Facelift in Istanbul
A facelift repositions the deeper tissues of the face and removes excess skin to improve sagging in the lower face, jawline and neck. Dr. Semih Yıldız plans each operation for a natural, rested look rather than a pulled appearance.
AT A GLANCE
Anaesthesia: General
Operation time: 3–5 hours
Hospital stay: 2 nights
Stay in Istanbul: About 10 days
Back to work: 2–3 weeks
Final result: 6–12 months
What is a facelift?
A facelift, or rhytidectomy, lifts the deeper supporting layer of the face (SMAS) and removes excess skin to improve jowls, a loose jawline and deep folds in the lower face. A neck lift is often combined to treat loose neck skin and muscle bands.
A facelift does not stop ageing or remove every line. Fine wrinkles and skin quality may need additional treatments, and volume loss can be addressed with fat transfer.
Who is a good candidate?
- Healthy adults with sagging in the lower face, jowls or jawline
- People with loose neck skin or visible neck bands
- Patients whose skin laxity can no longer be improved with fillers or threads
- Anyone with realistic expectations who can stop smoking before and after surgery
Smoking, uncontrolled blood pressure, blood-thinning medication and previous facial procedures can affect healing and the choice of technique, so they are reviewed carefully.
Facelift techniques
No technique is automatically best. The plan depends on your skin laxity, facial volume, neck anatomy and previous treatments.
Mini facelift
Treats early, limited sagging of the lower face through a shorter incision, with a shorter recovery.
SMAS facelift
The deeper muscular layer is tightened and repositioned together with the skin, for a longer-lasting and natural result.
Deep plane facelift
The tissues are released and lifted as one unit beneath the SMAS layer, which suits more advanced ageing of the midface and jawline.
Face and neck lift
The facelift is combined with a neck lift to treat the jawline and neck together.
Combined procedures
A facelift can be combined with eyelid surgery, a brow or temporal lift, or fat transfer to restore volume.
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How the operation is performed
- Planning: your photos, medical history, previous treatments and goals are reviewed and the technique is agreed before the day of surgery.
- Anaesthesia: the operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 3–5 hours.
- Incisions: incisions are placed around the ear and in the hairline; a small incision under the chin may be added for the neck.
- Lifting: the deeper tissues are repositioned and tightened, and excess skin is removed without tension.
- Closing: the incisions are closed with fine stitches and a supportive dressing is applied.
- Aftercare: most patients stay two nights in hospital for monitoring before moving to their hotel.
Recovery timeline
First 2–3 days: Swelling and tightness peak. Keep your head elevated; discomfort is usually controlled with simple painkillers.
Around day 7–10: Stitches are removed and wound checks are completed, and most patients are cleared to fly home.
Weeks 2–3: Most bruising fades and most patients return to work and social activities.
Weeks 4–6: Exercise resumes gradually and the face looks increasingly natural.
Month 3: Most of the swelling has settled, although some tightness and numbness may remain.
Months 6–12: The final result appears as residual swelling resolves and the scars mature.
How to prepare
- Stop smoking and nicotine products at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements; blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and some herbal products may need to be paused.
- Tell us about previous fillers, threads or facial surgery.
- Send clear front, side and oblique photos of your face and neck for the online assessment.
- Plan about 10 days in Istanbul and 2–3 weeks away from work.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk. Possible complications of a facelift include:
- Bleeding or haematoma
- Infection or delayed wound healing
- Visible scars or hair loss around the incisions
- Numbness or changes in skin sensation
- Asymmetry
- Temporary or, rarely, permanent facial nerve weakness
- The need for revision surgery
Benefits, limitations and alternatives are discussed in detail during your consultation and informed consent.
Your facelift journey in Istanbul
Before you travel
Share your photos and medical history for an online consultation. You receive a personalised plan and a written quotation before booking.
Surgery day
After pre-operative tests and a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Semih Yıldız, the incision lines are marked and the operation takes place in hospital.
Recovery in Istanbul
You recover at your hotel and return for check-ups. Stitches are usually removed around day 7–10, before your flight home.
Back home
Follow-up continues remotely through photos and video calls, so your progress is monitored after you return home.
Facelift cost in Istanbul
Facelift prices in Turkey start from €1,790 for a mini facelift under local anaesthesia (general anaesthesia adds up to €700) and €3,700 for a deep plane face and neck lift. The price depends on the technique, combined procedures such as eyelid surgery or fat transfer, and the length of your hospital stay. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment. You receive a written quotation with clear package details.
The surgery price includes hospital fees, anaesthesia, implants where required for the procedure, follow-up checks, medications and any required compression garments. Hotel accommodation and transfers are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a facelift in Istanbul cost?
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In Turkey, prices start from €1,790 for a mini facelift under local anaesthesia (general anaesthesia adds up to €700) and €3,700 for a deep plane face and neck lift. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment.
Mini facelift or full facelift: which is right for me?
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A mini facelift treats limited sagging of the lower face with a shorter incision and recovery. A full face and neck lift treats more advanced ageing of the face and neck. Examination shows which suits you.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
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Most international patients stay about 10 days, so the stitches can be removed before the flight home.
When can I go back to work?
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Most people return to work and social activities after 2–3 weeks, once most of the bruising has faded.
Where are the facelift scars?
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Incisions are placed around the ear and in the hairline, and a neck lift may add a small incision under the chin. The scars fade over 12 months.
How long does a facelift last?
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A facelift gives a long-lasting improvement, but natural ageing continues. Genetics, sun exposure, smoking and weight change influence how the result evolves.
Facelift or fillers and threads?
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Fillers restore volume and threads give a temporary, limited lift. They cannot remove loose skin or reposition the deeper tissues the way surgery does.
Is a facelift painful?
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Most patients describe tightness and swelling rather than severe pain. Discomfort is usually well controlled with medication.
Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?
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Yes, it is often combined with eyelid surgery, a brow or temporal lift, or fat transfer. Combining procedures is decided after assessment.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical examination.
Related guides
Mini, SMAS or Deep Plane Facelift: How Is the Technique Chosen?