Facelift

Facelift surgery (rhytidectomy) typically involves removing excess skin through an incision made along the border where the ear meets the cheek. During the procedure, not only the upper skin but also the underlying muscle tissue (SMAS) is repositioned for noticeable effects.

If you’re interested in booking this procedure at our clinic, contact us for a free consultation about our facelift, including its price in Turkey. If you’d like to learn more first, keep reading to find out who is a good candidate, the types of facelifts available, and the steps to follow for your results.

Suitable Candidates for Facelift Surgery

If you are bothered by the following changes from aging, you may be an ideal candidate for our Turkish facelift treatment:

Drooping eyebrows
Sagging eyelids
Drooping of the cheek skin
Deepening lines at the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds)
Sagging below the jawline (sagging of the bulldog and pre-jawline areas)
Double chin (submental fat)
Sagging or excess skin in the neck

Types of Facelift Techniques and Surgeries

Your expectations for the cosmetic surgery may vary depending on the degree of facial sagging. In general, there are four types of facelift surgery performed in Turkey. These can be categorized based on the extent of their effect as follows:

Endoscopic Facelift In endoscopic facelift surgery, the incision is made within the hair-bearing skin. Thus, there is no visible scar. The small incisions are made within the hair-bearing skin around the cheekbones to reposition them upwards. With the help of a camera, both the subcutaneous and fatty tissues are repositioned using strategically placed stitches. Procedures commonly performed alongside this surgery include brow lift and removal of bags under the upper and lower eyelids.
Mid Facelift The mid facelift is a treatment aimed at eliminating wrinkles and signs of aging in the middle area of the face, not the sides. It encompasses interventions in the midface, including the regions around the eyes and nose. This surgery can be performed with an incision made either from under the lower eyelid (on the surface) or from within the eyelid itself (no visible scar). This choice varies depending on the patient’s condition. For example, if there is excess skin under the lower eyelid, an incision can be made along the lash line to remove this skin. If there is no excess skin in the lower eyelid area and the goal is to address wrinkles extending from the corners of the mouth towards the nose, this procedure can also be performed with an incision made within the eyelid.
Mini Facelift A mini facelift surgery involves removing excess skin and tightening the tissues in the mouth, cheek, and jaw areas through an incision made at the level of the ear. The incision area and the effect of the mini facelift surgery. The incision length in this surgery is about 3 to 4 cm. Targeted areas include: Wrinkles formed under the eyes and on the cheeks Wrinkles around the mouth area
Deep Plane Facelift (Face and Neck Lift) The deep plane facelift, also referred to as a full facelift or classic facelift, encompasses the entire face, jaw, (double) chin, and neck. In a deep-plane facelift, the incision starts at the ear border, similar to the mini facelift. The incision wraps around the back of the ear, extends to the hairline at the back of the head, and continues downward by an additional 3 to 4 cm if needed. This additional incision allows for the correction of sagging in the jaw and chin areas, in addition to the sagging around the cheeks and mouth targeted in mini facelift surgery. Areas addressed in a total facelift include: Sagging skin in the cheek area Deepening lines around the mouth (nasolabial folds) Sagging below the jawline (Bulldog and pre-jawline sagging) Sagging in the neck area

Other Procedures to Combine With Facelift Surgery

Double Chin and Neck Lift	Brow Lift	Eyelid Surgery (Upper and Lower Eyelids)
Upper Blepharoplasty	Fox Eye Surgery	Chin augmentation or reshaping
Lip Lift	Forehead Reduction Surgery	Facial stem cell injection

Facelift Surgery Steps

Preoperative Phase

Your journey begins with a consultation, where the surgeon evaluates your forehead, hairline, skin elasticity, and facial proportions.

During this meeting, you’ll discuss surgical goals, review medical history, and ask questions about the available techniques. Pre-op instructions often include:

Avoid blood–thinning substances like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements for at least two weeks before surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
Stopping smoking at least four weeks before surgery decreases the risk of infection.
Arranging for someone to drive you home and assist during the first recovery days. Many people feel indisposed post-op, so it’s worth considering.

During Surgery

By examining the patient’s photographs from their younger years, the direction of facial deformation is determined to guide surgical planning. The procedure is then planned accordingly.
Photographs are taken both before and during the surgery for reference.
You can have this surgery under local anesthesia, as well as under general anesthesia or sedation.
The surgery will last between two to four hours.
A light bandage is applied after the surgery.
You may need to stay in the hospital for one day after surgery, or you may be discharged on the same day, depending on the situation.

Postoperative Phase

Some swelling and pain in the face are common, with bruising possibly occurring to a lesser extent. These symptoms typically decrease after the first week.
You will need to come to the clinic the day after the surgery. Dressings and drains are removed.
A corset is worn instead of a loose bandage on the second day.
You can shower after the third day.
Since your stitches will be absorbable, they will fall out on their own.
You can return to work and apply makeup after one week.
You can walk and do light exercise after two weeks.
You can resume contact sports, such as basketball, after four weeks.

Facelift Before and After Results

Dr. Cengizhan looks forward to helping you develop the right plan for your features that includes all the treatments you need. Start with a free consultation.

Dr Cengizhan Ekizceli’s Words to People Considering Facelift Surgery in Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions About Facelift Surgery (FAQs)

How much does facelift surgery cost in Turkey?

Facelift surgery in Turkey typically costs between $4,000 and $8,000, significantly lower than in Western countries. The exact price depends on the type of facelift, its complexity, and the surgeon’s experience. Mini facelifts cost less than full facelifts. Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli provides personalized quotes after consultation based on your specific needs.

How long does facelift surgery take?

Facelift surgery typically lasts two to four hours, depending on the type and complexity of the procedure. Mini facelifts may take one to two hours. Full facelifts with additional procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery, take longer. Your surgeon will provide specific timing during the consultation based on your planned procedure.

What is the recovery process like?

Recovery is gradual but manageable. Days one to three involve significant swelling and bruising. Days four to seven show improvement. Week two allows return to light activities and work. Full recovery takes four to six weeks. Following post-operative instructions accelerates healing and improves results.

50% recovery in the first 2 weeks
80% recovery after 4 weeks
100% recovery may take up to 6 months, depending on the operation’s scope and method.

What is the difference between a mini facelift and full facelift?

A mini facelift addresses the cheeks, mouth, and jaw through a 3 to 4 cm incision. A full facelift addresses the entire face, jaw, chin, and neck through a longer incision. A full facelift provides more dramatic results and longer-lasting effects. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your degree of sagging and your goals.

What is the difference between a facelift and Botox?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that provides permanent results lasting 10 to 15 years by physically tightening the skin and underlying muscles. Botox is a nonsurgical injection that temporarily relaxes muscles, lasting three to four months. Facelift addresses significant sagging, while Botox works best for fine lines and mild concerns.

What is the difference between a facelift and fillers?

Facelift surgically tightens skin and repositions tissues for long-lasting results. Fillers add volume to specific areas, addressing hollows or loss of definition. Fillers last six to 12 months and work best for mild concerns. A facelift provides more dramatic, permanent results for significant sagging and wrinkles.

Can or do men get facelifts?

Men frequently undergo facelifts to improve jawline definition and achieve a more youthful appearance. Results enhance masculine features when performed by an experienced surgeon. Men benefit from the same techniques and enjoy similar longevity of results as female patients.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Most patients seeking facelifts are aged 40 and above when sagging becomes noticeable. However, younger patients with significant sagging due to weight loss or genetics can benefit. The ideal candidate has realistic expectations and good overall health regardless of age.

Are facelift scars visible?

Incisions are placed along the ear-cheek border and behind the ears, hidden within natural creases. Incisions in hairline areas are covered by hair. Scars typically fade significantly within three to six months and become nearly invisible with proper sun protection and skincare.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes. A facelift can be combined with brow lift, eyelid surgery, chin augmentation, lip lift, and forehead reduction. Combining procedures creates comprehensive facial rejuvenation and often reduces overall recovery time compared to separate surgeries. Your surgeon will recommend the best combination based on your goals.

How long do facelift results last?

Facelift results typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on the technique, extent, and lifestyle. As natural aging continues, the improvement over the pre-surgery appearance is permanent. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing sun protection, and avoiding smoking can extend longevity by 15 years or more.

Can the longevity of a facelift be increased?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by avoiding smoking and alcohol, managing stress, and protecting skin from sun exposure can extend facelift longevity to 15 years or more. Consistent skincare, a healthy diet, and exercise also help preserve results longer than expected.

What are the risks of facelift surgery?

Facelift carries minimal risks when performed by experienced surgeons. Potential risks include temporary numbness, swelling, bruising, or asymmetry. Rare complications include infection, bleeding, or temporary facial nerve weakness. Choosing a board-certified surgeon and following post-operative instructions significantly minimizes these risks.

Is there a risk of facial paralysis?

Facial nerves extend from the chin to the cheeks in five branches. Experienced surgeons preserve these nerves during surgery. Temporary numbness or muscle weakness may occur but typically improves over time. Permanent facial paralysis is extremely rare with skilled surgeons like Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli.

What causes facial sagging?

Facial sagging results from multiple factors, including genetics, aging, sun exposure, smoking, rapid weight changes, and decreased collagen. Gravity and loss of skin elasticity contribute to drooping. Understanding causes helps surgeons determine the best facelift type and combination procedures for optimal results.

How can wrinkles on the face be prevented?

Protect skin from sun exposure using high SPF sunscreen daily. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Use quality skincare products and stay hydrated. Botox can reduce muscle activity to minimize wrinkles. These preventive measures help maintain facelift results longer.

What is a non-surgical facelift?

Non-surgical facelift procedures include cosmetic tapes, fillers, Botox, ultrasonic treatments, laser applications, and PRP or stem cell treatments. These offer more limited and shorter-term effects, typically lasting six months to two years. A surgical facelift provides more dramatic, longer-lasting results for severe sagging.

Why choose Turkey for facelift surgery?

Turkey offers world-class surgeons with extensive experience at significantly lower costs than Western countries. The country has established medical tourism infrastructure with accredited facilities and advanced technology. Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli and other experienced surgeons provide excellent results for international patients seeking affordable, high-quality care.

How experienced is Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli with facelifts?

Dr. Cengizhan Ekizceli is one of Turkey’s most experienced facial rejuvenation surgeons, specializing in all types of facelifts. He has performed hundreds of facelift surgeries using advanced techniques, including endoscopic and deep plane methods. His expertise ensures natural-looking results and optimal patient satisfaction for both local and international patients.

How do I prepare for facelift surgery?

Avoid blood-thinning substances like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least two weeks before surgery. Stop smoking at least four weeks before to reduce infection risk. Arrange for someone to drive you home and assist during recovery. Follow your surgeon’s specific pre-operative instructions for optimal results and faster healing.