Facelift in Turkey

A facelift corrects the sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck that comes with age. The surgeon tightens and repositions the SMAS, the supporting layer beneath the skin, and only then removes the excess skin. Because the work is done underneath, the face is lifted rather than stretched.

The incisions run in the hairline at the temple, follow the natural curve in front of the ear and end behind it. Once healed, they are very difficult to see. Where needed, the facelift can be combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer in the same operation.

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• Defined jawline and neck
• Natural, not “pulled”
• Scars hidden around the ear
• Long-lasting result

At a glance

Anaesthesia	General anaesthesia
Procedure time	3–5 hours
Hospital stay	1 night
Stay in Türkiye	8–10 days
Back to work	14 days
Back to sport	6 weeks
Final result	6 months
Scars	In the hairline and around the ear

Who is it for?

A facelift suits people whose main concern is sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck, usually from their mid-forties onwards. You should be in good general health and not smoke, or be willing to stop several weeks before and after surgery. A facelift does not change skin texture or fine lines on its own; those are treated separately.

What a facelift can and cannot do

It can restore a defined jawline, soften jowls and deep nasolabial folds and tighten the upper neck. It cannot stop ageing, and it does not treat wrinkles around the eyes or mouth, which respond better to eyelid surgery, a lip lift or skin treatments.

How the operation is done

Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon lifts the skin, repositions the SMAS layer upwards and backwards, fixes it with stitches and trims the extra skin without tension. Drains may be placed for one night. The operation takes three to five hours depending on whether the neck is treated as well.

Combining treatments

Ageing affects the whole face, so a facelift is often planned with upper or lower eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer to restore lost volume. One operation means one recovery, but it is longer; your surgeon recommends what is reasonable for you.

Preparing your face and body before you travel

Good healing begins weeks before the operation. Stop smoking and nicotine products well in advance, as they reduce blood flow to the lifted skin. Ask your GP whether any of your regular medication or supplements, such as aspirin, fish oil or certain herbal remedies, should be paused, and share the full list with New City Clinic.

Practical preparation helps too: pack button-up tops so nothing has to be pulled over your head, a soft scarf, sunglasses and a travel pillow. If you colour your hair, do it a week or so before the trip, because you will need to wait a while after surgery.

Hair, ears and the details people worry about

The incisions are planned around your hairline and ear shape. Surgeons take care to preserve the sideburn and the natural shape of the earlobe, two details that give away an overdone facelift. If you wear your hair very short or pulled back, mention it so the incisions can be planned accordingly.

Some temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks is normal and returns gradually over months. Hair around the incisions may thin briefly before regrowing. Your surgeon at New City Clinic will explain what is expected in your case.

Planning your time in Istanbul

The 8–10 days follow a clear rhythm: arrival and hotel, consultation and tests, surgery with one night in hospital, then quiet days at the hotel with check-ups until the stitches come out. You will not feel like sightseeing in the first days, but gentle walks later in the stay are encouraged.

A companion makes the hotel days easier, but the coordinator stays in daily contact either way. Practical information on hospitals and the team is available on the official website, newcityclinic.com.

Recovery

You spend one night in hospital. Swelling and bruising peak around day three and largely settle within two weeks, when most people return to social life. Stitches are removed between days 7 and 10. Sleep with your head raised and avoid heavy exercise for six weeks.

What you should know

• Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness and numbness
• Bleeding (haematoma), infection or delayed healing, as with any surgery
• Rarely, temporary weakness of a facial nerve branch
• Visible or widened scars in some people

Every surgical procedure carries risk. Your surgeon will explain the risks that apply to you during the examination.