Facelift in Turkey

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a procedure that lifts and tightens the deeper tissues and skin of the face and neck to reverse the visible signs of ageing.

As you age, your skin loses elasticity, facial fat shifts and diminishes, and the underlying tissue (called the SMAS layer) loosens. This causes sagging along the jawline (jowls), deepening of the nasolabial folds (the lines from nose to mouth), and loose skin on the neck. A facelift addresses all of these concerns by repositioning and tightening the deeper structures, not just pulling the skin.

Types of facelift include:

• Full facelift (SMAS facelift), the gold standard. Addresses the midface, lower face, jawline, and neck. Involves lifting and repositioning the SMAS layer for long-lasting, natural results. This is the most comprehensive option.

• Mini facelift, a less extensive procedure targeting the lower face and jawline. Shorter incisions, faster recovery, and best suited to patients with early to moderate signs of ageing who are not yet ready for a full facelift.

• Lower facelift and neck lift, focuses specifically on jowls, jawline definition, and loose neck skin (sometimes called "turkey neck"). Often combined with liposuction under the chin for a more defined profile.

• Deep plane facelift, a more advanced technique that lifts the tissues at a deeper level for particularly long-lasting results. Best suited to patients with more advanced ageing.

Many patients combine their facelift with complementary procedures such as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), a brow lift, or fat transfer to restore lost facial volume. Your surgeon will recommend the most effective approach based on your anatomy and goals.

A facelift may be right for you if:

• You have noticeable sagging or jowls along your jawline
• Your nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines) have deepened significantly
• You have loose, sagging skin on your neck
• Your face has lost definition and looks tired, even when you are well-rested
• You want to look refreshed and younger, not different
• You are generally in good health
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking at least 4-6 weeks before and after the procedure (this is especially important for facelifts, as smoking significantly affects healing)
• You are typically aged 45+ (though some patients in their late 30s or early 40s opt for a mini facelift)
• You have realistic expectations, a facelift turns back the clock, but does not stop it

Skin quality matters for facelift results. Patients with some remaining elasticity tend to achieve the best outcomes. Your surgeon will assess your skin, facial structure, and bone framework during your consultation and recommend the right type of facelift for your situation.

Non-surgical treatments like fillers and threads can offer temporary improvement, but if you have moderate to significant sagging, a surgical facelift provides the most transformative, long-lasting result.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free, no-obligation consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. Your patient coordinator will discuss your concerns, what you hope to achieve, and walk you through the different facelift options.

Once you decide to proceed, you will receive a personalised treatment plan and detailed pre-procedure instructions. These include stopping smoking (essential for facelift healing), avoiding blood-thinning medications and supplements, and arranging time off for your recovery.

During Your Stay in Turkey

Your VIP transfer will collect you from the airport and take you to your 5-star hotel. The next day, you will attend the hospital for your pre-procedure assessments, blood tests, photographs, and a comprehensive face-to-face consultation with your surgeon.

Your surgeon will examine your facial structure, skin elasticity, and bone framework. They will mark the planned incision lines and discuss the specific technique they recommend for your face. This is your opportunity to ask final questions and confirm you are comfortable with the plan.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on the extent of the lift. Incisions are placed discreetly along the hairline and around the ear, where they heal to become virtually invisible. You will stay in the hospital for 1 night with dedicated nursing care. Your personal translator will be with you throughout.

After Your Procedure

You will leave the hospital wearing a supportive head bandage to minimise swelling and protect the treatment area. Before you fly home, your surgeon will see you for a follow-up check, remove any drains, and provide detailed aftercare instructions.

Facelift recovery requires patience in the early stages, but the transformation that emerges is worth the wait.

Days 1-3: Expect significant swelling and bruising, particularly around the jawline, neck, and ears. Your face may feel tight and numb. A head bandage or compression garment will support your healing. Pain is typically moderate and well-managed with prescribed medication. Keep your head elevated at all times, even during sleep, using extra pillows.

Days 3-7: Swelling peaks around days 3-4, then begins to subside. Bruising starts to change colour (a sign of healing). Drains, if placed, are usually removed within the first few days. You may feel pulling or tightness as the tissues heal, this is normal.

Week 1-2: Stitches are removed between days 7 and 14. Much of the bruising can be concealed with mineral makeup at this stage. Swelling continues to reduce noticeably. Most patients start to feel much more comfortable by the end of week two.

Week 2-3: Many patients feel confident enough to return to social activities. Your face will still be slightly swollen and the results are not yet final, but the improvement is already visible. Desk-based work can usually resume at this point.

Week 3-6: Continued refinement. Residual swelling, tightness, and numbness gradually resolve. You can begin gentle exercise, walking, light cardio, but avoid anything strenuous or high-impact.

Month 2-6: Your result continues to settle and improve. Numbness around the ears and jawline resolves gradually. Scars along the hairline and behind the ears fade and become increasingly difficult to see.

Month 6-12: Your final result is fully apparent. The face looks naturally refreshed, rested, and younger, typically by 10-15 years. Scars continue to mature and fade.

Your 12 months of included aftercare means your patient coordinator will monitor your progress throughout and your medical team is always accessible.

A facelift is a well-established procedure with decades of refinement, but it is important to understand the considerations involved. Your surgeon will discuss these with you thoroughly.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Swelling and bruising, significant in the first week, resolves over 2-4 weeks
• Tightness and a "pulled" sensation, eases as tissues settle into their new position
• Numbness around the ears, jawline, and neck, very common and typically resolves over several months
• Scarring, incisions are placed along the hairline and natural creases around the ear, healing to become virtually invisible

Less common considerations:

• Haematoma (blood collection under the skin), the most closely monitored complication in facelift procedures, which is why 24/7 nursing care and hospital observation are so important
• Nerve irritation, temporary weakness of facial muscles can occur rarely and typically resolves within weeks to months
• Skin irregularities, minor unevenness can occasionally occur and usually settles with healing
• Infection, rare, managed with sterile hospital protocols and antibiotics
• Hair loss around the incision line, uncommon and usually temporary

How your safety is prioritised: Your facelift is performed by a surgeon with specialist experience in facial procedures, at a government-licensed, JCI-accredited hospital. You receive 24/7 nursing observation during your hospital stay, particularly important in the first 12 hours after a facelift. Your 12 months of aftercare ensures any concerns are identified and addressed promptly.