Everything You Need to Know About Facelift Surgery 

When facelift surgery is mentioned, many people worry, “Will my face be pulled tight and completely changed?” In reality, the goal of modern facelift surgery is not to change the face, but to reposition tissues that have descended with aging back to their natural anatomical locations. In other words, the objective is not a “different face,” but a more rested, youthful, and refreshed expression.

Today, facelift surgeries can be performed using a wide variety of techniques. There are numerous approaches such as upper facelift, mid-facelift, lower facelift, and deep plane facelift. Furthermore, they can be combined with supportive procedures such as neck lift, laser treatments, exosomes, and salmon DNA.

Let us explore all of these topics in detail in a clear and approachable way.

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What Is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure performed to correct sagging, laxity, and volume loss that develop over time in the face and neck.

With aging:

• Skin elasticity decreases
• Cheek tissues descend
• The jawline loses its definition
• Sagging develops in the neck area

Rather than artificially pulling the skin, facelift surgery restores these tissues to their original anatomical positions.

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Differences Between Upper, Mid, and Lower Facelift

Although the face appears as a single unit, aging occurs at different rates across different regions.

Upper Facelift

Covers the forehead and eyebrow region.

• Brow drooping
• Forehead wrinkles
• Tired appearance around the eyes

are the main concerns addressed.

It is usually performed using endoscopic techniques.

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Mid-Facelift

Targets the cheekbone and cheek area.

• Cheek sagging
• Deepening of nasolabial folds
• Tired facial expression

are corrected.

Mid-face rejuvenation specifically corrects a “hollow” or deflated appearance of the face.

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Lower Facelift

This is the most frequently performed component.

• Loss of jawline definition
• Jowling and submental fullness
• Marionette lines

are treated.

A lower facelift significantly contours and tightens the lower third of the face.

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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?

It is one of the most widely discussed techniques in recent years.

In a deep plane facelift:

• Not just the skin
• The SMAS layer (muscle and connective tissue)
• Deeper facial structures

are repositioned together as a composite unit.

Advantages:

• More natural appearance
• Longer-lasting results
• Lower risk of a “windswept” or pulled look
• Better elevation of the mid-face

It is a more advanced technique compared to a traditional facelift.

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Comparison with Other Techniques

• Mini facelift: shorter recovery, limited effect
• Traditional (classic) facelift: skin + SMAS correction
• Deep plane facelift: the most natural and longest-lasting method

In general, the most powerful and natural results are achieved with the deep plane technique.

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Which Procedures Can It Be Combined With?

While a facelift can be performed alone, it is frequently combined with:

• Neck lift
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
• Fat grafting (fat injection)
• Lip lift
• Endolift
• Fractional laser
• Salmon DNA
• Exosome therapies
• Botox

Especially in faces with volume loss, fat grafting is a vital complementary procedure.

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Can It Be Performed Together with a Neck Lift?

Yes, in fact, they are most often performed together.

Because:

• If the face is rejuvenated but the neck remains lax, the result looks incomplete
• The neck and jawline must be evaluated as a single aesthetic unit

This combination provides a “full facial rejuvenation” effect.

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How Many Years Does a Facelift Last?

In general:

• Long-lasting effect of 8 to 12 years
• Even longer duration with deep plane techniques

However, aging does not stop; the clock is simply “turned back.”

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Will the Face Sag Again?

Yes, because:

• Gravity continues to act
• The natural aging process goes on
• Skin quality changes over time

Nevertheless, a much better appearance is maintained compared to never having had the surgery.

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Is the Recovery Process Difficult?

Patients are usually surprised because recovery is easier than they anticipated.

• Swelling during the first 3 - 5 days
• Bruising for 1 - 2 weeks
• Return to social life in 2 - 3 weeks

It takes 2 - 3 months for the final result to fully settle.

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Is It Necessary to Wear a Compression Garment?

After a facelift, patients generally use:

• A facial bandage
• A special compression garment/mask

during early recovery.

This:

• Reduces swelling
• Stabilizes the tissues
• Accelerates healing

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What Should Be Considered Before and After Surgery?

Before surgery:

• Smoking must be stopped
• Blood thinners must be discontinued
• Medical evaluations must be completed

After surgery:

• Sleep with the head elevated
• Protect the face from trauma or impact
• Protect the skin from sun exposure
• Do not skip follow-up appointments

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Can Fractional Laser Be Performed?

Yes, but timing is important.

Generally, it can be applied:

• 4 - 8 weeks after surgery
• Once the skin has completely healed

as a complementary treatment.

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Can It Be Combined with Salmon DNA and Exosomes?

Yes.

These treatments:

• Enhance skin quality
• Support collagen production
• Accelerate healing

They are frequently preferred for skin renewal following surgery.

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What Is the Difference Compared to Laser Lift?

Laser Lift:

• Non-surgical
• Tightening via thermal energy
• Limited effect
• Effective for mild laxity

Facelift:

• Surgical
• Tissue repositioning
• Much stronger effect
• Effective for moderate to advanced sagging

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Which One Is More Effective?

The clear answer:

• Mild sagging → laser and non-surgical medical treatments
• Moderate to advanced sagging → surgical facelift

In short, surgery is always more powerful and longer-lasting.

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How Much Does It Cost?

Prices vary depending on:

• The surgical technique
• Combined procedures
• Hospital facilities
• The surgeon's experience

among other factors.

Giving a single standard price is not accurate.

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Conclusion

Facelift surgery is one of the most effective rejuvenation methods that restores tissues to their natural anatomical positions to counteract the effects of aging on the face. It can be planned for the upper, mid, and lower face, while deep plane techniques offer the most natural and long-lasting results today. By combining it with a neck lift, eyelid surgery, laser treatments, and skin-renewing therapies, a much more comprehensive facial rejuvenation can be achieved. With proper patient selection and an experienced surgeon, a facelift gives a person not only a younger appearance, but also a more dynamic and rested expression.