Facelift in Istanbul

What is Facelift?

With age, the skin thins and loses elasticity, and the deeper layer of muscle and fibrous tissue beneath it, known as the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system), gradually descends. This produces jowls, deepening folds between the nose and mouth and a less defined jawline. A modern facelift works on this deeper layer rather than simply pulling the skin, which is what tends to create an overly tight or windswept look.

There are several recognised techniques. A SMAS facelift lifts, folds or partially removes the SMAS layer and then redrapes the skin. A deep plane facelift releases the SMAS and the tissues beneath it as a single unit through specific ligament releases, which some surgeons favour for the mid-face. Neither technique is universally superior: each has advantages and trade-offs, and an experienced surgeon will choose an approach based on your anatomy, the degree of laxity and their own training. A mini or short-scar facelift may suit women with earlier, milder changes.

Who may be suitable?

• Women with visible jowling, loose lower-face skin or loss of jawline definition
• Good general health, with conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes well controlled
• Non-smokers, or women willing to stop all nicotine for several weeks before and after surgery
• A stable weight
• Realistic expectations of a refreshed rather than a different face
• Able to allow around two weeks in Istanbul and time off for visible bruising and swelling

What can this procedure address?

• Jowls and a softened jawline
• Descent of mid-face tissue and deepening nasolabial folds
• Loose skin in the lower face and upper neck
• Marionette lines related to tissue descent
• A tired appearance that persists despite skincare or injectables

Consultation & assessment

Your journey starts with an online assessment. You share photographs taken from the front, sides and at an angle, confidentially, along with your medical history, medications and smoking status. The surgeon gives an initial opinion on whether a facelift, a neck lift, a combined approach or a less invasive option seems appropriate.

Before surgery is confirmed, you are examined in person in Istanbul. The surgeon assesses skin quality, the position of deeper tissues, bone structure and the neck, discusses the proposed technique and incision placement, and reviews blood pressure, which is especially important for facelift safety. Consented before and after photographs may be reviewed with you so you can see the surgeon's typical results.

How the procedure is performed

Incisions usually run in the hairline at the temple, follow the natural creases in front of and around the ear and continue behind the ear into the hairline. Through these, the surgeon elevates the skin and works on the deeper layer, using either a SMAS technique or a deep plane approach depending on the plan.

The deeper tissues are repositioned and secured, excess skin is trimmed and the skin is closed without tension, which helps scars heal well. A small incision under the chin may be added if the neck is also being treated. Small drains are sometimes placed for a day or so, and a supportive dressing is applied.

Fat transfer, eyelid surgery or a brow lift are commonly combined with a facelift. Your surgeon will discuss whether this is advisable for you, as combined procedures take longer and recovery may be extended.

Anaesthesia

A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia, although some surgeons use local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation. You will meet an anaesthetist, who reviews your health, medications and any previous reactions to anaesthesia. Careful blood pressure control around the time of surgery is an important part of the anaesthetic plan.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Swelling, tightness and bruising are most noticeable. You rest with your head elevated, and any drains are usually removed after the first day.

2. Week 1

   Dressings are reduced and some sutures are removed. Bruising begins to fade, and short walks are encouraged.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Most visible bruising settles and many women feel comfortable socially with light make-up. Remaining sutures are removed.

4. Week 6

   Most activities, including more strenuous exercise, can usually resume with your surgeon's agreement. Numbness and firmness continue to improve.

5. 3–6 months

   Residual swelling resolves and the face feels more natural to touch and movement.

6. 6–12 months

   Scars mature and soften, and the final result becomes clear.

What to expect during the first week

• Keep your head elevated, including when sleeping, to reduce swelling
• Avoid bending, lifting and turning your neck sharply
• Take medication exactly as prescribed and avoid aspirin or supplements that thin the blood unless your surgeon agrees
• Report any sudden increase in swelling or pain on one side immediately, as this can be a sign of haematoma
• Do not smoke or use nicotine products of any kind
• Attend your review appointments before travelling

Scars

Facelift scars are placed in the hairline and natural creases around the ear and usually heal as fine lines that can be concealed by hair. They are often pink at first and fade over 6–12 months. Some women develop wider or raised scars, and smoking significantly impairs healing.

Results

A facelift typically produces a firmer jawline, softer jowls and a more rested appearance. The aim is to look like a refreshed version of yourself. Your surgeon may show you consented before and after photographs during consultation. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

A facelift does not stop the ageing process, but its effects are often appreciated for many years. Skin quality, genetics, sun exposure, smoking and weight change all influence how long the result lasts. Some women choose a smaller refining procedure later in life.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), which may need urgent drainage; raised blood pressure, blood-thinning medications or supplements and smoking increase the likelihood, so blood pressure control matters
• Injury to facial nerves, causing temporary or, rarely, lasting weakness of facial movement
• Numbness of the cheeks or earlobes, which usually improves over months but can persist
• Skin necrosis or delayed wound healing, with a markedly higher risk in smokers
• Infection
• Visible, widened or raised scars, or changes in the hairline around the temples
• Hair loss near the incisions, usually temporary
• Asymmetry or residual laxity that may need revision
• General surgical risks including reactions to anaesthesia and deep vein thrombosis

Choosing a surgeon

• Specialist training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery or facial plastic surgery
• Registration you can verify with the Turkish Medical Association and membership of relevant professional societies
• Substantial experience with facelift surgery specifically, and a clear explanation of the technique proposed for you
• Willingness to review consented before and after photographs with you
• Privileges at an accredited private hospital and a clear plan for aftercare and complications once you are home

Our specialists

Facelift in Istanbul

Women travel to Istanbul for facelift surgery because the city has experienced facial and plastic surgeons, modern private hospitals and well-developed coordination for international patients. We help you arrange consultation, surgery, accommodation and follow-up in one plan. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

We usually recommend a stay of around 10–14 days so that drains and sutures can be managed locally and your surgeon can check healing before you fly. You will want somewhere comfortable to rest, ideally close to the hospital.

The cost of a facelift in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, type of anaesthesia, complexity of the technique, any combined procedures, length of hospital stay and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows your assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Continue sleeping with your head elevated until your surgeon advises otherwise
• Protect scars from the sun and use any scar care recommended
• Keep blood pressure under control and continue any prescribed medications
• Arrange a remote review with your surgeon at agreed intervals
• Seek local medical advice promptly for unusual swelling, discharge, fever or changes in facial movement

Our aftercare pathway