For the endoscopic upper and midface lift, a mini camera is inserted under the skin and used to guide the surgical instruments. Access is also possible through an incision in the mouth. In this procedure, the skin on the forehead, in the eye region and on the cheek bones is peeled directly off the bone, and is then lifted and anchored a little higher up on the facial bone structure. The method is very effective and leaves almost no visible scars.
Frequently asked questions about endoscopic face rejuvenation:
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
Persons without particular skin problems, whose skin begins to sag on the forehead and in the midface due to ageing. The procedure is not suitable for the lower face and the neck; it can be combined with neck and lower face tightening. If used without combination treatment, the method is suitable for the age group 40-55.
How is the procedure performed?
A mini camera is inserted under the skin through 2 or 4 short incisions in the scalp. The camera is used to guide the surgical instruments. The skin on the forehead, around the eyes and on the cheek bones is peeled off the bone, and the “mask” is then lifted and anchored a little higher up on the facial bone structure with the aid of special devices. Nothing of this is visible from the outside.
What to do and what not to do before treatment?
Three weeks before an invasive / surgical treatment patient must stop smoking and taking aspirin. In the last week, patients must stop taking any anticoagulant (“blood-thinning”) medicine.
The following substances are also prohibited:
- pain killers such as Apranax, Voltaren and Vermidon (alternative brand names are Minoset and Novalgin)
- multivitamin tablets containing ginseng, ginkgo biloba and coenzyme Q,
- green tea, herbal products containing linseed, sour cherry stalks, tomato seeds
- all diet products.
Does the procedure require anaesthesia?
An endoscopic face lift is performed in a clinic under general anaesthesia.
How long does the procedure take?
It takes about 1-2 hours.
Is the procedure painful?
Endoscopic face rejuvenation is not painful in itself, however, pain may occur at the skin fixation points. Patients are usually more concerned about swelling and a feeling of skin tightness.
What happens after the operation?
After the operation, a pressure bandage is placed on the forehead. If an incision has been made in the mouth, patients can eat only soft food for a few days and must regularly clean their mouth to avoid infection. Patients are discharged the same day, and can take a bath the following day. Like with all other face operations, patients are strongly advised to avoid direct exposure to sunlight for the next 3 months.
What problems can occur after the operation?
Compared with open surgery, endoscopic interventions under the bone skin (periosteum) cause long-lasting swelling in the midface and around the eye. They are clearly visible for the first 3 weeks. It may take up to 3 months before the face attains is final shape. Temporary paralysis of the eyebrows and in the corners of the mouth may occur in the immediate postoperative phase. Endoscopic interventions are safe with respect to facial nerves. Permanent paralysis is not expected. In rare cases, the procedure may cause loss of sensation in the scalp, and facial asymmetries. Too high eyebrows are a problem because the face looks like frozen in astonishment. Here, the aesthetic sense of the surgeon plays an important role.
Are the results of the procedure permanent?
The operation does not prevent the ageing process; the result is, however, long-lasting. Over time the brows will sink again a bit, but they will always remain higher than before the lift. The midface will retain its new appearance for a long time.