Facial rejuvenation refers to the procedures aimed at reversing the degeneration of facial skin and soft tissues caused by time, chemical, and physical factors, in order to achieve a youthful, well-nourished face with reduced wrinkles. This term encompasses not only facelift surgery but also physical (laser, radiofrequency, dermabrasion, etc.) and chemical (TCA, glycolic acid, etc.) skin resurfacing techniques, volumizing injections into or under the skin, and similar treatments.

Facial rejuvenation can be performed when signs of aging appear on the face or to eliminate lesions that affect the appearance, such as spots and vascular dilations. Signs of facial aging include the deepening of natural skin folds, the appearance of lines around the eyes, sagging eyelids, sagging cheeks and lower jaw, the formation of linear folds at the corners of the mouth, and the appearance of vertical linear folds in front of the ears.

A physician's evaluation can determine which facial rejuvenation methods to use and how to use them. This decision is made based on factors such as the degree of aging and degeneration, the structural characteristics of the skin, and the presence of accompanying local and general problems. If the procedure involves surgery, it is examined whether there are any factors that prevent it from being performed under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. Post-procedure, a rest period of about three days and avoidance of daily activities is required. Typically, the procedure involves incisions hidden in the skin folds in front of the ear and the hairline behind the ear, allowing access to the subcutaneous tissues of the face. The muscles and fascia are restored to their proper positions and sizes, and any excess skin is excised. Social activities can generally be resumed after the first week. This procedure may include adjustments to the cheeks, forehead, eyelids, around the mouth, and neck, so supportive dressings and elastic bandages are applied to the face for two to three days. Potential complications after surgery, especially in smokers, include hematoma, skin necrosis, and infection. A mild loss of sensation in the cheeks can occur within four to six weeks after the surgery and usually resolves during this time. Temporary or permanent loss of muscle and nerve function is also a potential complication.

If the procedure involves physical and chemical peeling, no additional precautions are required other than ceasing smoking if applicable. These treatments can be easily performed under topical anesthesia, and simple dressings may be applied to the face for a short period of rest post-treatment. Rarely, hyperpigmentation or burn scars may develop after these procedures, but these issues can be resolved with appropriate treatment.

For dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections, individual factors must be carefully considered. In patients with allergic tendencies or active acne problems, these conditions should be evaluated, and patients should be informed about potential complications, which may include asymmetrical muscle paralysis, infections, or allergic reactions at the filler sites. These complications can be effectively managed with appropriate treatments.

If a rejuvenation method using the patient's own tissues, such as blood or fat, is chosen and reinjected, the patient should be informed about potential risks. In this case, the injected PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or autologous fat graft may lead to infection, which may require drainage and appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Regardless of which method is chosen, successful results can be achieved when the procedure is performed by authorized and experienced specialists.