Facelift Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure performed to address sagging, wrinkles, and skin laxity that develop with aging. By focusing on the mid and lower face, the goal is to achieve a younger, more dynamic, and natural-looking facial appearance.

With deep plane facelift techniques, the underlying tissues and muscular structures are repositioned. This provides structural rejuvenation rather than only a superficial tightening effect. When needed, a neck lift can also be performed at the same time.

A mini facelift is an alternative option for individuals who want to correct more limited sagging. It is performed through smaller incisions and typically has a shorter recovery period compared to a traditional facelift. It is often suitable for a younger patient group.

The recovery period after a facelift is usually around 10–14 days. Swelling and bruising may occur in the first days, and following the surgeon’s aftercare instructions is important. Incisions are typically concealed within the hairline and around the ears to minimize visible scarring.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure performed to address facial sagging, wrinkles, and volume loss that occur with aging. During the operation, excess skin is removed, loosened connective tissues and muscle layers are tightened, and facial contours are restored to a more youthful look. It can be planned together with the neck region as well. The goal is to achieve a tighter and more refreshed appearance while preserving the patient’s natural facial expression.

Why does the face age, and what anatomical changes occur during this process?

Facial aging is not caused by a single factor—it is a chain reaction that affects every layer from the skin surface to the underlying bone. When you imagine a youthful face, you typically picture full cheekbones and a sharp jawline separated from the neck, forming an inverted triangle shape. Over time, gravity, genetics, and environmental exposure gradually disrupt this balance.

If we think of the face like a building: bones are the foundation, muscles and ligaments are the supporting columns, fat pads are the insulation, and the skin is the outer facade. With aging, the foundation (bone) can subtly resorb, the supporting columns (ligaments) loosen, and the insulation (fat pads) shifts downward. As a result, the outer facade—skin—starts to look “too loose” for the structure beneath.

Factors contributing to aging include:

• Genetics
• Gravity
• Sun damage
• Smoking
• Diet habits
• Sleep patterns
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Bone resorption
• Soft tissue loss

As these factors combine, cheek fullness descends, nasolabial folds deepen, and sagging at the jawline (“jowls”) becomes more noticeable. In other words, the issue is not only wrinkles on the surface—internal support structures also shift and change position.

What does a rhytidectomy (facelift) aim to achieve?

In modern surgical philosophy, the goal of a facelift is not to turn you into someone else. Instead, the aim is to preserve your identity and restore the fresh, rested appearance you had 10–15 years ago. Outdated techniques that only pulled the skin too tightly—creating an unnatural “wind tunnel” look—are no longer preferred.

In a successful facelift, the target is to reposition facial tissues against gravity, typically in a vertical vector. Pulling sideways can widen the face and look artificial, whereas lifting upward helps preserve natural proportions. With this surgery, sagging cheeks are restored, the jawline becomes sharper, neck looseness improves, and a tired facial expression softens. The best compliment is not “What did you do to your face?” but rather “You look so rested and refreshed.”

What are the SMAS and Deep Plane techniques commonly mentioned in modern surgery?

When researching facelift surgery, you will often see the terms “SMAS” and “Deep Plane.” These concepts may sound complex, but the logic is quite simple. Just beneath the facial skin, there is a strong supportive layer that envelops facial expression muscles—this is called the SMAS. The longevity and natural look of a facelift depend far more on what we do to this SMAS layer than on skin tightening alone.

If only the skin is pulled, the tension loads onto the skin itself. Since skin is elastic, it can loosen again relatively quickly, and complications like widened scars or a stretched earlobe can occur. In modern techniques, we shift the tension to the stronger SMAS layer to achieve a more durable and natural result.

The Deep Plane facelift is considered one of today’s advanced “gold standard” methods. In this technique, the surgeon works beneath the SMAS layer. The face has retaining ligaments that anchor tissues to deeper structures; as we age, these contribute to downward pull. By releasing these ligaments, the midface, cheeks, and jawline tissues can move upward as a single unit with less strain.

Advantages of the deep plane technique include:

• Natural-looking results
• Long-lasting outcomes
• Faster recovery
• Less swelling
• No overly tight skin
• More prominent cheek contours
• Sharper jawline
• Better scar healing

Because the lift is carried by deeper layers, the skin does not appear “pulled,” helping prevent the unwanted “operated” look.

What should be considered during the preoperative preparation period?

Once you decide on surgery, preparation actually begins at home—not in the operating room. For a smooth recovery and a good result, your body needs to be optimized beforehand. The single most critical issue surgeons insist on is smoking cessation.

Smoking constricts small blood vessels and disrupts circulation. During facelift surgery, the skin and underlying tissues are elevated and re-draped over a wide area. Good oxygenation and strong blood supply are essential for healing. In smokers, the risk of wound separation, skin loss (necrosis), and poor scarring is significantly higher. For this reason, quitting smoking at least 3–4 weeks before surgery is strongly required.

In addition, certain medications and supplements that increase bleeding risk must be stopped in advance. To avoid hematoma (bleeding under the skin) during or after surgery, normal clotting function is crucial.

Items typically stopped 10–14 days before surgery include:

• Aspirin
• Blood thinners
• Vitamin E
• Omega-3
• Fish oil
• Ginkgo biloba
• Ginseng
• St. John’s wort
• Green tea
• Cherry stem tea
• Garlic pills

If you have high blood pressure, it is also very important that it is well-controlled with medication, since uncontrolled hypertension is one of the main contributors to postoperative bleeding risk.

Does facelift surgery also correct sagging in the neck area?

The face and neck are an inseparable aesthetic unit. Most patients who have facial sagging also show signs of aging in the neck. Tightening the face while ignoring the neck can create an imbalanced appearance—like applying makeup but wearing outdated clothing. For this reason, many facelift procedures include neck rejuvenation as well.

Common aging concerns in the neck include under-chin fat (double chin), skin laxity, and vertical banding often described as a “turkey neck” appearance. During surgery, a small incision under the chin is often used to access this area.

Neck-focused steps may include:

• Removing excess fat
• Tightening neck muscles
• Removing extra skin
• Enhancing the jawline definition
• Improving the neck angle

The platysma muscle can be tightened like an internal corset in the midline, and lifted laterally to bring out a sharper jawline and smoother, youthful transition from face to neck.

Where are incisions hidden, and will scars be noticeable?

One of the biggest concerns in aesthetic surgery is scarring. Wanting facial rejuvenation without visible “giveaway” scars is completely understandable. While scars cannot be erased entirely, experienced plastic surgeons are highly skilled at placing them strategically so they remain well hidden.

Incisions usually start within the temple hairline, descend and are concealed behind the cartilage at the front of the ear (tragus), curve under the earlobe, and continue into the crease behind the ear before extending into the hair-bearing scalp again.

Areas where scars are typically concealed include:

• Temple hairline
• Behind the tragus
• Under the earlobe
• Behind-the-ear crease
• Hair-bearing scalp at the nape

In the early weeks, scars may appear slightly red—this is part of normal healing. Over the months, they fade, become lighter, and often blend into natural creases or hairline borders. Even with hair tied up, they are typically difficult to notice.

Is fat injection necessary for facial volume loss?

Aging is often compared to a “deflating balloon.” As we age, the skin loosens, but the fat pads beneath the skin also shrink and shift. Volume loss is especially noticeable in the cheekbones, under-eye area, and temples. If we only tighten the skin, the result may be tight but flat and expressionless. A youthful face, by contrast, has soft fullness and reflects light beautifully.

For this reason, modern facelifts are often combined with fat transfer (lipofilling). A small amount of fat is harvested from your own body—commonly the abdomen or hips—and processed to optimize it for transfer.

Benefits of fat transfer include:

• Restoring lost volume
• Softening facial contours
• Improving skin quality
• Supporting regenerative renewal
• Filling under-eye hollows
• Reducing perioral wrinkles

This provides “volumetric rejuvenation.” The regenerative cell content within the transferred fat may contribute to improved skin glow, tighter pores, and a healthier appearance—creating not only a mechanical lift but also a biological refresh.

Is there a risk of facial nerve injury, and how is it prevented?

One of the most worrying fears patients have about facelift surgery is the possibility of facial paralysis or loss of expression. This concern is understandable, and it is also reassuring to know the scientific reality: the facial nerve is like an electrical cable that powers smiling, frowning, and eyelid movement. It passes through the parotid gland area in front of the ear and branches throughout the face.

For an experienced plastic surgeon with strong anatomical knowledge, the nerve pathways and branching points are well-mapped. During surgery, we use meticulous techniques to protect the nerve. With advanced approaches such as deep plane facelifts, working in safe planes and/or visually identifying key structures can further minimize the risk.

Safety measures may include:

• Magnifying loupes
• Fine surgical instruments
• Nerve monitoring
• Safe dissection planes
• Anatomical landmark guidance

Permanent facial nerve injury is extremely rare in experienced hands, generally well below 1%. Temporary numbness or mild asymmetry in lip movement can occur due to swelling or tissue traction (neuropraxia). This does not mean the nerve was cut—rather, it is a temporary “stunning” effect that usually resolves fully within a few weeks.

What is recovery like, and when can you return to social life?

Recovery begins immediately after surgery and progresses step by step. Facelift surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and patients often stay in the hospital overnight for comfort and monitoring.

In the first days, swelling (edema), mild bruising, and a feeling of tightness are completely normal. Pain is typically not severe; most patients describe it as mild soreness or tension, usually manageable with simple pain medication.

Key recommendations for the first week include:

• Sleeping with the head elevated
• Applying cold compresses
• Avoiding strenuous movements
• Keeping blood pressure stable
• Eating softer, lighter foods
• Protecting the face from impact

Stitches are often removed around day 5 to day 7. By the end of the first week, swelling is typically at its peak and then begins to subside. During the second week, bruising fades and swelling decreases, allowing most patients to feel more comfortable being seen in public. Many people can return to work and social activities by the end of the second week, often with makeup to conceal residual bruising. Full tissue softening, complete swelling resolution, and improvement of numbness can take 3–6 months. Patience and careful adherence to aftercare instructions are essential.

How long do results last, and does aging stop?

A facelift does not stop time, but it can effectively turn the clock back. After surgery, patients often look 10–15 years younger. However, biological aging and gravity continue. The important point is that you age from a more youthful baseline—meaning you typically do not revert to the exact appearance you would have had without surgery, and you often continue to look younger than peers over time.

Factors affecting longevity include:

• Skin quality
• Genetics
• Chosen technique
• Lifestyle
• Weight fluctuations
• Sun protection
• Skincare routine

In general, a well-performed deep plane facelift can maintain a noticeably rejuvenated look for about 10–15 years. Long-term maintenance is supported by consistent sun protection, healthy lifestyle habits, stable weight, and ongoing skincare. In later years, smaller touch-ups (Botox, fillers, or minor revisions) may help maintain freshness.

What are possible complications, and how are they managed?

As with any surgery, facelift procedures carry certain risks. The surgeon’s responsibility is to minimize these risks and manage them effectively if they occur. One of the more common issues is hematoma—bleeding under the skin—which usually occurs within the first 24 hours, often triggered by sudden blood pressure elevation or excessive strain. Small hematomas may resolve on their own, while larger ones may require drainage. This typically does not ruin the final result, but it can prolong recovery.

Infection is relatively rare because the face has strong blood supply. Preventive antibiotics and sterile dressings keep the risk very low.

Other less common risks include:

• Delayed wound healing
• Numbness in the scalp
• Hair loss along the incision line
• Earlobe distortion
• Asymmetry
• Anesthesia-related risks

Most of these complications are temporary and manageable. The most important factor for safety is strong communication with your surgeon—being able to reach them quickly if you have even a minor concern is extremely valuable.