Face and Neck Lift Surgery (Face–Neck Lift)
Stress, gravity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and the harmful effects of sun exposure gradually manifest on the face as we age. The earliest signs of aging begin to appear slowly in the 30s, becoming more pronounced and permanent by the 50s. The effects of aging occur in all facial tissues. Facial bones thin, weaken, and lose volume. Muscles loosen and weaken, eventually succumbing to gravity and beginning to sag. Fat tissue becomes thinner, weaker, and decreases in volume. With the reduction of fat tissue, the skin becomes wrinkled, loose, loses its elasticity, and sags along with the soft tissues. This mechanism leads to the appearance of static facial lines.
In addition, the facial expression muscles continue to work actively for many years, causing the overlying skin to fold and crease—thereby forming dynamic wrinkles. The face gradually takes on an appearance characterized by pronounced under-eye and forehead lines, sagging cheeks, drooping brows, looseness under the chin, neck laxity, and visible fat pockets in the eyelids. Ultimately, the face appears more tired, aged, and hollow.
Facelift surgery—also known as facelift or rhytidectomy—can be performed on any healthy individual who experiences these age-related changes. A facelift is an aesthetic procedure designed to eliminate sagging in the face and neck skin. Combined procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, forehead lift, brow lift, and laser skin resurfacing may also be performed during the same operation. Additionally, dermal filler injections or chemical peels may be used to improve fine lines.
The goal of these aesthetic procedures is to help the patient achieve a fresher, more vibrant, and more youthful appearance.
Surgery is performed under hospital conditions. Although this procedure is generally carried out under general anesthesia, it can also be performed under local anesthesia with sedation support. The operation typically takes 3–5 hours, and in most cases, patients can return home the same day. Combined procedures may extend the duration of surgery and require an overnight hospital stay.
A facelift inevitably leaves a scar; however, the scar is not noticeable and is strategically placed within the hairline in the temple area, around the front and back of the ear. For the removal of fat under the chin, a small 3–5 mm incision is made in a location that is not visible from the front. If additional procedures are performed, the type of surgery may require additional incisions. These scars are expected to be hidden and minimally visible.
Postoperative complications are generally minimal. Swelling, bruising, numbness, and a feeling of tightness in the face may occur. Occasionally, facial nerves may be temporarily affected by the anesthesia, leading to mild facial asymmetry, but this is temporary. A dressing is applied in a way that leaves the eyes, nose, and mouth exposed and secures the surgical area. To prevent fluid accumulation, drainage tubes may be placed and are typically removed within two days. After regular dressing changes, the first hair wash is usually permitted when the dressing is opened on postoperative day 2–3. Sutures are typically removed between days 5–7.
While an additional corrective procedure is rarely needed, a secondary revision may be required in uncommon cases. Most patients can return to their social life and apply makeup after one week. For two months, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, and any external trauma to the area.
In men, the distance between the hair-bearing scalp and the area behind the ear decreases after surgery, requiring more careful shaving. If necessary, laser hair removal can be performed in this area. Male patients are generally advised to avoid shaving for 2–3 weeks following surgery.
