Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift
New generation plastic surgery techniques are bringing revolutionary changes to facial rejuvenation. Endoscopic temporal-facelift is one of these methods that stands out. This procedure addresses the sagging problem in the upper region in younger individuals (20s-30s), while targeting the aging signs that appear in the upper face (temples, forehead, around the eyebrows) in older age groups. With its natural results and fast recovery process, this method is effective as a temporal lift in younger patients, while it should be combined with other facelift techniques in older individuals.
What is Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift?
Endoscopic temporal-facelift is a minimally invasive surgical technique performed through small incisions using an endoscope, a small camera, and specialized surgical instruments. By accessing the temporal forehead area through small incisions (about 3 cm) in the scalp, the risk of visible scarring is minimized, and a more precise intervention is applied to the tissues.
Main Purpose:
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To correct sagging and hollowness in the upper and mid-face,
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To lift drooping eyebrows,
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To create a more youthful and refreshed contour in the upper part of the face,
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To reduce deep wrinkles and restore a natural expression.
To correct sagging and hollowness in the upper and mid-face,
To lift drooping eyebrows,
To create a more youthful and refreshed contour in the upper part of the face,
To reduce deep wrinkles and restore a natural expression.
This method addresses sagging in the upper and mid-face in younger patients, while aiming to reposition the tissues in older individuals through a facelift effect.
Who is it Suitable For?
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Individuals aged 20-40:
Patients with sagging and drooping in the upper and mid-face. In this face type, the outer vector of the eyes points downward, and the sclera (the white part of the eyes) becomes more visible. Drooping eyebrows often accompany this. In the surgery, both the upper and mid-face are lifted together to spread the effect across the entire face. -
Individuals aged 40-70:
Patients with significant sagging or volume loss in the upper face; those who develop sagging in the upper and mid-face due to the effects of gravity with age; patients who appear tired and aged due to drooping eyebrows and temple hollowing. In this age group, the method is generally not sufficient on its own, and it is recommended to combine it with other facelift techniques (e.g., deep plane facelift) for better results.
Individuals aged 20-40:
Patients with sagging and drooping in the upper and mid-face. In this face type, the outer vector of the eyes points downward, and the sclera (the white part of the eyes) becomes more visible. Drooping eyebrows often accompany this. In the surgery, both the upper and mid-face are lifted together to spread the effect across the entire face.
Individuals aged 40-70:
Patients with significant sagging or volume loss in the upper face; those who develop sagging in the upper and mid-face due to the effects of gravity with age; patients who appear tired and aged due to drooping eyebrows and temple hollowing. In this age group, the method is generally not sufficient on its own, and it is recommended to combine it with other facelift techniques (e.g., deep plane facelift) for better results.
How is it Done? Step-by-Step Process:
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Planning:
A structural analysis of the patient's face is performed, and the incision points are determined. Different surgical techniques are applied depending on the amount of eye lifting needed, so a detailed consultation with the patient before surgery is crucial. -
Anesthesia:
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. -
Incisions:
Two small incisions of about 3 cm are made in the temporal region of the scalp. If a forehead lift is also planned, two additional 2 cm incisions are made in the forehead region of the scalp. -
Tissue Manipulation:
Surgical intervention is performed through the deep temporal fascia and beneath the bone fascia. The ligaments causing sagging in the upper and mid-face are cut, and the entire face is lifted upwards through the temporal fascia. If the patient desires a more prominent eye contour, the bone fascia around the eyes may also be cut; otherwise, the upper and mid-face are simply lifted upwards by releasing the cut ligaments. The difference between these two approaches makes pre-surgical planning essential. -
Closure:
The incisions are closed with absorbable stitches, and a bandage is applied. -
Procedure Duration:
The procedure typically takes about 2 hours.
Planning:
A structural analysis of the patient's face is performed, and the incision points are determined. Different surgical techniques are applied depending on the amount of eye lifting needed, so a detailed consultation with the patient before surgery is crucial.
Anesthesia:
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
Incisions:
Two small incisions of about 3 cm are made in the temporal region of the scalp. If a forehead lift is also planned, two additional 2 cm incisions are made in the forehead region of the scalp.
Tissue Manipulation:
Surgical intervention is performed through the deep temporal fascia and beneath the bone fascia. The ligaments causing sagging in the upper and mid-face are cut, and the entire face is lifted upwards through the temporal fascia. If the patient desires a more prominent eye contour, the bone fascia around the eyes may also be cut; otherwise, the upper and mid-face are simply lifted upwards by releasing the cut ligaments. The difference between these two approaches makes pre-surgical planning essential.
Closure:
The incisions are closed with absorbable stitches, and a bandage is applied.
Procedure Duration:
The procedure typically takes about 2 hours.
Advantages:
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Invisible Scar:
Since the incisions are hidden in the scalp, no visible scar remains. -
Quick Recovery:
Patients can return to social life in 7-8 days and to work in 14-15 days. -
Natural Results:
By performing the procedure through the deep temporal fascia, all anatomical structures are preserved, preventing artificial results. There is no dimpling, and over-correction is avoided. -
Low Risk of Complications:
The minimal invasive approach reduces the risk of complications such as infection, hematoma, and nerve damage. -
Long-Lasting Effect:
Since the positions of the structures are altered during the procedure, there is no risk of the face falling back into its previous position. The patient will continue to age with their new face, and if they take care of their skin, the results will remain effective even at very advanced ages.
Invisible Scar:
Since the incisions are hidden in the scalp, no visible scar remains.
Quick Recovery:
Patients can return to social life in 7-8 days and to work in 14-15 days.
Natural Results:
By performing the procedure through the deep temporal fascia, all anatomical structures are preserved, preventing artificial results. There is no dimpling, and over-correction is avoided.
Low Risk of Complications:
The minimal invasive approach reduces the risk of complications such as infection, hematoma, and nerve damage.
Long-Lasting Effect:
Since the positions of the structures are altered during the procedure, there is no risk of the face falling back into its previous position. The patient will continue to age with their new face, and if they take care of their skin, the results will remain effective even at very advanced ages.
Recovery Process and Care:
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First Week:
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Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first 3 days.
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Cold Application and Sleeping Position: Cold compresses should be applied, blood pressure and pulse should be kept low, and the head should be elevated during sleep.
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Diet: During this period, a low-salt diet is recommended; large and hard foods should be avoided. Soft foods should be preferred due to temporal muscle sensitivity for the first 5 days.
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Pain Level: Patients typically report pain similar to a migraine (4-5 out of 10). Special painkillers are used during the hospital stay, and simple pain relievers are sufficient after discharge. By the 4th day, the pain score drops to 0-1. Since the area around the eyes is worked on, eye swelling, stinging, and tearing may occur.
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Mask Usage: The mask provided after surgery should be used regularly; this helps reduce swelling and keeps the face stable.
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Showering and Washing: Patients can wash their hair starting from the 2nd day. Care should be taken not to pull the hair, and allergy-free, non-scented shampoos should be used.
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1st Week:
The bandages are removed. Swelling and bruising continue, but patients can continue their daily activities without issues; exercise should be avoided. -
2nd Week:
Makeup and light activities are allowed, and returning to work becomes possible. At the 2-week check-up, swelling should be reduced, and lymphatic drainage support will be given. To help with this, facial massage is recommended. This massage should be performed 3 times a day for 2 minutes for 2 months. -
1 Month:
Sports and heavy physical activities can be resumed. Participation in large events like conferences and meetings is also possible.
First Week:
-
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first 3 days.
-
Cold Application and Sleeping Position: Cold compresses should be applied, blood pressure and pulse should be kept low, and the head should be elevated during sleep.
-
Diet: During this period, a low-salt diet is recommended; large and hard foods should be avoided. Soft foods should be preferred due to temporal muscle sensitivity for the first 5 days.
-
Pain Level: Patients typically report pain similar to a migraine (4-5 out of 10). Special painkillers are used during the hospital stay, and simple pain relievers are sufficient after discharge. By the 4th day, the pain score drops to 0-1. Since the area around the eyes is worked on, eye swelling, stinging, and tearing may occur.
-
Mask Usage: The mask provided after surgery should be used regularly; this helps reduce swelling and keeps the face stable.
-
Showering and Washing: Patients can wash their hair starting from the 2nd day. Care should be taken not to pull the hair, and allergy-free, non-scented shampoos should be used.
Swelling and bruising are most noticeable in the first 3 days.
Cold Application and Sleeping Position: Cold compresses should be applied, blood pressure and pulse should be kept low, and the head should be elevated during sleep.
Diet: During this period, a low-salt diet is recommended; large and hard foods should be avoided. Soft foods should be preferred due to temporal muscle sensitivity for the first 5 days.
Pain Level: Patients typically report pain similar to a migraine (4-5 out of 10). Special painkillers are used during the hospital stay, and simple pain relievers are sufficient after discharge. By the 4th day, the pain score drops to 0-1. Since the area around the eyes is worked on, eye swelling, stinging, and tearing may occur.
Mask Usage: The mask provided after surgery should be used regularly; this helps reduce swelling and keeps the face stable.
Showering and Washing: Patients can wash their hair starting from the 2nd day. Care should be taken not to pull the hair, and allergy-free, non-scented shampoos should be used.
1st Week:
The bandages are removed. Swelling and bruising continue, but patients can continue their daily activities without issues; exercise should be avoided.
2nd Week:
Makeup and light activities are allowed, and returning to work becomes possible. At the 2-week check-up, swelling should be reduced, and lymphatic drainage support will be given. To help with this, facial massage is recommended. This massage should be performed 3 times a day for 2 minutes for 2 months.
1 Month:
Sports and heavy physical activities can be resumed. Participation in large events like conferences and meetings is also possible.
Precautions to Be Taken:
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Use of sunscreen,
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Avoid smoking,
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Do not sleep on the face,
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Regularly perform the facial massages recommended by the doctor.
Use of sunscreen,
Avoid smoking,
Do not sleep on the face,
Regularly perform the facial massages recommended by the doctor.
Risks and Complications: As with any surgical operation, endoscopic temporal-facelift carries risks of infection, hematoma, and nerve damage. However, when performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, these risks are minimized. A thorough pre-surgical evaluation and patient education play a critical role in preventing complications.
Feature Comparison:
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Incision Size:
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Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 3 cm (hidden within the hairline)
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Deep Plane Facelift: 10-15 cm (around the ear, can be camouflaged)
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Patient Age Suitability:
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Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 20-40 (congenital facial sagging), 40-70 (age-related upper and mid-face sagging, may require additional methods in this age group)
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Deep Plane Facelift: 40-80 (age-related face and neck sagging)
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Target Area:
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Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: Upper face, mid-face (temples, eyebrows, cheeks)
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Deep Plane Facelift: Mid-face, lower face, and neck
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Longevity:
Both methods provide long-lasting effects.
Incision Size:
-
Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 3 cm (hidden within the hairline)
-
Deep Plane Facelift: 10-15 cm (around the ear, can be camouflaged)
Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 3 cm (hidden within the hairline)
Deep Plane Facelift: 10-15 cm (around the ear, can be camouflaged)
Patient Age Suitability:
-
Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 20-40 (congenital facial sagging), 40-70 (age-related upper and mid-face sagging, may require additional methods in this age group)
-
Deep Plane Facelift: 40-80 (age-related face and neck sagging)
Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: 20-40 (congenital facial sagging), 40-70 (age-related upper and mid-face sagging, may require additional methods in this age group)
Deep Plane Facelift: 40-80 (age-related face and neck sagging)
Target Area:
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Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: Upper face, mid-face (temples, eyebrows, cheeks)
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Deep Plane Facelift: Mid-face, lower face, and neck
Endoscopic Temporal-Facelift: Upper face, mid-face (temples, eyebrows, cheeks)
Deep Plane Facelift: Mid-face, lower face, and neck
Longevity:
Both methods provide long-lasting effects.
Conclusion:
Endoscopic temporal-facelift is one of the most innovative solutions offered by modern plastic surgery. With less risk, faster recovery, and natural results, this method is an ideal option for shaping the upper and mid-face. However, as with any surgical procedure, a detailed consultation process and working with an experienced plastic surgeon are of critical importance.