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What Is a Facelift?
During a facelift, the layer of muscle and connective tissue beneath the skin known as the SMAS, and where necessary the deeper ligaments, are released and re-suspended upwards and backwards, and excess skin is removed without creating tension. The main cause of facial ageing is not that the skin has stretched but that the deep structures and fat pads supporting the face have descended under gravity. Treating the skin alone gives a short-lived, pulled result; correcting the deep layer gives a natural, lasting one.
A facelift in Istanbul is frequently planned together with a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery and fat transfer, because rejuvenating only one part of the face can leave it out of step with the rest.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
What matters for a facelift is not age but the degree of change in the tissues. Most patients are between 45 and 70, but it can be appropriate earlier with marked sagging and later in healthy older patients. Typical reasons for assessment include:
- A softening jawline and jowls
- Cheeks that have dropped, with deepening nasolabial folds
- Drooping at the corners of the mouth and marionette lines
- Loose neck skin and vertical platysmal bands
- Drooping brows and a tired look
Uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, clotting disorders and active smoking increase the risk of healing problems. Sun damage and large weight fluctuations are also considered in planning. Patients with only mild laxity may be better served by non-surgical options or a more limited mini facelift.
Facelift Techniques
The technique is chosen according to the degree of sagging, skin quality, neck anatomy and your expectations. Dr. Esmer plans the appropriate combination of the approaches below for each patient.
Deep plane facelift
The dissection passes beneath the SMAS layer to release the ligaments that hold the face, and skin and deep tissue are moved together as a single unit. The cheek fat pad is lifted too, restoring midface volume, and with no tension on the skin the result is natural and long-lasting. It is preferred for patients with significant sagging.
SMAS facelift (plication and SMASectomy)
The SMAS layer is folded with sutures or a strip is removed and the layer is suspended upwards. The dissection is more superficial than the deep plane technique; it is effective for moderate laxity and recovery is slightly shorter. Which technique suits you is decided by assessing tissue mobility at examination.
Mini facelift
For mild sagging limited to the lower face and jawline, a shorter incision in front of the ear allows limited SMAS work. Recovery is faster, but the effect on the neck and midface is limited.
Neck lift (platysmaplasty)
Through a small incision under the chin, the loose edges of the platysma muscle are joined in the midline and excess fat beneath the chin is removed if required. A neck lift is usually an integral part of a facelift, but can be performed alone in patients whose concern is the neck only.
Brow lift
For drooping brows and a heavy upper eyelid appearance, an endoscopic brow lift through the hairline or a temporal brow lift is performed. Doing this in the same session as a facelift keeps the upper and lower face in harmony.
Fat transfer and additional procedures
Volume lost from the temples, cheeks and under-eye area is restored with your own fat. Eyelid surgery, a lip lift and skin resurfacing treatments are added to the plan when appropriate.
First Consultation and Planning
For a remote assessment we ask for front, both profile and slightly head-down (neck-showing) photographs without make-up; a photograph of yourself from 10–15 years ago is also a useful guide for planning. A video consultation covers the areas that concern you, previous treatments (fillers, threads, earlier surgery) and what you hope to achieve.
At the in-person examination Dr. Esmer assesses skin thickness and elasticity, SMAS mobility, fat distribution, the neck muscle and bony support. He explains which technique will be used where, how the incisions are hidden and, realistically, what will and will not change. Blood tests, an ECG and an anaesthetic consultation are completed before surgery; patients over 50 may be asked for an additional cardiology review.
Preparing for Surgery
- Stop smoking and all nicotine products at least 4 weeks beforehand; nicotine is the single biggest cause of skin healing problems after a facelift because it restricts circulation.
- Stop aspirin, ibuprofen and similar medicines, together with supplements such as vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo, garlic and ginger, 10–14 days beforehand with your doctor's knowledge. Tell us if you take prescription anticoagulants.
- Avoid alcohol for the week before surgery.
- Keep taking your blood pressure medication as usual, including on the morning of surgery; uncontrolled blood pressure raises the risk of bleeding.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before.
- Wash your hair 1–2 days before surgery and leave hair colouring until afterwards.
- Bring a front-opening top, your passport or ID, a list of your medicines and your glasses if you wear them.
The Day of Surgery
You are admitted in the morning; the anaesthetic team carries out a final review and Dr. Esmer completes the markings while you are standing. A facelift is performed under general anaesthesia. Face and neck lift alone takes around 3–4 hours; combined with a brow lift, eyelid surgery and fat transfer it can take 5–6 hours.
Incisions are hidden within the hairline, along the curve of the ear and behind the ear, with a small additional incision under the chin for the neck. Fine drains may be placed at the end of the operation and the face is wrapped in an elastic dressing. You stay one night in hospital; the next morning the drains are removed, the dressing is changed and you are discharged.
Recovery and Aftercare
The first two weeks after a facelift are a period of social downtime, during which most of the swelling and bruising resolves. Good aftercare affects both comfort and scar quality.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling increases for the first 3 days and then begins to subside. Bruising usually fades within 2 weeks; mild puffiness and numbness can persist for a few months.
- Dressing and sutures: The elastic dressing is worn for the first 1–2 days. Sutures in front of the ear are removed on days 5–7 and sutures or clips in the scalp on days 10–14.
- Sleeping position: Sleep on your back with your head raised 30–45 degrees for the first 2 weeks, and do not bury your face in the pillow.
- Washing: Hair washing with lukewarm water is allowed from day 2–3; pat the incisions dry without rubbing.
- Exercise: Short walks are encouraged from day one. Wait 4 weeks for brisk exercise, weights and movements that involve bending forward, and 6 weeks for swimming.
- Sun and heat: Avoid direct sun, saunas and sunbeds for 3 months and apply high-factor sunscreen to the scar areas.
- Skin sensation: Temporary numbness around the cheeks and ears is normal; sensation returns over the following months.
- Scar care: Use the ointment and scar creams recommended; wait 4 weeks before colouring your hair.
Risks and How They Are Minimised
Possible risks of a facelift include bleeding and collection of blood under the skin (haematoma), infection, delayed wound healing, visible scarring, changes to the shape of the earlobe, hairline displacement, temporary nerve weakness and asymmetry. Rarely, permanent nerve injury and skin circulation problems have been reported; these risks are higher in smokers and in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure.
To minimise them, surgery is performed in a fully equipped hospital with an experienced anaesthetic team; blood pressure is closely controlled before and after surgery; the operation is carried out with detailed knowledge of nerve anatomy and without unnecessary tension on the skin; drains and dressings reduce the risk of haematoma; and smoking and blood-thinner rules are applied without exception. Frequent reviews in the first week catch any problem early.
For International Patients
For patients travelling to Istanbul for a facelift, a single coordinator manages the process from your first message until you return home. The plan is finalised by photographs and video consultation, and travel dates are set around the surgery and follow-up schedule.
- Stay in Istanbul: 10–12 days is recommended, covering the pre-operative examination, suture removal and the final check.
- Flying: You can fly once the sutures are out and Dr. Esmer has cleared you; drink plenty of water on the flight and keep your head upright.
- Follow-up: After you return home, photo reviews continue via WhatsApp, with video consultations at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.
- Coordination: Airport transfers, comfortable hotel options close to the hospital and an interpreter at the hospital and at appointments are organised by our team.
See our international patients page for more detail.
How the Price Is Determined
It is not possible to give a single figure for facelift Turkey cost or facelift in Turkey prices, because the scope of surgery planned for each face is different. Under Turkish law, medical services cannot be advertised with prices, so no fees are listed on this website. A personalised quote is sent to you after your assessment.
The main factors that shape the quote are:
- The technique used (deep plane, SMAS, mini facelift) and its extent
- Whether a neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery or fat transfer is included
- Previous facial surgery or thread lifts (a secondary case)
- Operating time, anaesthesia and hospital stay
- Accommodation and transfer package for international patients
Why Dr. Göktuğ Esmer?
Dr. Göktuğ Esmer is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon and a member of ISAPS, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In facial rejuvenation his goal is that the people around you notice a rested, well face rather than an operation.
- Natural results: Techniques that reposition the deep tissue rather than tightening the skin
- Whole-face view: Face, neck, brow and eyelids are considered within a single plan
- Safety: Fully equipped hospital, experienced anaesthetic team, careful nerve and bleeding control
- Close follow-up: Frequent checks in the first week and regular reviews throughout the first year, with remote monitoring for international patients
To start a preliminary assessment, send your photographs via the contact page. For other procedures that affect facial proportion, see our rhinoplasty page.
Recovery Timeline
The timeline below shows a typical course; healing speed varies between patients.
Before / After
Results shared with patient consent. See more on Instagram: @doctorg.official
Frequently Asked Questions – Facelift and Neck Lift in Turkey
What is the ideal age for a facelift?
Age matters less than the degree of sagging in the tissues. Most patients are between 45 and 70, but the operation can be performed safely in healthy older patients too.
What is the difference between a deep plane and a SMAS facelift?
In the deep plane technique, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS layer to release the facial ligaments and moves the tissue as one unit. In the SMAS technique, this layer is folded or partially removed and suspended; the right choice is made at examination.
How long does a facelift last?
Surgery does not stop the ageing process, but it turns the clock back; the tissues continue to age from their new position. Longevity depends closely on skin quality, sun protection, smoking and weight stability.
Will the scars be visible?
Incisions are hidden within the hairline, along the curve of the ear and behind it. Scars are pink for the first few months and then fade, and are usually not noticeable even with the hair up.
Is a facelift painful?
It is performed under general anaesthesia. Afterwards most patients describe tightness and numbness rather than pain, and the painkillers provided are sufficient.
What procedures can be combined with a facelift?
A neck lift, brow lift, eyelid surgery and fat transfer are the most common additions. Doing them in the same session gives a harmonious result with a single recovery period.
When can I go back to work?
For desk-based work, 2–3 weeks is usually enough. For physically demanding jobs, 4 weeks is advised.
How long do I need to stay in Istanbul?
We recommend 10–12 days, covering the pre-operative examination, suture removal and the final check. Later reviews are conducted via WhatsApp and video call.
Can I have a facelift if I have had threads or fillers?
Yes, but these treatments must be mentioned at your consultation. Permanent fillers and threads change the tissues, so the plan is adjusted accordingly.
Sources
The general information on this page is supported by the organisations and publications below.
- Facelift (rhytidectomy) (NHS)
- Facelift (Rhytidectomy): What Is It, Recovery & What to Expect (Cleveland Clinic)
- Your facelift recovery explained from Day 1 to Day 30 (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
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