Indications for the procedure:
- laxity of facial skin,
- visible, deep wrinkles,
- sagging of facial tissues due to gravitational forces
Before the surgery:
Before the patient undergoes the procedure, they must attend a consultation during which they will be informed about incisions, scars, and the expected outcome. During the consultation, the doctor will assess whether neck muscle plasty or liposuction is necessary. After surgery, scars typically remain in hidden areas, such as within the hair, at the skin-hair boundary, and in the folds around the auricle. Hair does not need to be shaved before the procedure; however, tests ordered by the doctor must be completed before surgery (patients over 40 will additionally need an ECG).
Two weeks before the planned surgery, it is worth considering platelet-rich plasma mesotherapy, which significantly improves tissue blood supply, thereby accelerating the recovery process after surgery.
Nutritional recommendations from our dietitian before the procedure:
For better preparation for the procedure, it is advisable to follow nutritional guidelines. The pre-procedure diet should not be restrictive, as protein deficiency will impede the healing of postoperative wounds. However, certain modifications are recommended. The diet should be easily digestible, and fatty and hard-to-digest products should be eliminated. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be discontinued. Attention should be paid to preparations that may cause excessive bleeding, such as vitamin E supplements, ginkgo biloba, and medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin and its derivatives). Spices such as chili, cayenne, garlic, ginger, saffron, onion, celery, and horseradish may increase the risk of bleeding.
Type of anesthesia:
Intravenous + local.
Duration of face lift surgery:
Depending on the area – 2.5 to 4 hours.
Course of the surgery:
After administering intravenous and local anesthesia, the skin is incised at the planned locations down to the fascia, dissecting it from the underlying tissue. The SMAS fascia is then incised and dissected from the deeper tissues, then lifted upward and laterally. Bleeding is controlled, and the SMAS fascia is secured under appropriate tension by suturing it in its new position. The excess skin and subcutaneous tissue are then removed. Sometimes the procedure begins with liposuction of excess adipose tissue in the chin and cheek area. In cases of a lax, hanging platysma muscle, it is sutured through an incision under the chin. Wound drainage and skin sutures complete the procedure. A compression dressing is applied for the first 2 days.
Postoperative recommendations:
The stay at the clinic under medical care is limited to 1 day. On the first day after the face lift, drains are removed, and the first sutures are removed on day 5. The remaining sutures are removed on days 10-12. Swelling typically subsides after 2-3 weeks, as do bruises. Caution should be exercised with heat application due to temporarily reduced sensation in the cheek area, and prolonged sun exposure should be avoided for the first 4 months after the procedure. Carboxytherapy is recommended for scars to improve healing. Scar ointments should also be applied.
Recovery time:
The final result is visible after 3-5 months.
Nutritional recommendations from our dietitian after the procedure:
Diet after face lift surgery is extremely important, and its proper balance ensures the supply of nutrients necessary for proper recovery. Meals should be prepared to be easily digestible and nutrients well absorbable. The daily menu must include products rich in complete protein. Zinc, iron, and vitamins also play an important role in the recovery process and should be included in the diet. Consumption of fiber-rich products prevents constipation, which may occur after surgery. Due to slowed intestinal motility, products such as chocolate, tea, coffee, sweets, and starchy dishes should particularly be avoided.
Would you like more information about the face lift procedure or to schedule a consultation? Speak with a specialist during your visit.
See also: Thread Face Lift with Aptos threads
