What is a facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is an operation that repositions the tissues of the lower face and neck that have descended with time. As we age, the skin loses elasticity, fat pads in the cheeks move downwards and a deeper supporting layer called the SMAS loosens. The result is jowls, deeper lines between the nose and mouth, and loose skin along the jaw and neck.
During a facelift the surgeon lifts these deeper layers back into a more youthful position, removes any extra skin and closes the incisions without tension. Because the work is done beneath the skin, the result looks more natural and tends to last longer than a skin-only lift.
Who is a facelift suitable for?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have sagging cheeks, jowls or loose skin on the neck
- Still have some elasticity in your skin
- Are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop well before surgery
- Have realistic expectations about what surgery can change
Most patients are over 40, although some younger people with early sagging also benefit. A facelift does not remove fine surface wrinkles or sun damage, which respond better to skin treatments. Many patients combine it with eyelid surgery, a brow lift or a nose job to refresh the whole face.
Types of facelift
Deep plane facelift
The surgeon works beneath the SMAS layer and moves the cheek, jowl and neck tissues as one unit. It suits moderate to advanced sagging and gives long-lasting, natural results.
Mini facelift
Shorter incisions around the ears are used to tighten the lower face. It suits mild jowls and early sagging, and recovery is quicker.
Mid-face lift
This focuses on the cheeks. Tissue is lifted through incisions near the temples or hairline, sometimes with an endoscope, to restore fullness under the eyes and soften the folds beside the nose. It suits people whose main concern is flat or drooping cheeks rather than jowls.
How the operation is done
Consultation and tests
Your surgeon examines your face, discusses your goals and explains which technique fits. You have blood tests and an ECG, and photographs are taken for your records.
Incisions
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions that start in the hairline at the temple, run around the front of the ear and finish behind it in the scalp. A small cut under the chin may be added to treat the neck.
Lifting the deeper tissues
The SMAS and deeper tissues are released and lifted upwards. Fat may be removed, repositioned or added to restore balance.
Removing excess skin and closing
The skin is laid back over the new contours, excess is trimmed and the incisions are closed with fine stitches. A light head dressing and sometimes small drains are placed.
Recovery timeline
- First 48 hours
Your face feels tight, swollen and bruised. You rest with your head raised and use cold compresses. Drains, if used, are usually removed after a day or two.
- Week 1
Swelling peaks and then starts to settle. Non-dissolvable stitches are taken out after about 7 days.
- Weeks 2–3
Most bruising fades. Many patients return to desk work and go out in public with light make-up.
- Weeks 4–6
You can gradually go back to exercise and normal activities.
- Months 3–12
Residual swelling and numbness slowly resolve, and scars fade. The final result is clear once everything has settled.
Aftercare
- Sleep on your back with your head raised for the first two weeks
- Turn your whole upper body rather than just your neck
- Keep the wounds dry for the first two days, then wash as instructed
- Avoid hairdryers on a hot setting for about a month and hair colouring for six weeks
- Wear tops that button at the front rather than pulling clothes over your head
- Eat soft food for the first few days
- Avoid driving for around two weeks and strenuous exercise for six
- Do not smoke for at least a month, as smoking slows healing
Risks and side effects
Your surgeon will go through the risks with you before you sign the consent form. They include:
- Haematoma, a collection of blood under the skin, which may need draining
- Infection
- Temporary numbness of the cheeks and ears
- Injury to a facial nerve, usually temporary and rarely permanent
- Hair loss near the incisions
- Visible or widened scars
- Poor healing of the skin, more common in smokers
- Asymmetry
Results
Once the swelling has gone you can expect a firmer jawline, a smoother neck and softer folds around the mouth. Your face continues to age naturally from its new starting point, and protecting your skin from the sun, not smoking and keeping a stable weight all help the result last.
Facelift in Turkey: your trip
Before you fly
You send clear photos of your face and your medical history. The surgeon reviews them and you receive a personalised treatment plan. You stop smoking and blood-thinning medicines in good time, as your coordinator advises.
In Istanbul
Arrive a day before surgery for tests and your consultation. VIP transfers, a translator, medication and meals are included, and a companion can stay with you at no extra cost. Stitches are removed before you fly home.
Back home
Your coordinator is available 24/7 on WhatsApp. Send photos as you heal and any concerns are passed on to your surgeon, who will advise on next steps.
What the Facelift package includes
- VIP transfers from and to Istanbul Airport (IST)
- Fully equipped room in the hospital
- Translation services at the hospital and during follow-up
- Pre-operative testing
- Consultation with your doctors
- Post-operative care and follow-ups for a year
- General anaesthesia
- Special compression garments
- One companion included in the price
- Three meals a day for you and your companion
- Full hospital stay for 4 nights, 5 days
- Aftercare package with a full set of medications to take home
Facelift FAQ
How long does a facelift last?
A facelift does not stop ageing, but most patients continue to look younger than they would have without surgery for many years. Results from deep tissue techniques usually last around 10 years or more, depending on your skin, genetics, sun exposure and whether you smoke.
Will I look different or 'pulled'?
Modern techniques lift the deeper layers rather than stretching the skin, which helps avoid a tight or windswept look. Your surgeon plans the lift so that your features stay recognisably your own.
What is the best age for a facelift?
Most patients are in their mid-40s to 60s, but the right time depends on how much sagging you have rather than your age. Good skin elasticity and general health matter more than the number on your passport.
Where are the scars?
The incisions usually run inside the hairline at the temple, follow the natural curve in front of the ear and continue behind it into the scalp. They are pink at first and fade to fine lines over 6 to 12 months.
How long should I stay in Turkey?
Plan for 5 days in Istanbul. Your package includes a full hospital stay of 4 nights, so you recover in a private room with nurses on hand day and night. This allows for tests, the surgery, dressing checks and removal of stitches before you fly.
When can I go back to work?
Most people feel ready for desk work or video calls after about two weeks. Some bruising and swelling may still show, so many patients allow three weeks before social events.
Can I combine a facelift with other procedures?
Yes. A facelift is often combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer to the face. Your surgeon will tell you whether combining is safe for you and how it affects recovery.
Is a facelift painful?
Most patients describe tightness and discomfort rather than sharp pain. It is controlled with prescribed painkillers and usually eases within the first week.
