A facelift repositions the tissues of the lower face and neck that have descended with age. It does not change who you look like; done well, it makes you look rested. In this guide New City Clinic compares the main techniques and explains what recovery involves.
What does a facelift treat?
A facelift addresses jowls, deep folds beside the mouth, loss of definition along the jawline and laxity in the neck. It does not treat the forehead, the eyelids or skin quality, which is why it is often combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift or fat transfer. Non-surgical treatments such as fillers and threads can soften early changes but cannot reposition tissue that has dropped.
Mini, SMAS or deep plane?
A mini facelift uses shorter incisions and suits early laxity of the lower face. A SMAS facelift tightens the layer of tissue beneath the skin and is the classic approach. In a deep plane facelift the surgeon releases and lifts the deeper layer together with the skin, which can improve the mid-face and folds beside the nose and avoids tension on the skin. The right technique depends on your anatomy, not on which name is fashionable.
Scars, risks and how long it lasts
Incisions are placed in the hairline and around the ear so that scars are hard to see once healed. As with any surgery there are risks, including bleeding, temporary numbness and, rarely, weakness of a facial nerve branch; your surgeon will discuss them. Smoking must be stopped well beforehand. Ageing continues, but most people keep a benefit for many years compared with not having had surgery.
A facelift: cost in Turkey and what is included
The price depends on the technique, the extent of the procedure, the hospital, the length of stay and any procedures planned together, which is why a single figure quoted without an examination or photo assessment is misleading. After a physician has reviewed your case, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote. It lists hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, pre-operative tests, medication, any compression garment or support bra, accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and interpreting separately; flights are not included unless stated. When comparing clinics in Istanbul, look beyond the price: check that the hospital is licensed by the Ministry of Health, what the surgeon specialises in, and how follow-up is handled once you are back home.
A facelift with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about a facelift, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Recovery timeline
First 1–2 days
A night in hospital; a light dressing, and drains if used, are removed early.
Week 1
Swelling and bruising peak then subside; sleep with the head raised.
Days 10–14
Stitches are out; most patients fly home and feel comfortable in public.
Months 3–6
Residual swelling and tightness settle and the result looks natural.
Accommodation and transfers
On request, New City Clinic organises your airport–hotel–hospital transfers and your stay at partner hotels close to the hospital. The same can be arranged for a companion; details are set out in writing in your quote.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
What age is right for a facelift?
There is no set age. It depends on the degree of laxity; many patients are between their mid-forties and sixties.
Will I look “pulled”?
Modern techniques lift the deeper layers rather than stretching the skin, which is what avoids an operated look.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
New City Clinic usually plans 10–12 days so that stitches can be removed and the surgeon can check you before the flight.
Deciding on a facelift is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
