Post-Operative Care After Endoscopic Deep Plane Facelift

An endoscopic deep plane facelift is a highly sophisticated surgical procedure. It requires advanced anatomical knowledge as well as significant experience. Many factors determine the final outcome, and one of the most important is adherence to post-operative care instructions. This is essential reading for patients who have undergone or are considering an endoscopic facelift.

During an endoscopic facelift, the SMAS layer and facial muscles are elevated together and secured using absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. Depending on the need, fixation is achieved by anchoring these sutures to the temporal fascia, periosteum, or directly to the bone by creating small tunnels. These sutures are strong and can withstand a certain degree of force. However, it is important to understand that the tissues themselves are not as strong.

You may immediately think of the SMAS layer as one of the strongest structures of the face. In the endoscopic deep plane facelift technique, dissection is performed beneath the SMAS layer by releasing the retaining ligaments, and the lifting is achieved by suspending the SMAS layer. However, even the SMAS layer has limited strength. Although the sutures used are strong and sometimes non-absorbable, the tissues remain more delicate and sensitive.

For this reason, if force is applied in the opposite direction of the lifting vectors, sutures may loosen or break, and/or the tissues may tear. In all of these situations, the lifted facial tissues may gradually descend again, leading to varying degrees of asymmetry. If a significant asymmetry occurs, revision surgery may be required.

Especially During the First 3 Weeks:

• Use supportive facial tapes

• A surgical facial bandage should be worn, especially during sleep

• If facial massage is performed, it must always be done in an upward direction (in line with the lifting vectors) after your surgeon’s approval

• Massage should be applied with gentle pressure (excess pressure may damage tissues and/or sutures that are already under tension due to swelling)

• Avoid rubbing the face

• Avoid excessive facial expressions

• Avoid hard foods, chewing forcefully, or biting into foods such as apples (for 3–6 weeks)

• Sleep on your back as much as possible (for up to 3 months)

• Do not sleep face down (for up to 3 months)

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities that increase facial pressure (for up to 3 months)

• Protect your face from trauma or impact (for up to 3 months)

Wishing you a healthy and graceful aging process.

Op. Dr. Beşir Öner

Plastic, Reconstructive, Aesthetic and Maxillofacial Surgery