Does a Facelift Solve All the Problems of Facial Aging?

Facial aging is a complex process influenced by multiple factors due to the intricate anatomy of the face. In summary, aging affects the face in several ways: skin quality decreases over time, the skin begins to sag, fat distribution changes and diminishes, the supporting ligaments and underlying tissues lose their elasticity, muscles weaken, and even the facial bones lose volume.

So, what can be achieved with a facelift surgery? The excess sagging skin is tightened, the deeper facial structures are lifted and secured, and the fat distribution is restored to achieve a more youthful contour. Additional procedures can also be performed during the surgery — the most common one I perform is fat grafting. In some cases, bone support with implants (silicone or porous materials) may also be considered.

Does this mean that all problems are solved? Unfortunately, no. While all sagging tissues can be repositioned and tightened, the quality of the skin itself does not change. In other words, even if you make a shirt or a pair of pants, the fabric remains the same.

So, what can be done to improve skin quality? Ideally, one should stay well hydrated, use sunscreen regularly, avoid excessive sun exposure, and not smoke. Starting in your 30s or 40s, it's beneficial to support the skin with treatments that improve texture and reduce fine wrinkles, such as mesotherapy and/or collagen biostimulators. Regular botulinum toxin (Botox) applications are particularly effective for the upper third of the face. In some cases, laser or chemical peel treatments can also improve the overall skin condition.

What if it's already late for preventive care? At that stage, I usually perform step-by-step facial rejuvenation treatments, planned over several sessions, to achieve the best possible outcome.

See you soon,
Mehmet Tapan