ENDOSCOPIC FACELIFT
WHAT IS IT?
The Endoscopic Facelift is a procedure aimed at facial rejuvenation through the repositioning of sagging tissues. We use small incisions on the scalp ranging from 0.5 to 2 cm, and through the use of an endoscope, we can work on the deeper structures, sparing the face from visible scars. It can typically be performed in conjunction with lower eyelid laser peeling, lip treatments, or even a full face treatment. Filling procedures such as fat injection or products can also be used.
Indication: it can be performed alone in young patients or in conjunction with a Conventional Facelift.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Scar
The small scars are located on the scalp.
Anesthesia
Typically, local anesthesia with sedation.
Surgical Time
One and a half hours.
Hair Dye
Hair dye should be done one week before the surgery so that its effect lasts until it can be reapplied 3 weeks after the procedure.
Haircut
Hair is not cut during the surgery.
PRE-OPERATIVE
1) Complementary exams to be specified by the surgery.
2) Photography of the area is important for evaluation, surgical planning, and documentation.
3) Arrive at the clinic on the agreed day and time, preferably accompanied.
4) Do not bring jewelry and other valuables to the clinic.
5) Do not paint your nails.
6) Any intercurrence such as illnesses (flu, fever, infection) or other reasons that may lead to the suspension of the surgery should be reported to the surgery in advance.
CAUTIONS:
1) Fasting for at least 6 hours before the start of the surgery.
2) Medication for hypertension and other diseases should be informed to the surgery for further guidance.
3) Do not take medication containing acetylsalicylic acid (e.g., AAS, Rhonal, Buferin, Aspirin) one week before and one week after the surgery as it increases bleeding.
4) Weight loss medication should be discontinued 15 days before the surgery.
5) Do not smoke 15 days before and 15 days after the surgery. How about taking this opportunity to quit smoking?
POST-OPERATIVE
Pain
The surgery is generally painless. Rarely, there may be slight pain, which can be perfectly managed with common analgesics.
Hospital Stay
Outpatient or 24-hour hospitalization.
First Dressings
Upon leaving the surgical center, you will have a helmet-shaped dressing. After its removal, hair can be washed normally (bring shampoo and conditioner to the clinic) and can be dried with a discreetly warmed hairdryer and styled gently. The eyes are not occluded, and cold boric acid compresses or cold chamomile tea are recommended for 48 hours.
Shower
The next day.
Diet
Liquid and soft foods in the first days.
Edema (swelling)
Swelling is progressive during the first 48 hours, after which it stabilizes and then begins to regress, faster in the eyelids and slower in the rest of the face. The treatment of the musculature results in a sensation of "tight face." This may be aggravated by edema and tends to improve, especially after the start of massages.
Bruises
Typically very little, and you can apply cold compresses with boric acid water or cold chamomile tea, or even use Arnica.
Itching (itchiness, burning, numbness, or hypersensitivity)
These may occasionally occur, but they are temporary and tend to disappear within about 3 months.
Physical Efforts
Wait 15 days.
Removal of Stitches
The stitches on the scalp are removed after 7 days.
Dressings after discharge
Only normal hygiene over the scars.
Sun
Not allowed for a minimum period of 1 month. We recommend using sunscreen (factor 30 or higher), reapplied every 3 hours, strictly for 2 months.
Massage
Facial and lymphatic massage during the 2 months accelerates the regression of edema.
Makeup and Hair Dye
Makeup is allowed after the first week and hair dye after 3 weeks.
Depression
A short period of emotional depression may occur in the first days due to the initial appearance. This is temporary and usually arises from the anxiety to achieve results as soon as possible. Be patient. Remember that no aesthetic facial surgery result should be evaluated before 3 months post-operative.
*"WILL THIS DISAPPEAR?"
Every surgery involves its own recovery period. Give it time, and your body will take care of dissipating small disturbances that will inevitably attract someone's attention, leading to the observation: "Will this disappear?" Do not hesitate to share any concerns with us. We will provide the necessary clarifications for your peace of mind.
RESULT
During the first four months post-surgery, the area may appear slightly edematous (swollen), with a gradual accommodation of organic tissues over time. The scar will initially be more reddish and hardened, then becoming paler and thinner. This process is slow and may take several months; however, it is not possible to predict exactly how it will result, as the process depends not only on the technique used and post-operative care but also on individual factors.
After the initial four months, a re-evaluation and new photography will be conducted for comparison of pre and post-operative (before and after). If this re-evaluation indicates the need for any touch-up, a procedure considered common in plastic surgery, it should be performed after the 6th month and within a maximum of 10 months after the surgery.