Facıal Rejuvenatıon

One of the increasingly popular procedures around the world is facial plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty is an important part of these procedures. However, another significant area is facial rejuvenation surgeries. This year's ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) meeting was held in Istanbul with the participation of approximately 2000 plastic surgeons from around the world. During this five-day event, facial rejuvenation sessions were particularly prominent. So what are these popular facial rejuvenation procedures and why are they performed? Let's take a look. As age progresses, the skin and fat pads under the skin in the facial area shift due to the effects of gravity and metabolism, resulting in changes in volume and the appearance commonly referred to as aging. Various surgeries can be performed by moving the tissues back to their original anatomical locations and mimicking this condition. Facelift surgery, also known as a rhytidectomy, is the general term for these procedures. When looking at subheadings, we see that they are divided into upper facelift, mid-facelift, and neck lift. These procedures can be applied separately or in combination according to the need. In upper facelift surgeries, interventions are made to the forehead, eyebrows, temples, and eye area. Forehead lift, eyebrow lifting, temple lift, and the recently popularized almond eye, also known as fox eyes, which makes the eye and its surroundings more slanted than its previous state, are also performed with these surgeries. Nowadays, a new method called endoscopic approach is used to perform these procedures by entering through 1 cm incisions in the hair. The entire surgical process is monitored on a screen with the help of a camera placed under the skin. Thanks to this closed method, it is safer, complications are minimized, and there is no visible surgical scar on the face. Similarly, midface lifting surgery can also be performed endoscopically through incisions in the hair or inside the mouth (transoral). In particular, neck lifting surgery is beneficial for sagging in the chin contour and the appearance of a wavy texture. The procedure, which is performed through a hidden incision line in front and behind the ear and a hidden incision line under the chin, is quite pleasing. Similarly, mid-face lift surgery can also be performed endoscopically through 1 cm incisions in the hairline or through the mouth (transoral) in a closed manner. Neck lift surgery is particularly beneficial for sagging in the chin area and irregularities in the jawline contour. The procedure, which is performed through an incision hidden in front of and behind the ear and under the chin, is quite satisfying. These surgeries are combined according to the needs of the patient. In other words, the same procedures are not applied to a 25-year-old patient and a 50-year-old patient. Endoscopic upper facelift (fox eyes) surgeries are often preferred for our younger patients, while total facelift procedures are more commonly chosen for our older patients. Total facelift surgeries can achieve a younger appearance of 10-20 years. The most important question our patients ask is about the permanence of the surgery. The results of facelift procedures are permanent, but they are subject to natural aging. So, how long do patients need to stay in the hospital after these surgeries? When everything goes according to plan, a one-day hospital stay is sufficient. In some cases, we prefer to perform mini facelift procedures, which can particularly enhance the contour of the chin, under local anesthesia. In this patient group, hospitalization is not necessary, and patients can be discharged on the same day with comfort. Sometimes, we also perform other combined aesthetic surgery procedures at the same time, depending on the needs of the patient's face. For example, upper and lower eyelid surgery, buccal fat pad removal (cheek thinning), lip lift, fat injections, chin implant, and even rhinoplasty. Nanofat grafts (enriched stem cell fat tissue) can be injected to enhance skin quality. Mesotherapy products can also be preferred simultaneously. Facial rejuvenation surgeries are highly satisfying operations with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Especially reducing the difference between a person's perceived emotional age and their outward appearance is a major factor in this. One of the reasons why this surgery is among my favorite operations that I take great pleasure in performing is due to this high level of satisfaction.