How is a face lift performed and what are its methods?
A face lift is a common method to improve the beauty of the face and eliminate the signs of skin aging. Face lift is done with different methods, some of them are skin surgery and some are non-surgical. Facelift surgery is performed when wrinkles are deep and the skin is more aged, but non-surgical methods are usually used for younger people. Choosing the right facelift method depends on the condition of your skin and the degree of skin aging and is chosen with medical advice. In this article from Dr. Benyamin Rahmati’s website, we are going to talk about face lift in detail, so stay with us until the end.
What is a face lift?
With age, less collagen is produced in the body and the skin loses its elasticity. The result of this situation is the appearance of signs of skin aging such as skin folds and wrinkles, sagging and sagging of the skin. Face lift, also known as rhytidectomy, is a general term for all surgeries aimed at removing excess skin, smoothing wrinkles and tightening skin tissue. Also, face lift with non-surgical methods is also common.
In addition to facial skin, lifting is also done in the neck area (neck lift) to eliminate the signs of skin aging. It should be noted that rhytidectomy is a type of cosmetic surgery and it is not necessary to perform it. There are different methods for face lift, which you will learn about in the following sections.
Who are the best candidates for a face lift?
It is possible to perform a face lift in all people who are looking to improve their skin condition; But the best candidates for a face lift have the following conditions:
- Healthy people who are not suffering from disease and their wound heals without any problem after surgery.
- Those who do not smoke and do not use any drugs
- People who are familiar with the face lift method and have realistic expectations about its results.
Benefits of face lift
Face lift is a method that restores the signs of skin aging and skin sagging, and that is why it has many fans. Face lift can be used to solve the following skin problems:
- Excess skin on the lower jaw line
- Sagging cheeks
- Reduction of skin fat and sagging skin tissue
- Deep skin folds from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth
- Sagging skin and excess fat in the neck (neck lift)
Types of face lift
Traditional face lift
In this method, incisions are made around the ears, hairline and under the chin. The skin is then separated from the underlying tissues and the muscles and other supporting structures of the face and neck are tightened. If needed, excess fat under the skin is also removed. Finally, the skin is placed on the face and the excess parts are cut. This method is suitable for people with aging skin and many wrinkles.
Middle face lift
This method is also a face lift surgery, which aims at the middle parts of the face and cheek area. During this procedure, after tightening the muscles and removing excess fat, the excess skin is also cut.
SMAS face lift
SMAS facelift (superficial aponeurotic muscular system, facial muscle layer) is another facelift procedure that is performed on the lower two-thirds of the face. In this method, after tightening the muscles and underlying tissues of the skin, excess fat and extra parts of the skin are cut.
Mini face lift
This face lift surgery method is less invasive than other methods and is performed on the lower part of the face and skin. Mini lift is suitable for those who are younger and their skin aging rate is not high. The time required for mini-lift surgery is less and minimal incisions are made for this surgery.
Non-surgical face lift
In non-surgical methods, anesthesia is not used and skin incisions are not made, but they treat signs of skin aging and wrinkles. Types of lifts without surgery:
Face lift with laser (Endolift)
This method is non-surgical and scar-free, during which a laser beam with a wavelength of 1470 nm is inserted under the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Carboxytherapy
They release CO2 gas under the skin, which reduces oxygenation. Next, the body sends more blood and nutrients to that area, the result of which is the stimulation of collagen production
Face lift with threads
In this method, by using attractive threads, the skin is slightly lifted up and its appearance is improved
Hyphotherapy
In this method, skin collagen stimulation is done using ultrasound waves. Hyphotherapy is only one session and usually it should be repeated annually
Dermal fillers
Types of skin fillers include gel and fat. During this procedure, the empty parts of the lower skin are filled and the skin gains volume.
botax injection
Botox is used to remove facial wrinkles caused by repetitive movements such as smiling and frowning.
Photo before and after face lift
- Do not manipulate the wound in any way and do not touch the crusts formed on the wound.
- Avoid wearing clothes that pull over the head and wear clothes with buttons.
- Follow your doctor's recommendations for when to use shampoo or other skin cleansers.
- Avoid vigorous sports or aerobic activities
- On the morning of surgery, you should wash your face and hair with a germicidal soap.
- Don't be exposed to sunlight for 3 weeks and don't forget to use sunscreen after this period
- The use of hair color or hair bleaching is prohibited for at least 8 weeks.
- Do not use various cosmetics in the area around the incisions.
Preparation for face lift
When you go to the doctor for a face lift, the surgeon will first check your diseases, the dosage of the drugs you are taking, and your medical records. Also, the doctor asks questions about other cosmetic surgeries and the history of smoking, alcohol and drugs. Next, the surgeon examines the face from different angles, which includes bone structure, face shape, fat distribution, and skin quality. Also, the doctor will talk to you about the results of face lift surgery, expectations and possible complications.
- Take certain medicines and apply certain products on the skin of the face
- Avoid smoking
- The night before face lift surgery, you should avoid eating and drinking.
- The use of aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs is prohibited, because they increase bleeding.
- On the morning of surgery, you should wash your face and hair with a germicidal soap.
After facelift surgery, you will experience some symptoms such as mild to moderate pain, swelling, bruising and initial numbness, which is normal. Be careful that some possible complications such as chest pain and irregular heartbeat are unusual and you should contact your doctor immediately.
Like any other procedure, a facelift may have side effects, but long-term and permanent side effects are rare after a facelift. The side effects of facelift are as follows:
Facial swelling and numbness
This problem may persist for several weeks or months.
Stiffness in the face and mouth
This complication usually disappears within 6 weeks.
Mood changes
During the first few days after facelift surgery, your mood may be low
hair loss
: Hair strands fall out temporarily or permanently at the place of cutting, i.e. next to the temples.
nerve damage
Rarely, face lift surgery causes damage to the facial nerves (temporary or permanent) and affects the movements and sensation of the skin.
hematoma
This condition causes swelling and pressure. This complication may occur within 24 hours after the face lift, and its treatment is quick surgery.
Skin loss
This complication is also rare, and as a result, blood supply disorder to facial tissues occurs. This problem can be treated with medication and care.
scar
Scars should be expected with face lift surgery, but usually these scars are covered by hairline and natural facial lines.
Face lift in reputable centers
In this article from Dr. Benyamin Rahmati’s website, we introduced face lift as one of the methods to eliminate wrinkles and sagging skin and introduced the related tips. As we said, face lift may have side effects. To avoid these possible complications, face lift should be performed in reputable centers and by an experienced doctor.
Dr. Benyamin Rahmati is one of the most experienced cosmetic surgeons who performs all kinds of face lift procedures professionally. She has a successful history in performing various cosmetic surgeries such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, botox injection and face lift, and she is the best choice for these surgeries.
