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Endoscopic lift of the lower, middle and upper thirds of the face

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Today, there are many different cosmetic procedures that help restore youthfulness, freshness, and prevent sagging skin. One of these procedures is endoscopic facelift. In essence, this is a surgical operation that is characterized by a low level of skin trauma and minimal side effects.

Indications for the procedure

The procedure is recommended for people over 35 years of age with pathologies of the brow ridges, the formation of wrinkles in any part of the face, sagging. Indications for the procedure may also be other conditions that are often associated with skin changes. It is possible to get rid of the so-called "gloomy" facial expression, distortion of the main facial features in a relatively short time. [ 1 ]

Preparation

Before starting the operation, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive diagnostic examination: analysis of coagulation and platelet levels, electrocardiogram. It is also important to determine the reaction to medications, tolerance to anesthesia, and tendency to allergic reactions. Examinations are usually prescribed 2-3 weeks before the expected date of surgery. [ 2 ]

Also, about 2 weeks before the procedure, you must adhere to a specific diet, in particular, exclude alcohol, tobacco products, strong coffee and tea. The diet should be gentle, balanced, and contain all the necessary vitamins. It is better to include more fruits and vegetables, and reduce meat products and fat to a minimum. This diet must be followed until the body is fully restored. If you are taking medications, you must inform your doctor. About 3-4 days before the procedure, you should completely exclude all medications that thin the blood. You should exclude energy products and drinks. You should drink water in moderation, especially on the eve of the operation. Directly on the day of the operation, you should completely exclude water and any food products. The rest of the preparation is carried out by the doctor immediately before the procedure. [ 3 ]

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Technique Endoscopic lift of the lower, middle and upper thirds of the face

Let's consider the sequence of the procedure, its technique. First, the doctor treats the skin surface, prepares it for further procedure, disinfects it. Then, after thorough antiseptic treatment, several small incisions are made. As a rule, 3-4 incisions, the size of which does not exceed 10 mm, are sufficient.

The operation is performed using special instruments (endoscope). It allows to penetrate into the subcutaneous layers through small incisions, without the need to make a full skin incision. The entire operation is performed using instruments that penetrate together with the endoscope. They allow to perform even the most complex manipulations. In addition, the incision is made in those places where the scars will be hardly noticeable, for example, under the jaw, behind the ears, but not in the center of the face, as it would be done during classical plastic surgery. [ 4 ]

The image is displayed on the screen (there is a special camera that allows you to monitor the condition of the skin and subcutaneous layers, see the entire course of the operation). Accordingly, the area of skin damage is significantly reduced, the risk of infection is reduced. Healing and recovery occurs much faster.

This significantly improves the appearance, structures the face, allows the tightened structures to last a long time without losing shape. Also, the instrument allows, if necessary, to move the subcutaneous fat tissue without cutting off the skin, without cutting off the skin. Skin cutting can only be done if there is a need for it. Due to the fact that the damage is minimal, the person quickly recovers and quickly returns to his usual way of life.

During the operation, it is possible to quickly and effectively model the contours of the face, supporting everything with pictures from the camera. Thus, the surgeon no longer works blindly, as he would have done before, which significantly increases the accuracy of the procedure. Due to the fact that only incisions are made on the surface of the skin through which the instrument penetrates, stitches are not required after the operation. Small holes after the instrument is removed are simply covered with a plaster or bandage. And they heal quickly. It is due to these properties that in Europe and the USA this procedure is called seamless facelift. [ 5 ]

It is important to take into account the features of the anatomical structure of the face, physiological features, the location of nerves, nerve endings, facial muscles, and fibers. During a classic operation, even an experienced specialist can touch a nerve, while endoscopic technology eliminates this possibility. This is what ensures the maximum naturalness of the procedure, a fresh look after the operation, and rapid healing. The skin will acquire its final appearance in about a month. It is important to understand that even if the damage is minimal, it is still there, and healing takes time. In addition, any intervention is stress not only for the skin, but also for the body as a whole.

Endoscopic midface lift

It is divided into several varieties. There are at least three types, depending on the area to be treated, including endoscopic midface lift. Endoscopic lifting is often combined with other procedures, which allows achieving maximum results. All three types of operations can be performed simultaneously, but surgeons still recommend doing them at least a few days apart. [ 6 ]

It is recommended to carry out this procedure after reaching the age of 35, since at this time the recovery processes are reduced to a minimum, it becomes extremely difficult to return youth and beauty by non-invasive methods. This operation can be carried out for both men and women. It belongs to the category of beauty procedures. During the procedure, the skin is tightened, therefore the second name of this procedure is lifting. The advantage of this technique is that the intervention is minimal, and the effect is maximum. Recovery occurs in record time.

Endoscopic lower face lift

As a rule, sutures are used for this type of surgery. They allow the skin to be supported and prevent it from drooping. The sutures are removed 10 days after the surgery.

Thanks to the procedure, we get modeled, perfectly smooth facial contours, no unevenness, jowls, scars and seams on the face, elimination of the double chin. Wrinkles on the forehead are smoothed out, you can also quickly and effectively remove crow's feet, wrinkles around the lips, on the neck, expression wrinkles. An endoscopic lift of the entire lower third of the face is performed: correction of nasolabial folds, correction of the shape of the lips and eyebrows, cheekbones can be formed, a more open look can be made, which will be expressive and have an open look. [ 7 ]

Endoscopic upper face lift

Upper facelift is an endoscopic surgery using endoscopic technology that allows you to correct the condition of the forehead, the area around the eyes, and near them, lifts the corners of the eyes. Also, with this operation, you can correct and fix the shape. In the process, fat is sucked out of the forehead areas. [ 8 ]

Often performed simultaneously with blepharoplasty and lipolifting of the frontal area, during which fat is sucked out of the frontal areas. During the operation, incisions are made at a height of approximately 2-3 cm above the hairline. The tissues are pulled up and fixed with special screws or bioglue.

The operation takes place in several stages. After preparation, the doctor anesthetizes the patient. After this, antiseptic treatment is performed, after which the doctor makes incisions, inserts the endoscope, and performs the necessary procedures. Then he removes the endoscope, applies an adhesive bandage (in rare cases, stitches). Then, if necessary, further postoperative treatment is carried out. [ 9 ]

During the operation, sagging areas are usually pulled up and attached using sutures and biogel. The duration of the operation is determined by the area of impact, the duration of the treatment, and the severity of the pathology. The pulse is monitored.

Contraindications to the procedure

Endoscopic facelift is performed under general anesthesia. Therefore, there are contraindications to the procedure, anesthesia can have negative side effects. Secondly, in the postoperative period, damage still remains, albeit minor. Therefore, there is a risk of infection and suppuration. The procedure is not recommended for people under 35 years of age (there are anatomical, physiological, hormonal, and biochemical contraindications for this procedure). And another disadvantage that many patients point out is the high cost of the procedure. [ 10 ]

Contraindications include a negative reaction to anesthesia. It is not recommended for people with intolerance to anesthesia or certain medications. Also, people with hemophilia, various blood dysfunctions, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal and mental disorders, high blood pressure, a tendency to hypertension, and VSD should be considered. It is not recommended to perform the procedure in case of infectious pathologies, acute diseases, malignant tumors, diseases, and inflammatory skin lesions.

Consequences after the procedure

The advantages of this operation include the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. With minimal damage, the tissues are practically not injured, therefore, recovery occurs much faster, and side effects and complications also practically do not develop. There are no scars, since the incisions are small, and in those areas that are not conspicuous. The incisions are so small that they are not always noticeable even from a close distance. During the procedure, not one problem is solved, but several at once, and even a complex of problems. [ 11 ]

The positive result is noticeable from the first days, but the full effect can be assessed after a month. As practice shows, clients look 7-10 years younger. The effect lasts for quite a long time - on average 5-10 years. The stunning naturalness of the face after the operation attracts attention. The rehabilitation period is also insignificant, short. The risk of damage to nerve fibers, receptors, lymph nodes is almost completely eliminated.

Complications after the procedure

Usually there are no side effects after the operation, but slight discomfort may be felt for at least 10-15 days. Sometimes in the first days after the operation there is swelling, redness, slight irritation. There may be bruises, especially where the skin is thin, delicate, sensitive. After the end of rehabilitation, all these phenomena completely disappear. If you look closely, small scars may be visible from a close distance, but they last no longer than 3 months.

Complications almost never occur. But sometimes there are cases of infection, which results in the development of an inflammatory, infectious, purulent-septic process. Most often, this happens with improper postoperative care, with non-compliance with hygiene rules. Scars may appear on the surface of the skin (mainly due to improper preparation for surgery). Individual defects may be associated with the characteristics of the patient's skin. To get rid of complications, it is necessary to follow the doctor's recommendations. [ 12 ]

Sometimes the skin sensitivity decreases sharply, hyperpigmentation and asymmetry appear. This is often also due to the patient's skin characteristics, individual reaction to the technique, medications, and anesthesia. This usually recovers in 6-8 months. But sometimes a second operation is required. In this case, one should not exclude a doctor's error, damage to a nerve or other structures during the operation. To avoid such an outcome, one should carefully choose the clinic where the operation will be performed, choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, preferably one who specializes in such operations.

Care after the procedure

The patient must be under the supervision of doctors to ensure full control over the condition. After the operation, postoperative care is required, the essence of which is strict compliance with all doctor's instructions. As a rule, treatment is selected individually, if required.

In addition, it is forbidden to wash your hair, use cosmetics, or use a hair dryer. Alcohol and cigarettes are also completely excluded during this period. Saunas, baths, and even regular bathing with a high temperature are prohibited. You cannot visit the beach for at least 30-40 days. Peels, massages, and cosmetic procedures are prohibited for at least a month, the use of cosmetics is contraindicated (except for those prescribed by a doctor). Facial expressions and any movements of the facial muscles must be kept to a minimum.

In the postoperative period, the doctor often prescribes herbal infusions, cold and sometimes contrast compresses, various procedures aimed at improving and restoring blood circulation, ensuring metabolism, and accelerated healing. [ 13 ]

It is important to visit a cosmetologist regularly, spend as much time as possible in the fresh air, consume enough vitamins, include fresh fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals in the diet. It is necessary to do physical exercises, do breathing exercises, relaxation practices, meditation.

Proper breathing (especially yoga, qigong, various breathing exercises) has a positive effect on the skin, as it fills the cells with oxygen and nutrients, promotes the removal of carbon dioxide and metabolic by-products. This promotes rejuvenation, starts recovery processes, stimulates the production of vitamins by the skin and subcutaneous layers. Meditations, relaxation practices relax, relieve tension. Accordingly, metabolic processes in the cells improve, stagnation is eliminated, self-renewal mechanisms are launched. Relaxed muscles do not create tension, form even contours, a smooth structure and shape of the face, even out the color.

Reviews

If you analyze the reviews, you can see that most of them are positive. Almost all patients are satisfied (predominantly female patients). Most women who have had this type of surgery regularly visit cosmetologists, beauty salons, and clinics. They carefully monitor their skin and perform various rejuvenating procedures. After an endoscopic facelift, they are satisfied, since they have to visit a cosmetologist much less often in the future. After the surgery, everyone looks 8-10 years younger, and some even 15! This condition lasts for quite a long time - up to 10 years.

After the operation, the skin condition is natural, expressive, fresh. It is not visible that the woman had an operation. It seems that this is the natural condition of the skin. Before the operation, careful preparation is carried out, then a recovery period is needed. All this takes an average of 2-3 months. The procedure takes an average of 2-3 hours. After the procedure, according to patients, the face looks terrible - bruises, swelling, irritation. A fixing bandage is applied to the face.

During the first two days, women usually say that they were very sorry that they agreed to this procedure. But already on the third day, the condition noticeably improves: bruises disappear, seals dissolve, swelling subsides. Women also say that the face hurts a lot, it burns, it is impossible to sleep.

It is necessary to wipe it with various anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agents (on average, for a week). Many note that they had to sleep sitting, since it was very painful lying down. Talking and laughing were also impossible, since the displacement of muscles causes pain and discomfort. They keep you in the clinic for about a day, since almost no one has complications, they are discharged after a day.

Driving is not recommended - everyone who tried it notes severe pain and discomfort. It is inconvenient to turn your head, the pain reduces concentration, and sometimes dizziness appears. Therefore, it is better to use the secrets of experienced women and play it safe by calling a taxi or providing yourself with an escort.

After just a week, the stitches are removed, the marks disappear completely, the pain goes away, and then the endoscopic facelift truly pleases women.

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