What Is a Mid-Face Lift Surgery?
Mid-face lift surgery is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to correct the tired and aged expression caused by the downward sagging of the cheeks, cheekbones, and under-eye area due to aging. This operation lifts the fatty tissue and skin in the cheeks upward, giving these areas a youthful and full appearance. The surgery is usually performed through small incisions made inside natural folds, such as the lower eyelid line, which minimizes the formation of visible scars. As a result, a more rested and younger facial expression is achieved.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Mid-Face Lift Surgery?
The most suitable candidates for mid-face lift surgery are individuals who have significant sagging in the cheek and cheekbone area but do not have major issues with the lower face and neck. Generally, individuals between the ages of 35 and 50 are ideal candidates for this surgery. Non-smokers who are in good general health, have realistic expectations from the surgery, and understand the surgical risks can achieve the best results from this operation.
What Is the Difference Between a Full Face Lift and a Mid-Face Lift?
A full face lift is a more comprehensive operation that covers all areas of the face (forehead, mid-face, lower face, and neck). This surgery is usually preferred for people with more advanced signs of aging. A mid-face lift, as the name suggests, focuses only on the middle part of the face. This procedure provides a more limited but effective rejuvenation by solving problems such as cheek sagging and under-eye bags. The biggest difference between the two operations is their scope and degree of invasiveness.
How Is Mid-Face Lift Surgery Performed?
Mid-face lift surgery is an operation that takes approximately 1.5-2 hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon typically makes a small incision in the natural crease just below the lower eyelid. Through this incision, the sagging tissue in the cheek and cheekbone area is lifted upward and secured in its new position. Excess skin can be removed or reshaped. After the operation is completed, the incisions are closed with aesthetic stitches and a bandage is applied.
How Long Does the Surgery Process Take?
The mid-face lift surgery itself usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the procedure. However, when pre-operative preparation, anesthesia, and post-operative wake-up time are also taken into account, the total time spent in the hospital may be longer. Patients are usually discharged one day after the operation. This short operation time and recovery process provide a great advantage, especially for international patients.
What Is the Post-Operative Recovery Process Like?
The post-operative recovery process is generally fast and comfortable. Mild swelling, bruising, and pain may be felt for the first few days, but these symptoms usually decrease within a few days. Patients can return to their jobs one week after the surgery. It may take a few months for the swelling on the face to completely subside and for the final results to become apparent. It is important to avoid heavy exercise and protect the face from trauma during the recovery process.
How Permanent Is Mid-Face Lift Surgery?
The results of mid-face lift surgery are permanent, but since the aging process continues, these results do not last forever. The operation turns back the clock and gives your face a younger appearance. The effect of the surgery generally lasts for 10-15 years. To make the results longer-lasting, it is important to pay attention to lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
What Are the Possible Risks and Complications of the Surgery?
As with any surgical operation, mid-face lift surgery also has some risks. These include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, asymmetry, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. However, these risks are minimized when the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon in a fully equipped hospital and under sterile conditions. It is important to get detailed information from your doctor about the pre-operative risks and possible side effects.
How Much Does Mid-Face Lift Surgery Cost in Turkey?
The prices for mid-face lift surgery in Turkey vary depending on many factors. These include the surgeon’s experience, the location of the clinic or hospital, the technology used, and the scope of the operation. In general, prices in Turkey are much more economical compared to Western European countries. Prices are usually offered in packages that include the surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and post-operative care.
Why Are Clinics in Turkey More Affordable?
The prices of aesthetic surgery clinics in Turkey are lower than in Western countries. The main reasons for this are low labor costs, low overheads, and government incentives for health tourism. At the same time, the value of the Turkish Lira against other currencies creates a great cost advantage for foreign patients. This allows for competitive prices to be offered without compromising on quality.
What Should Be Considered Before the Surgery?
Before the surgery, it is very important to follow all the instructions given by your surgeon. The use of blood-thinning medications and herbal supplements should be stopped at least two weeks before the surgery. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped at least one month in advance because these substances negatively affect the recovery process. It is recommended not to wear makeup and to wear comfortable clothes on the day of the surgery.
What Should Be Considered After the Surgery?
After the surgery, sleeping with your head elevated for the first few days helps to reduce swelling. It is important to use the painkillers recommended by your surgeon regularly. Heavy physical activities and movements that strain the face should be avoided for a week. Protecting yourself from sunlight is critically important for the healing of surgical scars. Regular doctor check-ups are also important to monitor the recovery process.
Will There Be a Scar After the Surgery?
In mid-face lift surgery, the incisions are usually made at the eyelash line of the lower eyelid or from inside the mouth. These incisions, which are hidden in natural folds, become almost invisible after they heal. When done with the right technique, it is very difficult to notice the surgery from the outside. Following the surgeon’s instructions and protecting yourself from the sun are important to reduce the visibility of the scars.
How Does the Pre-operative Consultation Process Work?
For international patients, the pre-operative consultation process usually begins online. Patients send photos of their face and their medical history to the surgeon. The surgeon evaluates this information to decide if they are suitable for the surgery and creates a preliminary treatment plan. After the patient arrives in Turkey, a face-to-face examination is performed, and the details of the surgery are finalized.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used?
Mid-face lift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. This means that the patient is completely asleep during the surgery and does not feel any pain or discomfort. General anesthesia allows the surgeon to perform the operation more comfortably and safely. Depending on the scope of the surgery, local anesthesia may be preferred in rare cases, but this is usually for small corrections.
When Does the Surgical Scar Heal Completely?
The complete healing of surgical scars after the surgery varies from person to person, but this process usually takes several months. In the first few weeks, the scars may be red and prominent, but they fade over time and approach skin color. Using the scar creams recommended by the surgeon and protecting the surgical area from the sun after the surgery speeds up the healing of the scars. Complete invisibility can take up to a year.
Is Mid-Face Lift Surgery in Turkey Safe?
Aesthetic surgery clinics and hospitals in Turkey have reached international standards by making significant investments in health tourism. Many hospitals have international accreditations such as JCI. Surgeries are performed by experienced and specialized surgeons in fully equipped hospitals, which ensures that the operations are carried out safely. However, it is very important to do detailed research to choose a reliable clinic.
How Experienced Are the Doctors in Turkey?
Aesthetic surgeons in Turkey are very experienced, especially in face lift surgeries. Thanks to health tourism, surgeons who perform thousands of surgeries a year have gained extensive experience with different facial structures and aesthetic expectations. This allows for higher success rates and more natural results to be offered to patients.
How Long Do I Need to Stay in Turkey for the Surgery?
The length of stay in Turkey for a mid-face lift surgery is generally between 5 and 7 days. The surgery is usually performed on the second day, and the first few days are for resting in the hospital or hotel. It may be beneficial to stay for a few more days for the removal of stitches and the first check-ups. This period is sufficient for post-operative check-ups and bandage changes to be performed regularly.
What Is the Most Suitable Age Range for the Surgery?
The most suitable age range for mid-face lift surgery is generally between 35 and 50. At these ages, the sagging on the face is not yet very advanced, and the skin has not completely lost its elasticity. This makes the surgical results more effective and natural. However, this operation can also be applied to younger or older people; what is important is the person’s skin condition and general health.
What Is the Difference Between a Thread Lift and a Mid-Face Lift?
A thread lift is a non-surgical and minimally invasive method. This procedure uses bio-absorbable threads to correct mild sagging, and the duration of its effect is short. A mid-face lift, on the other hand, is a surgical operation that offers deeper and more permanent results. A thread lift is suitable for people who do not want to have surgery and have mild sagging, while a mid-face lift is ideal for those looking for more noticeable results.
When Are the Results of the Surgery Fully Visible?
The tightening and rejuvenation effect on the face is visible immediately after the surgery. However, it takes about a month for the post-operative swelling and bruising to completely subside. The final results become fully apparent within 3-6 months as the facial tissues settle into place and the scars fade. It is very important to be patient during this process and to follow the doctor’s advice.
In Which Cases Can a Mid-Face Lift Not Be Performed?
Mid-face lift surgery is not suitable for people with chronic and uncontrolled serious illnesses (diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease), bleeding disorders, those who smoke excessively, or those who do not have realistic expectations for the operation. Furthermore, this operation is not recommended for individuals who are not psychologically ready for the surgery.
How Is Pain Management Done After the Surgery?
The pain felt after the surgery is usually mild and can be easily controlled with simple painkillers prescribed by the surgeon. The pain is felt most in the first few days and decreases over time. Applying a cold compress to the surgical area also helps to reduce swelling and pain. Pain management during the recovery process is important for patient comfort.
Do Clinics in Turkey Offer Foreign Language Services?
Yes, many aesthetic clinics and hospitals in Turkey have international patient departments specially designed for foreign patients. These departments employ translators and patient coordinators who speak English, German, Arabic, and other languages to solve patients’ communication problems. This service ensures that patients feel safe and comfortable throughout their treatment process.
With Which Other Surgeries Can a Mid-Face Lift Be Combined?
A mid-face lift can often be combined with other aesthetic operations to achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation effect. The most common combined procedures include eyelid aesthetics (blepharoplasty), forehead lift, fat injection, and neck lift. These combinations provide a balanced and holistic rejuvenation in all areas of the face.
When Can a Mid-Face Lift Be Performed Again?
Although a mid-face lift offers permanent results, the aging process continues. Therefore, the operation can be repeated when the effects of aging become prominent again 10-15 years after the first surgery. A second operation helps to maintain the younger appearance of the face.
Where Are the Incisions Made in the Surgery?
In mid-face lift surgery, incisions are usually made under the eyelash line of the lower eyelid or in the hairline in the temple area. In some cases, incisions can also be made from inside the mouth. This technique ensures that the incisions are hidden in the natural facial contours and become invisible.
Can I Get a Massage After the Surgery?
During the post-operative recovery period, massaging the treated area is absolutely not recommended. Massaging can cause the tissues to shift, prolong the healing process, or lead to undesirable results. Facial massages should be avoided for the duration recommended by your surgeon.
What Technologies Are Used in the Surgery?
Modern aesthetic surgery clinics in Turkey use the latest technologies in their surgeries. Endoscopic instruments, 3D imaging systems, and special laser technologies make the surgery safer, more precise, and less invasive. These technologies also speed up the patients’ recovery process.
Can Mid-Face Lift Surgery Be Performed on Men?
Yes, mid-face lift surgery can also be safely performed on men. Sagging cheeks and a tired expression due to aging can also be seen in men. The operation technique is planned to preserve the more angular facial features in men, thus achieving a natural and masculine appearance.
How Long Is the Hospital Stay?
Mid-face lift surgery is an operation that generally requires a one-night hospital stay. The patient comes to the hospital on the day of the surgery and stays in the hospital for one night for post-operative observation. After the check-ups the next day, they are discharged. This short hospital stay increases patient comfort.
How Do I Choose the Best Surgeon and Clinic?
To choose the best surgeon and clinic, you need to do extensive research. Check if the surgeon is a member of the Turkish Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association (TPRECD). Examine the before and after photos of the operations they have performed. Read patient reviews and ask your questions by meeting with the surgeon face-to-face or online.
What Factors Affect the Success of the Surgery?
The most important factors affecting the success of the surgery include the surgeon’s experience, the patient’s general health condition, skin elasticity, age, and adherence to the doctor’s recommendations after the surgery. Factors such as smoking and unhealthy eating can negatively affect the recovery process and the final results.
What Are the Non-Surgical Alternatives?
Non-surgical methods such as filler injections, fat injections, thread lifting, and laser treatments can be used as alternatives to mid-face lift surgery. While these methods offer a solution for mild sagging, they are not as effective as mid-face lift surgery for more serious sagging.
Why Is Alcohol and Smoking Consumption Important Before Mid-Face Lift Surgery?
Alcohol and smoking negatively affect the recovery process before and after the surgery. Smoking reduces blood flow and prevents tissues from getting oxygen, which slows down wound healing. Alcohol thins the blood, which increases the risk of post-operative bleeding and bruising. Therefore, it is critically important to stop the use of these substances before the surgery.
