Facelift in Turkey: lift the jawline, cheeks and neck
Indications, techniques, procedure, week-by-week recovery, risks and price: everything you need to know before a facelift in Turkey.
What is a facelift in Turkey?
Sagging cheeks, a less defined jawline, jowls, a loosening neck: with age, the skin and deep tissues of the face lose their support. Creams and injections soften fine lines, but they cannot put back tissues that have slipped.
A facelift in Turkey lifts the deep tissues of the face and neck, then the skin, to correct sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck. The operation usually takes 2 to 4 hours, under general anesthesia, with one night in hospital. The scars are hidden in front of and behind the ear, and in the hair. Plan a stay of 7 to 10 days, for check-ups and stitch removal. With TurquieMed, the package starts from $6,900, hospital, hotel and transfers included.
TurquieMed organizes your stay: forwarding your file to the surgeon, opinion and detailed quote within 48 hours, airport pick-up, transfers, hotel, interpreter and 7-day-a-week assistance.
To choose well, ask to see the surgeon’s facelift results several months after surgery, and ask how they prevent and manage a hematoma, the most common complication.
- Duration
- 2 to 4 hours
- Anesthesia
- General, in most cases
- Hospital stay
- 1 night
- Stay
- Usually 7 to 10 days
How much does a facelift cost in Turkey?
With TurquieMed, the facelift package starts from $6,900, hospital, 5 hotel nights and transfers included. The final price depends on the technique (mini facelift, full face and neck lift, neck lift), any associated procedures, such as eyelid surgery or fat grafting, and the length of stay. It is usually significantly lower than prices in Western Europe or North America.
Facelift package
Facelift package- VIP airport transfer
- 5 nights in a 4* hotel (breakfast)
- Hotel / clinic transfers
- Consultation with the surgeon
- Laboratory tests
- Your procedure
- 1 night in hospital
- 3 meals a day at the clinic
- Medication in hospital
- Medical check-up
- Interpreter at the clinic
- TurquieMed assistance 7 days a week
Package price
from $6,900
Indicative, non-contractual price. The final price is set in a personalized quote, after your medical file has been reviewed, and may be higher. Flight and any additional care or tests not included, unless stated on your quote.
What makes the price vary
- The extent of the lift: a mini facelift costs less than a full face and neck lift;
- Associated procedures: eyelids, fat grafting, brow lift;
- The length of the hospital and hotel stay, depending on the procedure and your recovery;
- Pre-operative tests, depending on your age and medical history.
Your free quote is prepared after your photos and file have been reviewed. Your flight is usually at your own expense.
Why choose Turkey for a facelift?
Choosing Turkey for a facelift means being operated on by a plastic surgeon who lifts the deep tissues, not just the skin, for a natural result, in an equipped hospital, with one night of monitoring, an organized 7 to 10-day stay and a price often much lower than in Western Europe or North America.
A good facelift does not show: the face looks rested and younger, without a pulled look. This result depends mainly on the surgeon’s technique and experience. It is a delicate operation, close to the facial nerves, which requires an experienced team.
1. Plastic surgeons experienced in facial surgery
The facelift is performed by plastic surgeons who regularly carry out facial surgery. Before committing, you know the surgeon’s name and can ask for photos of their results.
2. Deep tissues lifted, for a natural result
Modern techniques reposition the muscular and fibrous layer under the skin, called the SMAS. The skin is then redraped without excessive tension. This avoids a “pulled” look and gives a longer-lasting result than simply removing skin.
3. A procedure suited to your face
- Mini facelift, for early sagging of the lower face;
- Face and neck lift, for the cheeks, jawline and neck;
- Mid-face lift, to lift the cheekbones;
- Associated procedures, such as eyelid surgery for the eyes.
4. Monitoring during the first night
You spend the first night in hospital. This is the period when a hematoma can appear: the team watches for it and can act quickly. Blood pressure is also closely monitored, as it affects this risk.
5. Check-ups until the stitches are removed
Dressings, removal of any drains, scar checks and stitch removal: you stay on site until the surgeon allows you to travel, usually after 7 to 10 days.
6. A price known in advance
The package starts from $6,900. Your free quote details the procedure, hospital stay, hotel and transfers: you know the total cost before you leave, and it is often much lower than in Western Europe or North America.
7. A stay organized for you
We arrange the hotel, transfers and an interpreter, with assistance 7 days a week during your stay and remote follow-up by photos after you return home.
| In Turkey with TurquieMed | Often elsewhere | |
|---|---|---|
| First opinion | Within 48 hours, free, based on photos | Waiting times vary by surgeon |
| Surgeon | Plastic surgeon, name given in advance | Varies by clinic |
| Monitoring | 1 night in hospital after surgery | Sometimes same-day discharge |
| Price | From $6,900, on quote | Often much higher in Western Europe or North America |
| Support | Hotel, transfers, interpreter, assistance 7 days a week | To organize yourself |
Who is a facelift for?
A facelift is for adults, most often between 45 and 70, whose lower face and neck have sagged: jowls, a blurred jawline, neck folds. It suits people in good health with realistic expectations.
- A less defined jawline, with jowls along the jaw;
- Sagging cheeks and deep folds between the nose and mouth;
- A loose neck, with excess skin or visible bands;
- Good general health, well-controlled blood pressure and, ideally, no smoking.
Facelift, thread lift or injections: which to choose?
| Surgical facelift | Thread lift | Injections (hyaluronic acid) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it corrects | Sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck | Mild sagging | Volume loss, wrinkles |
| How long it lasts | Usually 8 to 10 years | About 1 to 2 years | A few months to 18 months |
| Anesthesia | General in most cases | Local | None or local |
| Recovery | 2 to 3 weeks before normal social life | A few days | Immediate or almost |
When sagging is significant, threads or injections alone give a limited result. Conversely, if sagging is early, a mini facelift, or even non-surgical techniques, may be enough. The surgeon tells you honestly what suits your face.
Situations that call for more caution
Smoking, poorly controlled high blood pressure, diabetes, blood thinners or significant excess weight increase the risk of complications. The surgeon may ask you to stop smoking several weeks before, control your blood pressure or adjust your treatments. Our page on cosmetic surgery in Turkey details the precautions common to all procedures.
What are the facelift techniques?
A facelift is usually done under general anesthesia and takes 2 to 4 hours, sometimes longer when other procedures are combined. The surgeon chooses the technique according to the degree of sagging, skin quality and the area to treat.
The face and neck lift
This is the most complete facelift: it treats the cheeks, jawline and neck. The surgeon repositions the deep tissues (SMAS), tightens the neck muscles if needed, then removes excess skin. The scars run in front of the ear, behind it and in the hair.
The mini facelift
For early sagging of the lower face, with shorter scars and slightly faster recovery. It treats the neck little or not at all.
The mid-face lift
It lifts the cheekbones and softens the folds between the nose and mouth. It is often combined with lower eyelid surgery.
The neck lift
It mainly treats a loose neck and the angle between the neck and jaw, sometimes with a small incision under the chin.
| Technique | Area treated | Scars |
|---|---|---|
| Mini facelift | Lower face, early sagging | Short, in front of the ear |
| Face and neck lift | Cheeks, jawline and neck | In front of and behind the ear, in the hair |
| Mid-face lift | Cheekbones, nose-to-mouth folds | In the hair or through the eyelid |
| Neck lift | Neck and jaw angle | Behind the ear, sometimes under the chin |
Procedures often combined
Eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eyes, fat grafting restores volume to the cheekbones or temples, and a brow lift opens up the upper face. The surgeon tells you what can safely be done in one operation.
How does your facelift in Turkey work?
- You send us your request. Through the website form or on WhatsApp, with photos of your face, your age, medical history and treatments.
- We look for the best option for your case and budget. We forward your file to the plastic surgeons of our partner clinics.
- You receive your care plan and quote. Within 48 hours: the proposed technique, the length of stay (usually 7 to 10 days) and a detailed price, free and with no obligation.
- We organize your trip. Hospital appointments, hotel booking, airport pick-up and interpreter: everything is ready before you leave.
- We stay by your side until you return home. Assistance 7 days a week throughout your stay, then remote follow-up by photos after you return.
Your 7 to 10-day stay
- Day 1: consultation. Facial examination, choice of technique, marking and blood tests.
- Day 2: operation. 2 to 4 hours under general anesthesia, then one night of monitoring in hospital.
- Days 3 to 6: rest at the hotel. Dressing or head band, head raised, check-ups and scar care.
- Days 7 to 10: stitch removal and final check-up before you are cleared to travel.
Before the operation
Stop aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and some supplements (vitamin E, omega-3, ginkgo) about two weeks before, unless your doctor advises otherwise: they increase the risk of bleeding. Never change a blood-thinning treatment without your doctor. Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after the procedure: smoking delays healing. For the flight home, wear compression stockings, drink plenty of water and get up regularly to prevent blood clots.
Recovery after a facelift: what to expect
After a facelift, most patients return to normal social life after 2 to 3 weeks. Swelling decreases markedly within a few weeks, and the final result appears between 3 and 6 months.
| What you may feel | How long | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling | Decreases markedly in 2 to 3 weeks | Cold compresses and head raised when sleeping |
| Bruising | About 2 weeks | No aspirin or anti-inflammatories without the surgeon’s advice |
| Feeling of tightness | 1 to 2 weeks | Rest, and gentle massage if advised |
| Numb skin around the ears and cheeks | A few weeks to a few months | Sensation usually returns on its own |
| Pinkish scars | The first months | Prescribed care and sun protection |
Key stages
- Week 1: rest, head band, head raised, stitch removal around day 7;
- 2 to 3 weeks: return to social life and quiet work, make-up possible;
- 4 to 6 weeks: return to sport and physical effort;
- 3 to 6 months: final result, scars increasingly discreet.
Avoid sun, sauna and hair colouring in the first weeks. The team follows you remotely by photos after you return, and your family doctor can check the scars.
What are the risks of a facelift?
Performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, a facelift is a safe operation, but it carries risks you should know about. A large study of 11,300 patients published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal found a hematoma in 1.1% of cases and an infection in 0.3%. The risk of hematoma was about 4 times higher in men.
| Possible effect | Frequency | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Swelling, bruising, tightness | Very common | Disappear within a few weeks |
| Hematoma | About 1% of cases, more in men | Occurs mainly in the first 24 hours; may require drainage |
| Changes in sensation | Common, temporary | Return within a few months |
| Injury to a branch of the facial nerve | Rare | Usually temporary, rarely permanent |
| Infection, skin damage | Rare | Risk much higher in smokers |
| Visible scars, asymmetry, pulled look | Uncommon | A touch-up is sometimes offered after a few months |
Like any surgery, a facelift also carries anesthesia-related risks and a small risk of blood clots, prevented by getting up and walking early.
How to choose your surgeon and your quote
A low price is not enough. Ask the hospital these questions before committing:
- Is the hospital authorized by the Turkish Ministry of Health to treat international patients?
- Who will perform the procedure, and how experienced are they with this technique?
- Is the surgeon a qualified plastic surgeon, and can you see before-and-after photos of their own patients?
- Does the procedure take place in a hospital with an anesthesia team and intensive care on site?
- Who takes care of a complication, on site and after your return home?
- What medical follow-up is planned, and with whom?
What a good quote should specify
- The name of the hospital and the doctor
- The tests, anesthesia, hospital stay and medication included
- The number of nights in hospital and at the hotel, and the transfers
- What happens in case of complication or cancellation
- The follow-up offered after your return
Also budget for your flight and follow-up consultations. Planned treatment in Turkey is usually not covered by public health insurance: ask your insurer in writing before committing.
Our partner hospitals in Turkey
Frequently asked questions about facelifts in Turkey
How much does a facelift cost in Turkey?
With TurquieMed, the package starts from $6,900, with the hospital, 5 hotel nights, transfers and an interpreter. The price depends on the technique (mini facelift, face and neck lift, neck lift) and any associated procedures. It is usually significantly lower than prices in Western Europe or North America. The exact price appears on your free quote.
How long does a facelift last?
Usually 8 to 10 years, sometimes longer. A facelift puts the tissues back in place, but it does not stop ageing: the face continues to age from this new starting point. A stable weight, not smoking and sun protection help keep the result.
Does the result look natural?
Yes, when the surgeon lifts the deep tissues and not just the skin. The face looks rested and younger, without a pulled look or a change in expression. Look at photos of the surgeon’s patients several months after surgery to judge their style.
Are the scars visible?
They are placed in natural folds, in front of and behind the ear, and in the hair. Pinkish in the first months, they usually become discreet within 6 to 12 months. A hairstyle covering the ears can hide them at first.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Usually 7 to 10 days: consultation, operation, one night in hospital, then rest at the hotel until stitch removal and the final check-up.
When can I return to social life?
Most often after 2 to 3 weeks, once bruising and swelling have eased. Make-up can then be used to hide any remaining marks. Sport resumes after 4 to 6 weeks.
From what age can I have a facelift?
There is no fixed age: what matters is the degree of sagging. Most patients are between 45 and 70. When younger, early sagging can be treated with a mini facelift or non-surgical techniques.
Can men have a facelift?
Yes. A male facelift respects the beard and hairline specific to men. The risk of hematoma is higher in men: blood pressure is closely monitored and the surgeon takes extra precautions.
Can a facelift be combined with eyelid surgery?
Yes, it is common. Eyelid surgery rejuvenates the eyes, and fat grafting restores volume to the cheekbones. The surgeon tells you what can safely be done in one operation.
Is a facelift painful?
Pain is usually moderate and well relieved by medication. You mainly feel tightness and numbness around the ears and neck for a few days.
Which photos should I send for an opinion?
Send photos of your face without make-up, from the front, both sides and three-quarters, with your hair tied back, along with your age, medical history, treatments and whether you smoke.
Can I fly after a facelift?
Yes, after the final check-up and stitch removal, usually 7 to 10 days after the operation. Drink water and get up regularly during the flight.
Should I come with someone?
It is recommended. In the first days, your face is swollen and you will be more comfortable with someone to help you at the hotel and during the journey home. The hotel can be booked as a double room.
Is a facelift covered by insurance?
No. A cosmetic facelift is not covered by health insurance, and planned treatment abroad is generally not reimbursed. Check with your insurer before committing.
Request a free medical opinion and quote
Send us photos of the area to be treated, your age, weight, height, medical history and current treatments. The surgeon will review them, and you will receive a detailed medical opinion and an estimated quote.
