Facelift

Facelift Procedures in Turkey

Turkish plastic surgeons offer advanced skin-tightening procedures collectively known as facelifts—one of the most effective ways to address visible signs of aging. In addition to traditional facelifts, clinics in Turkey also provide thread lifts and other rejuvenation techniques tailored to individual needs. Let’s explore the most popular facelift methods.

Endoscopic Facelift

An endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to smooth wrinkles and tighten the skin. The surgeon uses a thin tube with a camera (endoscope), inserted through small incisions. This provides a detailed view on a monitor, allowing precise repositioning of soft tissues. The method often includes the removal of excess skin and adjustment of the underlying layers.
Types of endoscopic lifts include:

• Brow lift – focuses on the upper third of the face

• 3D mask lift – targets the midface area

• Neck lift – corrects the lower third of the face

SMAS Facelift

Unlike an endoscopic lift, the SMAS facelift addresses not only the skin but also the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (SMAS). This technique is ideal for patients with more advanced signs of aging and offers results that last significantly longer.

Deep Plane Facelift

The Deep Plane facelift is one of the most innovative techniques available today. It works on the deeper layers of facial structure—between the SMAS and the facial muscles—to achieve more dramatic tightening, lifting, and contouring.

Choosing the Right Technique

Most experienced surgeons in Turkey are skilled in all facelift methods. The choice of technique is made together with your plastic surgeon, based on your goals, skin condition, and desired outcome.

Indications and Preparation for a Facelift

Before scheduling a full (circular) facelift, every patient meets with a plastic surgeon for a detailed consultation. At this stage, the doctor evaluates overall health, reviews medical history, and orders the necessary tests to rule out contraindications.

Less invasive options, such as thread lifts and endoscopic facelifts, are also performed based on specific indications, which may include:

• Drooping of the outer corners of the eyes or eyelids

• Development of a double chin

• Appearance of mimic (dynamic) and static wrinkles

• Ptosis – drooping of soft facial tissues

• Sagging skin and a poorly defined jawline or facial oval (often requiring a mid- or lower-face lift)

Contraindications:

• chronic and acute diseases in severe stages;
• blood clotting disorders;
• inflammatory and skin diseases;
• diabetes, oncology;
• smoking;
• cardiovascular diseases.

The list of contraindications can be expanded and supplemented!

What to Expect from a Facelift

When you look at before-and-after photos of a facelift, the difference is often dramatic. Still, results are highly individual—depending on age, skin condition, personal goals, and the chosen technique.

The steps of the procedure vary by method, but with a classic facelift, the surgeon typically:

• Makes small incisions behind the ears, along the hairline at the temples or forehead, and sometimes under the chin.

• Repositions and secures underlying tissues to create a firmer, more youthful contour.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. In a classic circular facelift, the surgeon works with soft tissues without involving the muscles.

For patients with more pronounced signs of aging, a SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) facelift may be recommended. This advanced technique involves tightening not only skin and tissues, but also tendons and facial muscles. Performed under general anesthesia, it restores the natural contours of the face while reducing wrinkles, folds, and sagging.

Recovery After a Facelift

After a facelift, it’s essential to carefully follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions. For the first 7–10 days, patients are advised to:

• Avoid sports and strenuous physical activity, as they increase blood pressure.

• Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications, which may cause bleeding and slow healing.

• Stay away from alcohol and smoking, since both interfere with recovery.

The overall recovery period lasts about 3–5 weeks. Stitches are usually removed around the second week, after which most patients can gradually return to normal activities.

The minimum cost of a facelift in Turkey starts from €4,500, while a full face procedure can reach up to €16,000. The exact price depends on the chosen clinic and the type of facelift. For example, an SMAS facelift of the lower or mid-face typically costs between €3,500–€5,500, a full facelift (including blepharoplasty) starts from €7,000, and a neck lift combined with liposuction starts from €5,000.