Facelift in Turkey

A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at creating a more youthful appearance by reducing visible signs of aging on the face and neck. This procedure is particularly popular among individuals seeking to address issues such as sagging skin, deep creases around the nose and mouth, jowls, and loose skin or excess fat in the neck area.

The facelift procedure involves several steps and can vary depending on the specific needs and goals of the patient. Generally, it begins with anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery. During a face lift, Dr. Emre Ozenalp will make incisions around the hairline and ears to lift and reposition the underlying tissues, remove excess skin, and tighten the remaining skin to create a more youthful appearance.

Good candidates for a face lift are generally healthy individuals who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and wish to address visible signs of aging in the face and neck. Typically, candidates are individuals in their 40s to 60s, though age is not the sole determinant. 

Here’s an in-depth look at what makes someone an ideal candidate for this transformative procedure:

• Visible Signs of Aging: Individuals who are experiencing noticeable signs of aging such as sagging skin in the midface, jowls along the jawline, and deep creases around the nose and mouth are often good candidates
• Skin Elasticity: Good skin elasticity and bone structureis crucial for achieving optimal results from a facelift.
• Overall Health: Candidates should be in good overall health without medical conditions that could impair healing or increase surgical risks
• Realistic Expectations: It’s important for candidates to have realistic expectations, it won’t completely alter one’s fundamental look or stop aging altogether.
• Psychological Readiness: Candidates should be motivated by personal desires rather than external pressures.

The cost of facelift can vary significantly depending on the location, the surgeon’s expertise, and the complexity of the procedure. In general, the facelift cost in Turkey is lower compared to US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand or UK, making it an attractive option for medical tourism. Patients can expect costs to range from €3,000 to €5,000 in Turkey, which typically includes the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, accommodation and hospital stay.

While the cost of a facelift in Turkey is generally more affordable than in many other countries, it’s essential to prioritize quality and safety over price alone. By choosing a highly qualified and experienced surgeon in Istanbul who is Dr. Emre Ozenalp, you can achieve excellent results while enjoying significant savings compared to undergoing surgery elsewhere.

As a plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon based in Istanbul, Turkey, with extensive experience treating both local and international patients. Here are the main types of face lift surgery:

Traditional (Full) Facelift: This is the most comprehensive option, addressing the mid-face, jowls, and neck. It involves making incisions around the ears and hairline to lift and reposition deeper facial tissues and remove excess skin. This provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results.

Mini Facelift: Also known as a “weekend facelift,” this less invasive procedure focuses on the lower face and jowls. It involves shorter incisions and less tissue manipulation, making it suitable for patients with mild to moderate sagging.

Mid-Face Lift: This targets the cheeks and areas around the nose, addressing nasolabial folds and restoring volume to the mid-face region. It can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures.

Lower Facelift: Concentrating on the bottom third of the face, this procedure addresses jowls, marionette lines, and the upper neck area. It’s ideal for patients primarily concerned with lower facial sagging.

SMAS Facelift: This technique involves manipulating the Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System (SMAS), a layer of tissue beneath the skin, to create more natural and longer-lasting results.

Deep Plane Facelift: This advanced technique goes deeper than the SMAS lift, releasing ligaments to allow for greater movement and repositioning of facial tissues. It can provide very natural-looking results, especially for the mid-face area.

Endoscopic Facelift: Using small cameras and instruments inserted through tiny incisions, this minimally invasive approach is suitable for patients with minimal sagging who want to address specific areas.

Thread Lift: A non-surgical option using dissolvable threads to lift and tighten the skin. While less invasive, results are typically less dramatic and shorter-lasting than surgical options.

Facelift scars are generally well-concealed and become less noticeable over time. The visibility of scars depends on several factors. In my practice, I employ various techniques to minimize scarring:

1. Precise incision placement
2. Meticulous closure techniques
3. Use of advanced scar management treatments post-surgery

It’s important to note that while scars cannot be completely eliminated, they can be made very inconspicuous. Most of my patients, including those who travel from abroad for surgery in Turkey, report high satisfaction with their results and minimal visible scarring.

On average, a traditional facelift surgery can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to complete. However, this time frame can be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Mini-facelift: 1-2 hours A mini-facelift is a less invasive procedure that targets the lower face and neck. It’s ideal for patients who want to address mild signs of aging, such as jowling and sagging skin.

Standard facelift: 2-3 hours A standard facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that addresses the mid-face, cheeks, and neck. It’s suitable for patients who want to rejuvenate their entire face and neck.

Extended facelift: 3-4 hours An extended facelift is a more extensive procedure that targets the entire face, including the forehead, eyes, and nose. It’s ideal for patients who want to achieve a more dramatic transformation.

Keep in mind that these time frames are approximate and may vary depending on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure.

Right after the surgery, patients are typically monitored in a recovery room to ensure they are stable as the anesthesia wears off. It’s common to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during this time. These symptoms are normal and usually subside within a few days. Pain management is an important aspect of this phase, and I prescribe appropriate medications to help alleviate any discomfort.

During the first week post-surgery, rest is important. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and keep their head elevated as much as possible to minimize swelling. It’s also important to follow specific care instructions for any dressings or drains that may have been placed during surgery.

As you move into the second week, many patients notice a significant reduction in swelling and bruising. This is often when they begin to feel more like themselves again. Light activities can usually be resumed, but it’s still advisable to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. By the end of the second week, many patients feel comfortable enough to return to work, especially if their job does not require physical exertion.

Choosing the best facelift surgeon is essential for anyone considering facelit in Turkey. Turkey has gained a reputation as a premier destination for plastic surgery procedures, including face lifting. With numerous clinics for face lift surgery available, prospective patients should seek a guide that outlines the qualifications and experience of surgeons.

Apart from all these, Dr. Emre Özenalp is one of the best plastic and aesthetic surgeons in Turkey who performs facelift operations. With his 15 years of experience and the opinions of thousands of happy patients, Dr. Emre Özenalp is the first plastic surgeon preferred by patients who want to have facelift in Turkey.

Facelift results are not “permanent” in the sense that they will completely halt the aging process; however, they are long-lasting. A facelift can turn back the clock on your appearance by several years. After a facelift, you will continue to age naturally, but you will always look younger than if you had never had the surgery.

The longevity of facelift results can vary depending on several factors:

• Skin Quality
• Age
• Lifestyle Choices
• Surgical Technique

In most cases, a properly performed facelift should not significantly alter your hairline. However, some techniques may require small incisions near the hairline. To minimize any adverse effects on your hairline, selecting a highly qualified and experienced surgeon is crucial. For those considering this procedure in Istanbul, Turkey, one standout surgeon comes highly recommended—Dr. Emre Ozenalp, a plastic aesthetic reconstructive surgeon known for his expertise in facial surgeries.