What is a deep plane facelift, how is it different, and why do we prefer it?
In classical facelift techniques, the skin is lifted, the tissue underneath, which is called the SMAS is tightened, and more skin is removed to reflect the tension on the skin. This, however, often leads to recurrent sagging over the long term and the development of poor scars. The reason is that as the skin tension increases, healing decreases, leaving more visible scars. In some cases, a condition called “pixie-ear deformity” may also occur. For this reason, instead of reflecting the tension on the skin, we first lift the superficial skin, then release the SMAS tissue underneath, cut the ligaments holding it, and transfer the tension to these deeper tissues. This reduces the risk of recurrent sagging in the long term, while allowing the skin to heal better and leave finer scars.
Can a neck lift or facelift be performed alone?
The face and neck age together, sag together, and develop wrinkles together. It is not possible to consider them separately. Some patients requesting a facelift may be more concerned about their neck, but it is usually not possible to perform only a neck lift. The first reason is that after tightening the neck, the excess skin needs to be redistributed, which requires lifting the face as well. Secondly, the face is one unit—if one part is rejuvenated while another area remains the same, the desired rejuvenation outcome will not be achieved. However, in some younger patients with isolated neck laxity, only a neck lift may be performed.
Why is a temporal lift often combined with a facelift?
With facial aging, laxity and brow drooping occur in the temple region. After a facelift, combining it with a temporal lift prevents skin bunching in the temple area and provides a more lifted brow and temple appearance.
What are Cat Eyes, Fox Eyes, Bella Eyes, Almond Eyes, and Slanted Eyes? What are the differences and how are they done?
All of these terms describe the same concept: a more slanted eyelid shape. The angle of the eyelid is determined by a ligament called the lateral canthal tendon, which attaches it to the bone. By releasing this ligament and reattaching it higher, a more slanted eyelid angle is created. This can be done by directly cutting at the outer corner of the eyelid, but we prefer to make an incision within the hairline and, using an endoscope, locate and suspend the ligament. This way, no visible scar remains on the face.
Is the Cat Eyes operation permanent?
Since the ligaments are completely released and reattached, the results are permanent.
What is a combined facial surgery and why is it performed?
A combined facial surgery refers to performing procedures such as face-neck lift, blepharoplasty, lip lift, temporal lift, and fat grafting to the face either partially or all together. For the best result, a complete intervention to the face may be necessary. Just as a painting cannot be fully understood when examined piece by piece, facial rejuvenation is incomplete when not approached holistically.
Is facelift surgery ever medically necessary?
No aesthetic surgery is mandatory, and not having it does not cause serious health problems. However, many people want to look younger and more beautiful when they look in the mirror, which gives them joy, confidence, vitality, and enhances their quality of life. In addition, severe skin excess on the upper eyelids may block vision and cause headaches. In such cases, surgery is performed both for functional and aesthetic reasons.
How many times can a facelift surgery be performed?
There is no strict limit on the number of facelifts. However, each subsequent facelift is more difficult than the previous one. By the fourth or fifth facelift, the skin is weakened and adhesions have formed in the underlying tissues, which increases the risk of complications. For this reason, many plastic surgeons do not recommend more than three facelift procedures.
What are the key points of neck lift surgery?
In heavy necks, sufficient reduction of weight requires removal of subcutaneous and submuscular fat layers, as well as excess muscle and salivary gland tissue. However, over-removal may cause deformities. Achieving a sharp contour in the neck and correcting sagging skin and muscle structures are the key points of a neck lift.
Does facelift surgery correct fine wrinkles around the mouth and eyes?
No, facelift surgery does not correct fine wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, or around the mouth. Fine wrinkles are treated with procedures such as microneedling, botulinum toxin, mesotherapy, laser, and chemical peeling. The main goal of a facelift is to correct sagging in the face and neck.
