amounts of loose neck skin
- Those who want to reduce surgical scars
- People in their late 30s to late 40s who have relatively good skin elasticity and seek facial rejuvenation
Small scar facelift cost
Mini facelifts or facelifts with a small scar are usually priced between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on how difficult the surgery is. At Turkiyaholidays Plastic Surgery Center, we offer a mini-facelift at a cost ranging from $2,300 to $4,000, depending on the patient’s desire for the required improvements.
Determine your case cost individually
Fifth: Endoscopic facelift
An endoscopic facelift, also known as an endoscopic midface lift, is a procedure that uses an endoscope to target the middle of the face. The endoscope is a small, pencil-shaped device with a small camera and light attached to it that helps the surgeon visualize the treatment area without the need for a large incision.
Sometimes, cosmetic problems are limited to one area of the face, such as the mid-face area, which is one of the most prominent elements of aging due to the hollowness of the cheeks. Endoscopic facelifts are primarily used to reach the mid-face area to treat sagging cheeks and, as a result, offer limited improvement in the neck area. It is generally performed on an outpatient basis, as it uses local or intravenous anesthesia. Eyebrow lift can also be performed using arthroscopy.
What happens during the surgery?
- During an endoscopic facelift, the surgeon inserts a scope under the skin through three or more incisions that are less than an inch long
- The endoscope transmits video images of the patient’s inner facial structure to a television screen
- The surgeon uses the images to dissect, lift, and reposition tissue
- Incisions are sutured with dissolvable sutures
Advantages of an endoscopic facelift
Because laparoscopic surgery does not require large incisions and is less invasive than other facelift techniques, the risk of nerve damage is minimal. Scars are also minimal and easy to hide at the hairline.
In general, endoscopic facelift patients experience less bleeding, bruising, and swelling than traditional facelift patients. They can usually return to work and other activities within a week or less. Laparoscopic facelifts are usually less expensive than traditional facelifts because there is no need for general anesthesia or an overnight hospital stay.
Negatives
However, there is a trade-off for the relative ease and quick recovery associated with a laparoscopic facelift. It is only effective in treating sagging cheeks and registers very little effect on the lower third of the face. The results of an endoscopic medial lift simply cannot be compared to that of a traditional lift. In addition, a neck lift cannot be achieved through an endoscopic facelift.
The best candidates for a laparoscopic facelift are:
- Individuals with relatively elastic skin
- Individuals in their 30s, 40s, or 50s with cosmetic problems in the mid-face area such as sagging cheeks, deep lines around the nose, or thin, wrinkled lips
Endoscopic facelift cost
The cost of a laparoscopic facelift ranges from $6,000 to $10,000 in most countries of the world. As for the Turkiyaholidays Center, it offers very competitive prices with high experience from the best surgeons in the world. The average cost of laparoscopic lift surgery in Turkey is about $2,700, and it may reach about $3,500 in maximum cases.
Determine your case cost individually
Facelift details
In the days leading up to a face-lift, your surgeon will provide you with a list of special instructions that clearly outline what needs to be done the night before the day of surgery, details of the anesthesia that will be used, and what to expect regarding postoperative care and follow-up.
It is normal to feel a little nervous on the day of surgery. As much as possible, try to engage in relaxing or calming activities the day before the operation and make sure you are well hydrated before going to bed at night. In many cases, you will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the day before surgery.
On the morning of your face-lift, clean your face, hair and body thoroughly with soap, but do not use any moisturizers, deodorant or make-up. Remove all jewelry, as wearing jewelry during the procedure can cause skin burning or scarring. Comfortable and appropriate clothing is recommended. Depending on the procedure, you may need someone to drive you to surgery and pick you up afterward. Facelifts may take place in an accredited surgical facility such as the Turkiyaholidays International Center, in a licensed surgical center, or in a hospital.
If you are having one of the more extensive facelift procedures, such as a deep facelift, you will need someone to stay close to you and take care of you for at least the first night after surgery. This person should be with you constantly for 24 hours, and ideally should be supportive of your decision to have surgery to better facilitate your recovery.
Performing a facelift
All facelift surgeries have a few common features. All facelift procedures use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the incision will be made. Adrenaline is sometimes added to constrict blood vessels to reduce bleeding. Minor facelifts and short scar lifts use only local anesthesia. Minor sedatives such as Valium are also given to patients to relax.
General anesthesia or intravenous sedation that sometimes induces what is called light sleep is sometimes more appropriate for longer procedures, such as a traditional facelift or deep facelift. When deciding which method is most appropriate for you, your surgeon will carefully consider your personal comfort, preferences, and safety. Many surgeons who perform longer procedures prefer prolonged intravenous sedation, which usually requires the presence of an anesthesiologist. If you are prone to falling asleep, general anesthesia may be a safer option.
Once the local anesthetic has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision at the top of the head, just above and in front of the ear. In the case of a traditional deep pull, the incision will continue below the earlobe towards the back of the hair, blending with the hairline. For mid-face lift, mini-lift and endoscopic lift, one incision is made but it will not extend behind the ear. With a traditional facelift, a single incision will be made at the top of the head and extends behind the ear toward the hairline. In a deep facelift, an incision is made at the top of the head with small incisions along the hairline. Cracks are always found where the natural wrinkles of the skin or hair hide. For men, incisions are made along the lines where the beard grows.
After the excess skin has been cut, the incision sites are closed with fine sutures and stitches or metal clips. Some surgeons also use adhesives such as fibrin glue, a sealant for tissues and very small blood vessels.
The length of time it takes to complete a facelift depends on the type of facelift being performed and the surgeon performing the procedure. A mini-lift may only require 1-2 hours. A mid-face lift usually takes about two hours, while a deep facelift with additional surgery, such as fat grafting or blepharoplasty, can take six hours or more. The surgeon will explain the expected length of the intended procedure before the operation.
After a facelift
Recovery from a facelift surgery takes place in stages. The time it takes to get back to your normal regimen may be as little as 2 weeks. After about three weeks, it will be difficult for anyone to know if you have done your work. However, the recovery time for your face to appear completely back to normal and for residual puffiness or changes in skin sensation such as numbness to subside, can take up to a year. Therefore, in order to have realistic postoperative expectations, it is essential to view recovery as a gradual process.
the first week
In the first week after a face-lift, it is perfectly normal to experience the following:
- Pain
- swelling
- bruises
- Stiffness in the neck or face
- Itching around stitches or incisions
- Nausea usually due to pain relief medication
- fatigue
Facial drains and dressings will be removed 24 hours after surgery. Swelling and bruising should occur three or four days after the procedure. It is common for swelling and bruising to be more severe on one side of the face, with each side representing separate surgical sites. Try to keep your head elevated for two to three days after the operation to reduce swelling. During this first week recovery resting is crucial, however engaging in low-impact activities is also important in order to get the body moving and encourage circulation, which in turn facilitates a quick recovery.
After two weeks
By the second week of recovery, residual swelling and bruising are still common, and some patients also report some tingling and burning sensations and numbness or tightness in their face. The underlying stitches or adhesives are often removed during the second week of recovery, however, some wrinkles are likely to remain as the wound site heals.
Light exercise is recommended during this period. While major gym workouts are too strenuous to attempt safely during this phase of recovery, a short walk is highly recommended. If you had one of the more extensive face-lift procedures, you may feel more comfortable at home during the second week of recovery anyway, rather than trying to go out to social gatherings or work.
The third and fourth weeks
Weeks three and four will see you getting back into the routine and looking and feeling a lot better. Many patients are ready to return to work during this period. There is still a possibility of swelling or tightness at some sites on the face, but this will improve over time and varies from patient to patient.
Some pinkness around the incision sites is common, though often temporary. Any remaining scarring can be partially lightened by massaging topical vitamin E oil into the skin. Some scars will heal within a year, while others may leave permanent scars. Surgeons recommend applying make-up to camouflage any raised scars or just allowing hair to hide them. By the third and fourth weeks, you should be back to your usual exercise regimen, although vigorous exercise or any exercise that poses a risk of injury should be avoided.
Diet tips during the recovery period after a facelift
Paying attention to your postoperative diet will facilitate healing and reduce the risk of infection, inflammation and swelling, while improving your overall outcome. Scientific studies have shown that some nutritional requirements can increase up to five times during the recovery phase after surgery. Lack of nutritional support during this critical period can negatively affect recovery from plastic surgery.
Soups and smoothies with a high protein content are recommended for the first week after surgery as they are easily digested, as well as with foods rich in monounsaturated fats such as avocados, extra virgin olive oil and berries, which all have anti-inflammatory properties. Plenty of organic fruits and vegetables are also recommended as they provide a good source of antioxidants, while foods containing trans fats and refined products such as white flour or sugar should be avoided as they are known to increase inflammation.