Why many patients are in their fifties and sixties
Most facelift patients are between 45 and 70. In the fifties, sagging of the cheeks and neck becomes visible enough that non-surgical treatments no longer help much, while the skin is usually still in good condition to respond well to surgery.
In the sixties and beyond, a facelift can still be very rewarding if you are in good health. The surgeon pays particular attention to medical history and medication in this age group.
Many patients at this stage have tried non-surgical treatments and noticed that the effect is getting shorter. That is usually a sign that the descended tissue now needs to be repositioned, which is what a facelift does.
Techniques that suit a mature face
For marked sagging of the mid-face and jawline, a deep plane facelift often gives the most natural and lasting result, because the tissues are lifted as one unit. An SMAS facelift suits many moderate cases. Both are planned by the surgeon after examining you.
The neck usually needs attention too. A face and neck lift treats jowls, jawline and neck in one operation and costs €4,500 as a package; the facelift alone is €3,000.
The scars are placed in the hairline and around the ear, as with younger patients. In the sixties, the surgeon also considers how the hairline has changed over the years, so that the incisions remain discreet even if you wear your hair short.
A mini facelift is rarely the right choice at this stage, because it treats only the lower face over a smaller area. When sagging is advanced, its effect is more limited and may not last as long.
Health checks before surgery
Before any decision, the surgeon reviews your health history and medication. Blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment are included in every New City Clinic package and are done in the partner hospital before the operation.
None of these conditions automatically rules out surgery. They simply need to be known and controlled before an operation, which is exactly what the pre-operative assessment is for.
- List every medication, including blood thinners and supplements
- Mention high blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions
- Stop smoking several weeks before and after surgery
- Bring recent test results if you have them
Combinations that make sense
With age, the eyes, brows and volume change too. Upper and lower eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer to the cheeks and temples are common additions. Eyelid surgery has a package price of €3,300; the others are quoted personally.
Combining means one trip and one recovery, but a longer operation. The surgeon recommends only what is reasonable and safe in your case.
Some patients prefer to treat the face first and the eyes later, or the other way round. That is also a valid plan, and the surgeon can explain the pros and cons of each approach for your situation.
Recovery at 50, 60 and beyond
Healing can take a little longer as we age, so a generous plan is wise: eight to ten days in Istanbul for a facelift, about ten for a face and neck lift. Bringing a companion is recommended.
Swelling peaks around the third day and largely settles within two weeks. The final result appears over about six months.
Plan your return to normal activities gently. Most people go back to social life after about two weeks, but heavy exercise, swimming and saunas should wait about six weeks. Sleeping with your head raised in the first weeks helps the swelling settle faster.
Getting a realistic plan
Send photos of your face and neck with a short health history. Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç assesses them free of charge and you receive a written plan, usually within 24 hours. More information is available on newcityclinic.com.
If you have a partner or adult child who will travel with you, include them in the conversation from the start. Having a companion for the first days is helpful at any age, and particularly reassuring after sixty.
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