Mini Face Lift (S-Lift) in Turkey

A mini face lift, also known as an S-lift (named after the S-shaped incision around the ear), is a less invasive version of the traditional face lift. It focuses on the lower face and jawline and is designed for patients with early to moderate signs of facial ageing.

The procedure uses shorter incisions, typically following an S-shaped path around the ear, to access and lift the SMAS layer (the deeper tissue beneath the skin) in the lower face. Your surgeon tightens this layer and removes a small amount of excess skin, creating a lifted, more defined jawline and smoother lower face.

A mini face lift can address:

• Early jowls forming along the jawline
• Mild sagging of the lower cheeks
• Softening or loss of definition along the jawline
• Early nasolabial fold deepening
• A slightly tired or aged lower face appearance

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and takes 1.5-2.5 hours, significantly shorter than a full face lift. Because the incisions are smaller and the tissue manipulation less extensive, recovery is faster.

A mini face lift is not a substitute for a full face lift in patients with significant sagging, deep folds, or neck laxity. Your surgeon will be honest about which procedure will give you the result you are looking for.

A mini face lift may be right for you if:

• You have early to moderate signs of facial ageing, mild jowls, softening jawline
• Your skin still has reasonable elasticity
• You want a meaningful improvement without the longer recovery of a full face lift
• You are typically in your 40s to early 50s, though this varies
• You are in good general health and fit for general anaesthetic
• You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after
• You have realistic expectations, the result is a subtle, natural improvement

If your ageing is more advanced, with significant jowls, deep folds, or neck laxity, a full face lift will produce a better result. Your surgeon will assess and advise honestly during your consultation.

Before Your Procedure

Your journey starts with a free consultation, online, by phone, or at one of our UK consultation days. You will discuss your concerns and your surgeon will assess your skin elasticity, degree of ageing, and jawline definition.

Once you decide to proceed, you receive a treatment plan and pre-procedure instructions.

During Your Stay in Turkey

Your VIP transfer takes you to your 5-star hotel. The next day, you attend the hospital for pre-procedure assessments, blood tests, photographs, and a detailed consultation. Markings are made around the ear area.

The mini face lift is performed under general anaesthetic and takes 1.5-2.5 hours. Your surgeon lifts the SMAS layer through the shorter S-shaped incisions, tightens the tissues, and removes excess skin. You stay in hospital overnight with nursing care.

After Your Procedure

You will have fine sutures around the ears. A light supportive dressing may be applied. Swelling is managed with cold compresses. Your surgeon checks your healing before you travel home. Sutures are removed after 7-10 days. You receive aftercare instructions and 12 months of support.

One of the key advantages of a mini face lift is the shorter recovery compared to a full face lift.

Day 1-3: Expect mild to moderate swelling and possible bruising around the lower face and ears. Tightness is normal. Use cold compresses and keep your head elevated. Pain is typically mild and managed with standard medication.

Day 3-7: Swelling settles noticeably. Bruising fades. You can see the improved jawline definition emerging. Avoid strenuous activity.

Day 7-10: Sutures are removed. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities. The lift looks natural and the scarring around the ears is healing well.

Week 2-3: Most visible swelling has resolved. You can return to normal exercise. The jawline appears more defined and the lower face looks lifted and refreshed.

Month 1-3: Residual swelling settles completely. Any numbness around the ears resolves. Your final result is established, a naturally refreshed lower face.

A mini face lift carries a lower risk profile than a full face lift due to the shorter procedure time, smaller incisions, and less extensive tissue manipulation.

Common effects (expected and temporary):

• Mild swelling and bruising, resolves within 1-2 weeks
• Tightness around the lower face, temporary, settles over weeks
• Numbness around the ears, common, resolves over weeks to months
• Mild discomfort, managed with standard pain relief

Less common considerations:

• Haematoma, less common than with a full face lift, managed with drainage if needed
• Visible scarring around the ears, rare; the S-shaped incision follows natural contours
• Asymmetry, minor differences may occur
• Limited improvement, if ageing is more advanced than the mini lift can address
• Nerve irritation, temporary, typically resolves

How your safety is managed: Your procedure takes place at a government-licensed, JCI-accredited hospital. The mini face lift is a well-established technique with a strong safety record. Hospital care ensures immediate post-operative monitoring. Your 12 months of aftercare provides ongoing support.