Your face is your showcase that introduces you to the world most impressively, regardless of your age. Over time, the combination of gravity, decreased skin elasticity, and the traces left by life lines can lead to aesthetic concerns such as facial sagging, jowl loosening, and neck area laxity. If you’re looking for “a natural, permanent, and becoming appearance,” Facelift Surgery (Rhytidoplasty) is perfect for you! At our clinic in Istanbul, our facelift operation offered with experienced plastic surgeons and the latest surgical techniques restores skin and subcutaneous tissues to ideal levels, bringing you back to your fresh appearance from years ago.

What is Facelift Surgery?

Facelift surgery is a comprehensive aesthetic operation where excess skin and loose subcutaneous tissues in the face and neck are surgically removed, and SMAS (facial muscle-skin system) and platysma (neck muscle) layers are repositioned.

Purpose:

  • Lift sagging in the mid-face area (cheekbone emphasis)
  • Eliminate looseness in jowl area and uncertainty in jawline
  • Tighten neck area to reduce double chin appearance
  • Remove excess skin tissue and create a youthful contour

Technique: Classic incisions are hidden in natural curves of hairline, front and back of ear; SMAS band is lifted upward, skin and subcutaneous tissue are stretched in a balanced manner.

Duration: 3-5 hours; comfortable experience under general anesthesia.

Why Choose Facelift Surgery?

  • Permanent Effect: Years-lasting tightness and contour unlike fillers and botox.
  • Natural Youth: Provides dynamic and natural expression, not “stiff.”
  • Comprehensive Renewal: Restores mid-face, lower face, and neck area together.
  • Minimal Scarring: Incisions hidden with fine, natural lines almost disappear over time.
  • Function Preservation: Facial expressions are preserved, preventing “slapped face” appearance.
  • Personalized Planning: Optimal tightening amount for your facial features is calculated with 3D simulation and facial analysis.

Who Are Candidates for Facelift Surgery?

  • Healthy Individuals Aged 40-70: Those with pronounced sagging, jowl, double chin, or wrinkles on face and neck.
  • Those Who Haven’t Met Expectations with Non-Surgical Methods: Those seeking permanent results from temporary applications like fillers, thread lifts.
  • Regardless of Fair, Medium-Dark Skin: Effective on all skin types, but wound healing and scar tolerance are individual.
  • Patients in Good General Health with Controlled Smoking and Chronic Disease

Note: Detailed physician evaluation is required prior to uncontrolled diabetes, heart-lung diseases, bleeding disorders, or psychological expectation problems.

Pre-Surgery Preparation Process

Free Consultation and 3D Simulation

  • Expected post-surgery contour appears on your screen with facial photographs and 3D modeling.
  • Goals, technical options, and anesthesia type (general anesthesia or sedation) are clarified.

Medical Evaluation

  • Blood tests, EKG, coagulation profile; internal medicine and cardiology approval obtained if necessary.
  • Smokers are advised to quit at least 4 weeks before surgery.

Medication and Supplement Regulation

  • Blood thinner supplements like aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamin E are discontinued 7 days prior.
  • Skin care creams and antioxidant supplements can be started early.

Information and Appointment Confirmation

Surgery day, treatment plan, hospitalization duration, dressing and follow-up appointments are shared in detail.

How is Facelift Surgery Performed?

1. Anesthesia Application

Pain and comfort management is provided with general anesthesia.

2. Incision Planning

Fine incisions hidden in natural curves extending into hairline and front-back of ear are made.

3. SMAS and Muscle Band Correction

Subcutaneous tissues (SMAS) are separated, lifted upward; platysma band (neck muscle) is corrected when necessary.

4. Excess Skin Removal and Skin Tightening

Loose skin is stretched in a controlled manner; excess tissue is removed and closed symmetrically.

5. Suturing and Dressing

Completed with self-dissolving sutures, thin steri-strip tape, and light pressure bandage.

6. Operation Duration

3-5 hours; comfortable rest in service room after leaving operating room.

The Importance of Doctor Selection

Facelift is an expert procedure that goes beyond “stretching skin” and requires understanding facial anatomy and aging dynamics:

  • Plastic Surgery or Facial Aesthetics Specialist: Physicians with rhytidoplasty certification and rich facial rejuvenation practice should be preferred.
  • 3D Planning Competence: Expert who can create digital facial analysis and personalized tightening plan.
  • Empathetic Communication: Doctor who listens to your goals in harmony with realistic expectations and provides step-by-step information.
  • Sterile Clinical Standards: Single-use equipment, fully equipped operating room, and comfortable service are essential.

Surgery Day: What Awaits You?

1. Morning Preparations & Anesthesia Consultation

Vital measurements, team introduction, and anesthesia plan.

2. Surgical Process

3-5 hour comfortable and controlled rhytidoplasty.

3. Recovery and Dressing

Light dressing, facial corset bands, and transfer to service room.

4. Hospitalization

Standard: 1 night; Premium/Full packages include 2 nights monitoring and comfortable care.

5. Home Return Instructions

Cold compress, head-up sleeping position, first dressing check in 48 hours.

Recovery Process

  • Days 1-7: Mild edema, bruising, and tightness are normal; comfort is provided with prescribed painkillers.
  • 1 Week: Removal of sutures or tapes, continuation of corset bands.
  • Weeks 2-4: New contour becomes prominent as swelling decreases; return to social life begins.
  • Months 2-3: Facial subcutaneous tissue fully settles; expressions and natural appearance are preserved.
  • 6 Months – 1 Year: Complete healing; results are stabilized with annual check-up appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will there be surgical scars?

Incisions hidden in hairline and ear front curves almost disappear over time.

2. How long do bruising and swelling last?

80% passes within 1-2 weeks; complete recovery takes 4-6 weeks.

3. When can I return to work?

2 weeks for office and light work, 4-6 weeks for full return to social life is recommended.

4. Will my facial expression freeze?

Facial muscles are preserved with SMAS lifting technique; natural expression continues.

5. How long does it last?

Tight and youthful contour lasts 8-12 years depending on your aging rate.