When the unstoppable effect of time, gravity and genetic factors come together, the firm, taut, "V"-shaped form of our face that we are used to can give way to a more tired, downward-shifted appearance. Yet modern medicine offers us an enormous toolkit to reverse this process, or at least to slow it down considerably. Today, shaping the facial contours is not simply about cutting away sagging skin; it is a holistic engineering effort based on replacing lost volume, defining the bone structure and improving skin quality. When welcoming clients at her clinic in İzmir, Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil works on the principle that "the best method changes according to the patient's needs." For some patients a surgical facelift is the only solution, while for others fillers placed at strategic points can work wonders. In this guide, keeping a finger on the pulse of the aesthetic world in İzmir, we take a detailed look at the methods that redefine the facial contours.
011. The Power of Fillers in Non-Surgical Facial Shaping
Volume loss is one of the most fundamental causes of facial ageing. While in a young face the "fat pads" are concentrated over the cheekbones, with age these fats descend and accumulate in the lower part of the face. Fillers replace this loss, rebuilding the face almost like an architect.
02Cheekbone and Mid-Face Filler
The most important point that lifts the face (the lifting effect) is the cheekbones. Hyaluronic-acid-based fillers applied here raise the middle part of the face. In this way not only do the cheekbones become more defined, but the nasolabial lines at the corner of the mouth are also pulled upward and softened.
03Jawline and Chin Filler
A sharp jawline is the greatest symbol of youth and dynamism. In people whose chin tip is set back or whose jawline is blurred, jawline filler clarifies the lower part of the face and camouflages the appearance of a double chin. Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil emphasises that in filler applications, preserving "natural proportions" is the most important criterion for the patient to avoid an artificial look.
042. Surgical Facelift: Turning Back Time
Although medical aesthetic methods provide a solution up to a certain point, in patients with serious skin sagging and tissue laxity a permanent and radical result is achieved with surgery.
05What Is SMAS (Deep-Plane) Facelift?
Modern facelift operations are no longer performed simply by tightening the skin. The layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin, called "SMAS", is also lifted. This way, rather than looking taut as if a mask has been put on, the face preserves its natural expressions while regaining the form it had 10-15 years earlier.
06Recovery Process and Longevity
One of the most frequently wondered topics when it comes to aesthetic surgery in İzmir is the recovery time. After a facelift, one can return to social life within about 10-14 days. The rejuvenating effect this operation provides can last for up to 10 years depending on the patient's lifestyle.
073. Buccal Fat Removal (Bichectomy): The Hollywood Cheek and V-Line Effect
If your face is rounder and more "baby-like" than it should be, your facial contours may not stand out even if you are slim. This is where bichectomy comes in.
• Procedure: Through a small incision inside the cheek, part of the fat pads known as "Bichat" pads are removed.
• Result: The cheekbones appear more prominent while a slight hollow forms in the cheeks. This gives the face a more sophisticated and characteristic "V" form. Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil notes that this procedure creates a flawless facial contour especially when combined with cheekbone filler.
084. Technological Touches: Endolift
Shaping the facial contours is not only done with surgery or injections; sometimes the tissue must be tightened by "cooking" it.
• The aim is to tighten the SMAS tissue with 1470 nm diode laser energy. The effect, which begins to appear in the first month, reaches its maximum in the third month. It is a fine investment in the future.
096. Why Is a Holistic Approach Important?
Shaping the face by focusing only on one area (for example only the lips or only the nose) usually ends in disappointment. Successful aesthetic planning must consider the dialogue of every region of the face with one another.
Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil adopts a "profiloplasty" approach at her clinic in İzmir. If a patient's nose is operated on but the chin remains too far back, no matter how beautiful the nose is, the face will not look balanced. For this reason, sometimes adding a small chin filler to a nose operation multiplies the success of the result.
Which age is more suitable for facial shaping?
The late twenties are suitable for fillers and preventive medical aesthetics. For surgical lifting procedures, the age of 45-50 and above — the period when sagging becomes pronounced — is usually preferred.
Do fillers puff up the face?
Fillers applied in the wrong amount and at the wrong point can cause the swelling known as "pillow face". However, filler applied by an expert surgeon does not puff up the face; it simply moves the fallen tissue back to its original place.
Will there be a surgical scar?
In facelift operations the incisions are hidden in the natural folds in front of and behind the ear. When healing is complete, these scars become almost invisible.
10A Beauty Map Just for You
Shaping the facial contours is a journey to reaching the best version of yourself. Our aim is to achieve natural results that no one can quite decipher but that make everyone say "There's a beauty about you, you look very well rested."
Known for her experience in aesthetic operations and non-surgical rejuvenation in İzmir, Op. Dr. Ayşe Öznur Akidil is ready to draw up the facial-shaping map most suitable for you by combining modern technology with an artistic vision. A professional evaluation is the most important step towards those sharp contours and fresh look that will make you happy when you look in the mirror.