Plastic Surgery
Facelift
A facelift repositions loosened skin and the SMAS support layer of the face under general anaesthesia, lifting the cheeks, jawline and neck while preserving natural expression.
- Method SMAS or deep plane facelift
- Anaesthesia General
- Surgery time Usually 3–5 hours
- Hospital stay Usually 1 night
- Stay in Istanbul Usually 10–12 days
The method
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that repositions the skin, the fat beneath it and the SMAS, the supporting layer of the face, all of which loosen with age. Sagging cheeks, a lost jawline (jowls), deepening nose-to-mouth folds and looseness in the neck are all addressed with this operation.
A modern facelift is not about "pulling" the skin; tightening the skin alone creates an artificial, pulled look and the result is short-lived. In today’s techniques the deep supporting layers are moved upwards and backwards and only the excess skin is removed without tension, so expression is preserved and the face looks naturally rested.
The incisions are hidden inside the hairline, in the natural crease in front of the ear and behind the ear; once healed they are not noticeable at normal distance. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, usually takes 3–5 hours depending on its scope, and involves one night in hospital. A neck lift, eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer can be combined in the same session.
A facelift does not stop ageing; it takes the face back several years, and ageing continues from that new starting point. Depending on genetics, sun exposure, weight changes and smoking, the effect is usually maintained for many years.
Surgery is performed at licensed partner hospitals in Istanbul by a plastic surgery specialist. JSH does not perform treatment; it coordinates the journey planned by the surgeon. Suitability and technique are the surgeon’s decisions.
Anatomy
The Supporting Layer Is Moved, Not the Skin
Beneath the skin of the face, between the muscles and the skin, lies a firm layer of connective tissue called the SMAS. With age this layer loosens and slides downwards with gravity; the fullness of the cheeks drops to the jawline and the angle of the neck is lost.
In SMAS techniques this layer is freed, lifted upwards and backwards and fixed in its new position with sutures. Only the excess skin is removed and it is closed without tension, which reduces the risk of scar widening and distortion of the ear.
In the deep plane technique the SMAS is moved together with the cheek fat pads and ligaments as a single block. It is a more extensive procedure, preferred for marked sagging of the mid-face.
Which layer is moved, and how far, is decided by the surgeon at the examination according to skin elasticity, the degree of sagging and the structure of the face.
Comparison
Mini, SMAS and Deep Plane: Which and When?
All three approaches work on the same principle; they differ in the length of the incision, the depth of the layer that is moved and the recovery time.
Mini Facelift
- A short incision in front of the ear; limited skin and SMAS correction
- For mild to moderate sagging, usually in the 40–50 age range
- Shorter surgery and recovery; the neck is usually not included
- Effect more limited than a full facelift
SMAS and Deep Plane Facelift
- A full incision hidden in the hairline and in front of and behind the ear
- The SMAS layer (with the fat pads in the deep plane) is lifted and fixed
- For marked sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck, usually over 50
- Can be combined with a neck lift; a more comprehensive, longer-lasting effect
Expression Preserved, Contours Restored
The aim is not a tight face but a rested version of the same person. That is why the supporting layer beneath the skin, not the skin itself, is repositioned.
Suitability
Who Is It for?
A facelift is considered for adults with marked sagging of the cheeks and jawline and looseness of the neck, who are in good general health and who do not smoke or are ready to stop. There is no fixed age; the degree of sagging and skin elasticity decide.
Suitability is decided solely by the surgeon. Surgery is postponed in cases of bleeding disorders, uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes, active smoking and conditions that impair wound healing. No plan is made for an operation that is not suitable.
Planning
How Is the Trip Planned and How Long Is the Stay?
For patients from abroad the process usually fits into a trip of 10–12 days: examination and tests on arrival, surgery and one night in hospital the next day, removal of drains and dressings on day 2–3, removal of the first stitches on day 5–7 and the remaining stitches on day 10–12, then clearance to fly. The timing varies with the surgeon’s preference and is sent to you in writing in advance.
In the first days after surgery there is a bandage around the head and neck and, in some operations, thin drains to prevent fluid collecting. Swelling and bruising peak in the first week and recede quickly from the second; it usually takes 2–3 weeks before they can be covered with make-up.
Eyelid surgery, a brow lift, a neck lift or fat transfer to the face can be planned in the same session; the operation and the stay are then longer. Which procedures are combined is agreed with the surgeon at the examination.
The process
How Does the Surgery Work?
From your first message to your follow-up after returning home, the journey runs through a single coordinator. The surgery week has five stages.
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01
Assessment
Your photos and medical history are sent to the surgeon; the plan is confirmed at the clinic with an examination, blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment.
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02
Planning and Markings
The layer to be moved, the incision line and any combined procedures are decided; the face is marked on the morning of surgery.
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03
Surgery
Under general anaesthesia, usually completed in 3–5 hours. The SMAS layer is lifted, excess skin removed and the neck corrected if needed. A bandage and, where used, drains are placed.
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04
Hospital Stay and Discharge
You stay one night in hospital; after a dressing change the next day you move to your hotel. Medication and aftercare instructions are given in writing.
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05
Stitches and Return
Drains come out on day 2–3 and stitches between day 5 and 12; after a check-up you are cleared to fly and the return is arranged. Check-ups continue remotely.
Where it takes place
At Partner Hospitals, Planned by Your Surgeon
Surgery is performed at licensed partner hospitals in Istanbul, in a fully equipped operating theatre, by a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Suitability, technique and the operation itself are the surgeon’s decisions; JSH does not influence them, it organises everything around them.
Our job is the rest of the journey: choosing the hospital and surgeon that fit your needs, passing your photos and medical history to the surgeon, building the surgery and follow-up schedule around your flights, transfers and accommodation, and remote check-ups after you return home.
We communicate in English, Turkish and Polish. Every step (hospital stay, check-up days, aftercare instructions, the date you are cleared to fly) is sent to you in writing, and you stay in touch with the same coordinator after you are back home.
Preparation and aftercare
What to Do Before and After Surgery
This list is for guidance only; the written instructions your surgeon gives you take precedence. Your coordinator is available for any question.
Before Surgery
- Stop blood thinners, aspirin and similar medication at least 7–10 days before surgery in consultation with your surgeon; report herbal supplements too.
- Stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery; it directly affects wound healing and blood supply to the tissues. Stop alcohol a week before.
- Tell us about chronic conditions, regular medication and previous operations during the assessment; pre-operative blood tests and, if needed, an anaesthesia consultation are carried out.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before the operation (general anaesthesia).
- Plan for a companion and for the first night in hospital; bring comfortable, front-buttoning clothes.
- Wash your hair on the morning of surgery; have any colouring or chemical treatments done beforehand, as they are not allowed for 4 weeks after.
After Surgery
- Sleep on your back with your head raised for the first week; do not rest your face on its side.
- Protect the bandage and drains as instructed; do not interfere with the dressings yourself.
- Do not bend forward or lift heavy objects for the first 2 weeks; avoid anything that raises blood pressure (straining, hot showers, saunas).
- No smoking for at least 4 weeks; do not start blood-thinning medication without your doctor’s approval.
- Protect the incision lines from the sun; use the recommended scar cream regularly and a high-factor sunscreen for 6 months.
- Return to heavy exercise after 4–6 weeks with the surgeon’s approval, sending your check-up photos regularly.
Recovery
Recovery After Surgery
Timings are given for guidance only; recovery varies from person to person and is followed up by your doctor.
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First 3 Days
The bandage and any drains are in place; marked swelling, bruising and tightness of the face and neck are expected. Pain is usually mild and controlled with medication.
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Week 1
Drains and the first stitches are removed and the bandage lightened. Bruises turn yellow and swelling begins to subside; numbness of the face is normal.
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2–3 Weeks
The remaining stitches are removed; most of the swelling has gone and bruising can be covered with make-up. Social life resumes in this period.
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1–2 Months
The contours of the face become defined; scars around the ear and in the hairline may still be pink. Exercise resumes gradually.
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3–6 Months
The tissues settle into their new position, scars begin to fade and sensation largely returns.
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12 Months
Scars mature and become inconspicuous; the result is fully visible. Results vary from person to person.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Facelifts
There is no fixed age; the degree of sagging and skin elasticity decide. For mild sagging a mini facelift may be considered in the forties, for marked sagging a full facelift usually from 50 upwards.
In modern techniques the SMAS layer beneath the skin is moved, not the skin, and the skin is closed without tension. The aim is a rested version of the same person, with expression preserved.
The incisions are hidden in the hairline, in the crease in front of the ear and behind the ear. Pink in the first months, the scars fade within a year and are not noticeable at normal distance.
Depending on genetics, sun, weight changes and smoking, usually many years. Ageing does not stop, but it continues from a new starting point.
Yes; looseness of the neck, a double chin and vertical bands can be addressed together with a full facelift. The scope is decided at the examination.
It is performed under general anaesthesia. Afterwards there is more a feeling of tightness and numbness than pain; the prescribed medication is usually enough.
Desk work and social situations usually after 2–3 weeks, once the bruising can be covered with make-up. Heavy exercise starts after 4–6 weeks with the surgeon’s approval.
Smoking impairs the circulation beneath the skin, and in a facelift the lifted skin depends on exactly that circulation. Continuing to smoke delays healing and raises the risk of tissue loss. You are asked not to smoke for at least 4 weeks before and after.
Fillers, thread lifts and energy devices give temporary support for mild laxity; they do not move the supporting layer in marked sagging. The surgeon decides at the examination which is appropriate.
Usually 10–12 days: examination, surgery and one night in hospital, removal of drains and stitches, check-up and clearance to fly. The schedule is built around your flights and check-ups continue remotely afterwards.
Let’s Assess Your Suitability Together
Share your questions and, if you have them, your photos. Our team will complete a preliminary assessment with the partner clinic’s doctor and get back to you.