Facelift surgery is a specialized procedure that aims not just to erase the traces of time but to reshape the structural memory of the face. As the skin and connective tissues gradually descend with age, the character of facial expression can change. At this point, facelift surgery is not merely about tightening the skin; it involves repositioning the supportive system of the face to restore its natural youthful contours. The techniques used during surgery support the structures located in the deeper layers of the face, eliminating sagging on the surface while preserving the natural quality of facial expressions. Thanks to modern techniques, facelift surgery is now defined not only as a “rejuvenation” procedure but also as a “rebalancing” process.
Also known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to address sagging, loosening, and wrinkles in the facial skin caused by aging. Due to loss of skin elasticity, gravity, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition, facial tissues may shift downward—particularly in the cheeks, jawline, and neck—resulting in an aesthetically unpleasing appearance.
A facelift helps redefine facial contours, tighten loose muscle tissues, remove excess skin, and achieve a firmer, more vibrant, and youthful appearance. When performed with the right technique, natural facial expressions are preserved, and rejuvenation is achieved without disturbing facial mimics. At our clinic, facelift procedures are individually planned to prioritize both aesthetic and functional
A facelift surgery typically takes between 2 to 4 hours. Before the operation, the patient’s skin elasticity, facial muscle structure, degree of sagging, and general health condition are evaluated. The surgeon creates a personalized surgical plan based on facial anatomy.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Incision lines are strategically placed along the front and back of the ear and into the hairline to keep them hidden. Through these incisions, access to the underlying tissues is gained. Loose muscle structures are tightened, excess skin is removed, and the skin is repositioned. If needed, fat grafting may be performed to restore facial volume. The surgeon then closes the surgical areas using aesthetic stitching techniques. Post-operative care involves special bandages and medical support to initiate the healing process.
Facelifts may target the lower face, mid-face, or the entire face. Depending on individual needs, the procedure can be done alone or in combination with eyelid surgery, brow lift, or neck lift.
2-4 Hours
1-2 Weeks
7 Days
Before the procedure, a detailed medical history is taken. Any chronic conditions, medications used, and past surgeries are evaluated. It is important to stop smoking before the surgery, as smoking negatively affects blood circulation in the skin and can delay healing.
Blood-thinning medications should be discontinued at least 10 days before the operation. Herbal supplements, certain vitamins, and alcohol may also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided. The surgeon will provide a personalized preoperative checklist that may include elements related to diet, sleep patterns, skincare, and stress management.
Facelift surgery is a suitable option for individuals experiencing significant skin sagging, loss of elasticity, and facial contour distortion. While typically preferred by those aged 40 and above, younger individuals with genetic predispositions or significant weight loss may also benefit from facelift surgery.
Candidates should be in good overall health, free from serious chronic diseases, and able to comply with the healing process. Having realistic expectations about the outcome is also crucial for satisfaction. Our experienced team evaluates each individual’s facial anatomy in detail and determines suitability on a personalized basis.
Facelift surgeries can be performed using different techniques depending on the layer targeted, the degree of sagging, and the specific aesthetic needs. Common techniques include traditional subcutaneous facelift, mini facelift, SMAS plication, subcutaneous facelift, deep plane composite facelift, and high SMAS facelift.
Traditional subcutaneous facelifts target superficial layers to remove excess skin and reshape the facial contour. Mini facelifts are suitable for younger individuals with mild sagging and involve smaller incisions with shorter recovery times.
Subcutaneous facelifts and SMAS plication are effective in treating more surface-level deformities. Deep plane composite facelifts provide structural rejuvenation by addressing muscles and connective tissues beneath the skin. The high SMAS technique lifts the supportive structures of the face from deep layers, offering long-lasting results.
The surgeon determines the most suitable method based on the patient’s facial anatomy, age, and expectations. Our aesthetic surgeons apply all techniques with advanced surgical knowledge and aesthetic insight to provide the most appropriate approach for each patient.
The cost of a facelift varies depending on the type of technique used, the surgeon’s experience, the medical facility, and any additional procedures. Since there are differences in scope between a mini facelift, full facelift, or combined aesthetic operations, pricing is evaluated individually for each case.
Beyond cost, what matters most is the success rate of the procedure, the naturalness of the results, and their long-term durability. The more advanced and personalized the technique, the higher the satisfaction after surgery. Our doctor prioritizes quality, safety, and natural results to deliver professional solutions tailored to each patient’s aesthetic expectations.
Levent Mah. Altzeren Sok. No:8 Beşiktaş / İstanbul
