What Is Total Facial Rejuvenation (Facial Rejuvenation)?

Aging is a natural part of life; however, sagging, wrinkles, volume loss, and deterioration of the facial oval that develop over time can cause individuals to feel more tired or older than they actually are when they look in the mirror. Total facial rejuvenation is an advanced aesthetic surgical procedure that comprehensively addresses these effects of aging on the face and restructures all anatomical areas of the face.

Total facial rejuvenation is not limited to tightening the skin alone; the SMAS–platysma layer, which forms the supporting structures of the face, as well as fat tissues and areas with volume loss, are reshaped. Thus, a younger, more dynamic, and natural appearance is achieved across the entire face.

Unlike traditional facelift surgeries, total facial lifting repairs not only the facial skin but also the deep facial architectural structures most affected by aging. For this reason, the results are much more natural, noticeable, and long-lasting.

How Does Facial Aging Develop?

The aging process is not limited only to wrinkles on the skin. Over time, three main changes occur:

1. Thinning of the skin and loss of elasticity

With the decrease in collagen and elastin production, the skin becomes thinner, looser, and wrinkles become more pronounced.

2. Downward sagging of soft tissues

Due to gravity and weakening connective tissues, the soft tissues of the face shift downward. The midface area, in particular, loses volume.

3. Volume loss in fat tissue and facial bones

With age, facial fat pads shrink, slight resorption occurs in facial bones, and the face begins to look “hollow.”

When these three factors come together, the face loses its youthful appearance, contours become blurred, the jawline loses definition, and sagging appears in the neck area. Total facial rejuvenation surgery eliminates these three fundamental problems in a single session with a holistic approach.

Periorbital Rejuvenation (Eye Area Rejuvenation)

One of the most important components of total facial rejuvenation is rejuvenation of the eye area, as the first and most noticeable signs of aging appear around the eyes. Under-eye hollowness, bags, dark circles, crow’s feet, and upper eyelid drooping give the person a more tired appearance than they actually are.

Periorbital rejuvenation is combined with the following methods during total facial rejuvenation:

1. Under-Eye Brightening and Volume Restoration

The patient’s own fat tissue or micro-processed fat grafts are injected into the tear trough area. This application:
Reduces the hollow appearance,
Lightens the prominence of dark circles,
Creates a more dynamic and rested expression.

2. Correction of Under-Eye Bags

In suitable patients, under-eye bags are reduced and fat pads are reshaped via a subciliary or transconjunctival incision. This procedure significantly rejuvenates the eye area.

3. Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Excess skin and muscle laxity on the upper eyelid are removed, providing both aesthetic and functional improvement. The person’s gaze appears more lively.

4. Brow Lifting

Drooping eyebrows give the eye area a tired expression. With endoscopic or temporal lifting, the brow position is moved to its natural angle.

Result: When the eye area, which is the most critical region for a youthful facial appearance, is refreshed, the entire face looks more dynamic and vibrant. Therefore, periorbital rejuvenation is an indispensable complement to total facial rejuvenation.

How Is Total Facelift Performed?

Total facelift surgery is a comprehensive procedure that targets both superficial and deep tissues of the face. During surgery, not only the skin but also the SMAS layer that supports deep tissues, the platysma muscle, connective tissues, and areas with volume loss are corrected.

Surgical Technique and SMAS Intervention

Between the facial skin and the deep muscle layer lies a strong and resilient connective tissue called the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System). The main structure that sags with aging is the SMAS layer. Therefore, surgeries that only tighten the skin do not provide lasting results.

In total facial rejuvenation:
The SMAS layer is separated from the facial muscles,
Repositioned to its natural anatomical level,
Lifted and fixed upward and outward in the required directions,
The skin is gently redraped according to this tightened structure.

Thus, the face appears both natural and youthful, without creating a tense facial expression.

Volume Restoration with Fat Injection

One of the most important indicators of facial youth is full and vibrant facial contours. In total facial rejuvenation surgery, fat tissue taken from the patient’s own body is processed through special techniques and injected into areas of the face with volume loss.

These areas include:
Cheekbones,
Tear trough area,
Nasolabial region,
Temples,
Jawline.

This method restores the face’s natural youthful appearance and increases the longevity of the results.

Where Are the Scars of Total Facelift Surgery?

Surgical incisions are placed within natural folds and the hairline to remain hidden:
An incision starting within the hair at the temporal region,
A line continuing downward in front of the ear,
A portion extending behind the ear toward the nape,
In some patients, a small additional incision under the chin.

Scars within the scalp and under the chin are not visible, the scar behind the ear is concealed by the auricle, and the scar in front of the ear gradually blends with the skin tone and becomes barely noticeable.

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