Natural Rejuvenation, Minimal Scarring, and Recovery Facts

Current scientific data, 25 years of clinical experience, and evidence-based surgical approaches

When you look in the mirror, do you see yourself? Or do you see years of accumulated fatigue, the "You look tired" comments from people around you, and the frustration that your inner energy isn't reflected on the outside?

Facelift surgery has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past 20 years. Once considered an "extreme" procedure, it has become the most reliable and long-lasting solution for facial rejuvenation. According to American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2024 data, facial procedures increased by 4.3% compared to the previous year. Women constitute 93% of patients, with the highest demand coming from the 40-54 age group.mental Components

To understand facial rejuvenation, you first need to know what aging does to the face. With age, three main changes occur in the face—and the ideal approach addresses all three:

1. Sagging (Ptosis) — The Problem Facelift Solves

Due to gravity, the cheek, jawline, and neck tissues descend downward. Facial ligaments gradually loosen, and subcutaneous fat pads shift position. The result: sagging cheeks, a blurred jawline, and the appearance of jowls. Facelift directly addresses this problem—repositioning tissues upward and backward to restore their youthful position.

2. Volume Changes — The Domain of Fat Transfer and Fillers

With aging, some areas lose volume (under-eye hollowing, temple deflation) while others gain volume (lower face fullness, "bulldog" appearance). To correct these volume imbalances, autologous fat transfer (using the patient's own fat) or hyaluronic acid fillers are used. Facelift alone doesn't address volume loss—a combined approach is necessary.

3. Skin Quality Changes — The Domain of Laser and Peeling

Fine wrinkles, moisture loss, pigmentation, skin texture deterioration... These are superficial skin problems that facelift alone cannot correct. According to Mayo Clinic resources, sun damage-related fine lines and pigmentation require additional treatments such as chemical peeling, laser resurfacing, or mesotherapy. This is why a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan typically includes combination treatments.

What Is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

Facelift, medically termed rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves lifting the soft tissues of the face upward, excising (removing) excess skin, and draping the skin over the reshaped contours.

Areas targeted by facelift:

•Lifting sagging cheeks

•Defining the jawline

•Softening nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines)

•Addressing neck laxity (with neck lift integration)

What facelift cannot do: Fine wrinkles from sun damage, skin spots, eyelid drooping (requires blepharoplasty), forehead wrinkles (requires endoscopic brow lift).

Surgical Techniques: Which One Is Right for Whom?

Facelift can be performed using several different techniques. It can target the lower or upper face specifically or include the neck region. The critical point: for lasting results, the SMAS layer beneath the skin must be addressed. SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) is the fibromuscular layer that envelops the entire face like a mask beneath the skin.

Mini Lift / Skin-Only Lift

A technique where only excess skin is removed without addressing the SMAS. Advantages: Easy, safe, quick recovery (7-10 days). Disadvantage: Short longevity (3-5 years). S-lift and MACS lift fall into this category. Suitable patients: Younger individuals with mild sagging who desire quick return to activities.

SMAS Plication

A technique where the SMAS layer is folded (plicated) without cutting to create tightening. "I generally perform SMAS plication" says Dr. Çığşar. Surgery duration: ~3 hours. Hospital stay: 1 night. Longevity: 7-10 years. A 2025 meta-analysis reported 87.8% patient satisfaction with SMAS techniques.

Deep Plane Facelift

A technique that goes beneath the SMAS to release deep ligaments. It has become very popular in recent years through marketing efforts. According to ASPS data, 94.4% satisfaction and 10-15 years longevity are claimed.

About Recovery: According to Dr. Çığşar's experience, recovery is "often quick." Most patients can return to social life within 10-14 days and full activity within 3-4 weeks. Complete tissue settling and final results require 6 months.

"Will I Have Scars?" — The Realities of Scar Management

Every surgical incision potentially leaves a scar—this is an unavoidable fact. However, what matters is where the scars are positioned and how they heal. While facelift incision scars are permanent, they are typically camouflaged by the natural folds of the hairline and ear contours.

Incision Anatomy

Standard incision line: Begins within the hair-bearing skin at the temple (temporal hairline) → descends to the preauricular crease in front of the ear → curves around the earlobe → transitions to the postauricular area behind the ear → ends in the posterior hairline. This line may extend or shorten depending on the degree of neck laxity.

Critical Warning: The most important factors affecting scar quality: smoking (must be stopped 4-6 weeks before surgery), UV exposure (sun protection critical for first 6 months), and genetic predisposition (special evaluation required for patients with keloid history).

2024-2025 Current Statistics

Summary based on the ASPS 2024 Statistics Report and current literature:

•Overall success rate: Approximately 97%

•Patient satisfaction: 93-95%

•Most common age group: 40-54 years (~50%)

•Subjective rejuvenation: Patients are perceived as 6-7 years younger on average

When Is Facelift Necessary?

Facelift is not the right solution for every sign of aging. If you have sagging problems (cheeks, jawline, neck), facelift is the most effective option. If you have volume loss, fat transfer or fillers are needed. If you have skin quality issues, laser and peeling procedures may be more appropriate.

Dr. Çığşar's Approach: "Ideally, you address all three: facelift for sagging, fat transfer and fillers for volume changes, and peeling, laser, mesotherapy for skin rejuvenation. Each patient should be evaluated individually."

The ideal approach typically involves a combination of these three components. An experienced surgeon will comprehensively evaluate your face and recommend the most suitable treatment plan for you.

You can leave behind that tired expression in your eyes and achieve a more vibrant, healthier appearance. Facelift is not just an intervention for looking younger; it's also an investment that brings comfort and confidence. For more information, please contact our clinic. Dr. Bülent Çığşar and his experienced team listen to their patients' needs and provide personalized solutions. If you would like to learn more about facelift or plan a consultation appointment, you can schedule your free consultation right now.