As we age, our faces begin to show signs of sagging, which can be caused by various factors such as environmental conditions, gravity, and sun exposure. These can make our faces look aged, less fresh, and easily noticeable signs include drooping corners of the eyes, sagging eyelids, clear eye bags, wrinkles around the mouth, cheek grooves, nasolabial folds, and undefined facial contours.

There are currently many technologies available to help tighten the face, including laser tightening such as Ulthera Thermage, collagen-stimulating injections such as Sculptra Radiesse, and even thread lifting for tightening. These methods are suitable for those with minimal sagging. However, for those with more significant issues, especially those aged 40-50 and above, face lift surgery can provide the most precise and effective solution.

Face Lift Surgery is a procedure that tightens the muscles and fat under the skin to their proper positions and removes excess skin to make the face tighter and smoother. This surgery helps restore youthfulness and a natural look, reducing wrinkles and sagging, with results that are natural-looking, quick to recover from, and long-lasting. This differs from treatments like laser tightening, which only stimulate collagen production to make the skin look tighter.

Areas that can be treated with Face Lift Surgery include:

• Forehead (Forehead Lift) – Reduces wrinkles on the forehead and lifts the eyebrows.
• Upper and Lower Face (Upper Facelift/Temporal Lift) – Corrects drooping corners of the eyes, crow’s feet, and lifts the upper part of the face.
• Middle and Lower Face (Lower Facelift) – Corrects deep cheek grooves, nasolabial folds, and lifts the lower part of the face, creating a V-shape contour.
• Neck (Neck Lift) – Tightens the skin on the neck, reduces sagging, and eliminates neck bands, for a youthful look in both the face and neck.

Candidates for Face Lift Surgery include those who:

• Want to improve the structure of their face to look younger and reduce wrinkles and sagging.
• Have issues with crow’s feet, cheek grooves, forehead wrinkles, uneven eyelids, sagging cheeks, or uneven cheeks that have not been resolved by other methods.
• Have a normal weight, as weight loss should be achieved before surgery.
• Do not have chronic illnesses like Hemophilia or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
• Are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

Preparation for Face Lift Surgery includes:

• Consulting a doctor for those with chronic illnesses or who take regular medications.
• Avoiding blood-thinning medications like Aspirin or Warfarin for about 1-2 weeks before surgery.
• Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels for those with hypertension or diabetes before surgery.
• Informing the doctor of any allergies to medications or anesthetics.
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption for at least 1 week before and after surgery.
• Showering and cleaning the body thoroughly before surgery.
• For those who need sedation, fasting from food and water for at least 6-8 hours.
• Wearing loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery.

Post-surgery care includes:

• Wearing a compression garment on the face from the first day after surgery and continuously for at least 3 months (24 hours a day for the first 7 days, then as much as possible, recommended at least 10-12 hours/day). For the best results, wear it continuously for 6 months, preferably only at night after the first 7 days.
• Applying cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
• Avoiding heavy physical activities.
• Avoiding hard, sticky, or chewy foods to reduce facial movement.
• Not wetting the incision until the stitches are removed (you can clean the face) and washing hair carefully.
• Taking medications as prescribed.
• Starting to use Silicone gel after the 2nd week to help smooth the scars.
• Resuming regular exercise after 1 month.

Age Limit for Face Lift Surgery: There is no set age limit for face lift surgery; it depends on the degree of sagging. However, those concerned can consult a doctor to choose the most appropriate treatment. Generally, the average age of patients undergoing face lift surgery is around 45 years and above.

Results of Face Lift Surgery: Results can typically be seen within 1-3 months after surgery, depending on the individual’s skin condition and problems.

If you are interested in consulting or have any questions about Face Lift Surgery, you can send photos for evaluation to LINE: @doctortony.