Neck Lift Surgery in Ankara, Turkey

A neck lift is a surgical procedure performed to correct sagging under the chin and in the neck area, excess fat accumulation, and loosened skin. By improving age-related deformities, it helps achieve a younger, tighter, and more aesthetic neck profile. By reshaping the neck contour, overall facial aesthetics are enhanced in a holistic way.

Although neck lift surgery is often combined with a facelift, it can also be performed as a standalone procedure when needed. By tightening the platysma muscle, removing excess fat tissue, and repositioning sagging skin, a natural and balanced appearance is achieved. The jawline becomes more defined, and the transition between the face and neck gains a clearer structure.

Liposuction is an effective method for reducing submental (under-chin) fat. In patients with mild to moderate laxity, liposuction alone may be sufficient, while in cases with advanced skin looseness it is recommended to combine liposuction with surgical neck lifting. Alternatively, for patients who do not want surgery, Endolift neck tightening offers a minimally invasive option.

Endolift is an application that uses laser energy to increase collagen production in the subcutaneous tissues and support skin tightening. It is effective for mild to moderate neck sagging and does not require incisions or stitches. Recovery varies from person to person; however, after surgical procedures patients can generally return to daily life within 1–2 weeks. Scars are hidden behind the ears and under the chin to preserve aesthetic integrity, while recovery after Endolift is typically much shorter.

What Is a Neck Lift?

A neck lift is a surgical procedure performed to correct sagging, looseness, and excess skin in the neck area caused by aging, weight changes, or genetic factors. During this operation, excess skin is removed, weakened muscle structures are tightened, and a smoother, firmer neck profile is achieved. It can be combined with a facelift and helps the patient gain a younger and more dynamic appearance.

Why are cheekbones and chin structure so important for facial harmony?

The concept of facial beauty is closely tied to how our brain perceives symmetry and proportion. Across history and cultures, prominent cheekbones and a defined jawline have been seen as symbols of youth, health, and attractiveness. There is also a simple geometric reason: a youthful face typically has an “inverted triangle” shape—wider across the cheekbones and gradually narrowing toward the chin—creating an energetic, dynamic look.

As aging progresses or due to genetic factors, this triangle can begin to invert. When cheekbones lose volume and become less defined, the midface tissues descend. When the jawline loses definition, the face can appear squarer or rounder, making a person look heavier, more tired, or even sad.

Prominent cheekbones help “lift” the face by supporting midface tissues—almost like a hanger holding fabric. The chin, meanwhile, is the balance point of the profile. A recessed chin can make the nose appear larger than it actually is. In fact, many patients considering rhinoplasty have a profile imbalance primarily due to chin retrusion. When the chin is brought forward, the nose is often perceived as smaller and more elegant. A strong chin support can also reduce the appearance of under-chin sagging and sharpen the neck line. For that reason, interventions in these two areas can transform not only the region treated, but the overall facial impression.

What are facial implants and which materials are used?

Facial implants are biocompatible materials used to correct skeletal deficiencies, sharpen facial contours, and create a more permanent definition. You can think of them as long-lasting prostheses that reshape the facial framework—similar in concept to dental implants, but designed for areas like the cheekbones and chin.

With technological advances, we now have a wide range of safe and reliable materials. Older approaches using bone grafts or heavy metals have largely been replaced by more sophisticated options.

Common implant materials include:

• Solid silicone
• Porous polyethylene
• Titanium
• PEEK

Each of these materials is carefully manufactured and sterilized, designed to be well tolerated by the human body. The goal is to mimic bone structure and provide stable support for the overlying soft tissues.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of silicone implants?

Silicone is one of the longest-used materials in plastic surgery and remains one of the “gold standard” options for facial implants. The silicone used here is not gel-like or fluid as in some breast implants; it is a firm, solid silicone designed to feel similar to bone.

Surgeons appreciate silicone mainly for its ease of use. Its smooth surface allows it to be inserted through small incisions and it can often be shaped during surgery to better fit the patient’s anatomy.

However, the smooth surface is a double-edged sword. The body forms a thin capsule around the implant, meaning it does not integrate into tissue the way porous materials do. The benefit of this is that if removal is ever needed (for example, due to infection or patient preference), silicone implants are usually easier to remove. The downside is that, rarely, movement within the capsule can occur, and there may be a risk of shifting. Over the long term, mild pressure-related bone resorption underneath the implant may also be seen in some cases.

Key features of silicone implants include:

• Smooth surface
• Ease of removal
• Flexible structure
• Cost-effective
• Can be shaped during surgery

How do Medpor implants integrate with tissue?

Medpor (porous polyethylene) has a very different structure from silicone. If you hold it in your hand, it resembles a firm coral-like material. It contains microscopic pores that are not visible to the naked eye—these pores are what make it special.

After implantation, the body’s blood vessels and tissue cells grow into these pores. This is called tissue integration. Over time, the implant becomes more like a part of the body, almost “fusing” with bone and soft tissue. This makes implant movement extremely unlikely and can increase resistance to infection, because vascularized tissue can bring immune cells into the area to help fight bacteria.

However, this strong integration also has a downside. If the implant ever needs to be removed, the process is more difficult than removing silicone, because it must be separated from the tissue that has grown into it. Medpor implants are often secured to bone with small screws, providing additional stability.

Advantages of Medpor implants include:

• High tissue compatibility
• Minimal risk of shifting
• Natural bone-like feel
• Improved resistance to infection
• Long-term stabilization

How is cheekbone (malar) augmentation surgery performed?

Cheekbone implant surgery is a completely “hidden” procedure that leaves no visible external scars. Many patients worry about facial incision marks—the reassuring answer is no, because the operation is typically performed through the inside of the mouth.

Under general anesthesia, a small incision (about 2 cm) is made in the upper vestibule where the lip meets the gum. Through this opening, the surgeon elevates the tissues over the cheekbone and creates a pocket under the periosteum (subperiosteal plane). The implant is then inserted into this pocket. If Medpor is used, it may be secured with small screws; silicone implants may be stabilized by creating a snug pocket and/or using sutures.

Results are visible immediately: the cheeks become fuller and the face appears lifted. The incision is usually closed with dissolvable sutures, so there is no need for stitch removal. Postoperative discomfort is more commonly a feeling of fullness and tightness rather than sharp pain.

Key postoperative recommendations include:

• Good oral hygiene
• Soft diet
• Cold compresses
• Sleeping with the head elevated

When is chin surgery (mentoplasty) performed?

Chin enhancement is one of the most effective procedures for improving profile balance. It is commonly performed in patients with a recessed chin (retrognathia) or a very small chin (microgenia). People often notice something feels “off” in their facial proportions, even if they cannot immediately identify the cause. The nose may appear larger, and the under-chin area may look heavier or saggy.

When a chin implant is placed, the chin projects forward, elongating and defining the lower face. This can create a more refined “V” shape in women and a stronger, more angular jawline in men. It can also improve the appearance of the neck line by supporting the lower face framework.

There are two main access routes: an intraoral approach from inside the lower lip (no visible scar), or a small incision hidden in the natural crease under the chin. While the submental incision is external, it is typically very discreet and hard to notice unless the chin is lifted upward. Many surgeons prefer the under-chin approach because it can reduce infection risk and allow more precise implant placement.

Changes commonly achieved with chin enhancement include:

• Improved profile balance
• A smaller perceived nose size
• Reduced double-chin appearance
• Sharper neck line
• Better facial proportions

What is autologous fat injection and how natural is it?

Now let’s talk about the other side of the equation: fat injections. If implants represent the “architectural structure,” fat transfer is like landscaping and refinement. No synthetic material is used—only your own body tissue.

“Autologous” means “from yourself.” Fat is harvested from areas such as the abdomen, waist, or inner thighs, processed, and transferred to areas of volume loss. The biggest advantage is that it is completely natural—there is no allergy risk and no rejection because the material already belongs to you.

Fat transfer does more than add volume. Thanks to regenerative cell content, it can also improve skin quality—making skin look brighter and healthier. It is particularly valuable in very thin faces where soft tissue has diminished, and it can also help soften implant edges and transitions.

Common donor areas include:

• Abdomen
• Waist/flanks
• Inner thighs
• Inner knees

How are fat cells harvested with the Coleman technique?

Fat transfer is not simply moving fat from one place to another—it is a tissue graft, and it requires precision. If fat cells are damaged during harvesting, they will not survive after transfer and will be absorbed by the body. This is where the “Coleman Technique” is used.

In this method, fat is collected using special syringes under low pressure rather than high-vacuum liposuction devices. The aim is to keep adipocytes alive. The harvested material is then centrifuged to separate blood, fluid, and damaged cell debris. What remains is a concentrated, viable fat graft.

During injection, the fat is placed in tiny “micro-droplets” rather than large clumps. Each micro-droplet must be surrounded by living tissue to receive oxygen and nutrients—this improves graft survival and reduces the risk of lumps.

Common equipment used includes:

• Special cannulas
• Centrifuge device
• Low-pressure syringes
• Sterile collection containers

What is the difference between Nanofat and Microfat?

One of the most advanced developments in fat transfer is “Nanofat.” Patients sometimes mix these terms up. A simple way to explain it is: for volume, we use “microfat”; for skin quality, we use “nanofat.”

Microfat is used to restore contour and add volume, such as enhancing the cheekbones or refining chin shape. The fat cells remain intact and provide structural filling.

With nanofat, harvested fat is mechanically emulsified through special filters. The mature fat cells that provide bulk are broken down, and the remaining liquid is rich in regenerative cells and growth factors. This is injected into areas like fine wrinkles, under-eye discoloration, and neck lines. Nanofat is not a volumizing filler—it is a regenerative skin rejuvenation approach.

Nanofat is commonly used to target:

• Improved skin quality
• Fine lines
• Under-eye discoloration
• Hyperpigmentation
• Scar improvement

Is fat injection permanent or does it dissolve?

This is the most important question—and it deserves an honest answer. Fat transfer is not temporary like dermal fillers, but it is also not 100% permanently fixed like an implant. Transferred fat cells must establish blood supply and survive in their new environment.

During the adaptation period, a portion of the fat (often around 30–40%) is naturally absorbed by the body. However, the remaining 60–70% that successfully integrates becomes living tissue in that area and can remain long term. It “ages with you,” increasing slightly with weight gain and decreasing somewhat with weight loss.

Because this expected absorption is known, surgeons often inject slightly more than the planned final volume (“over-correction”). In the first weeks the face may look swollen, but once swelling subsides and the absorbed portion resolves, a natural final volume remains. In some cases, a second session may be recommended after 6 months to reach the ideal result.

Factors that affect longevity include:

• Smoking
• Diet and nutrition
• Genetic factors
• Injection technique
• Movement of the treated area

Should you choose an implant or fat injection?

The answer requires a tailored, “made-to-measure” approach—because every patient’s anatomy and goals are different.

If a patient has significant skeletal deficiency—such as very weak cheekbones or a markedly recessed chin—fat injection alone may not be sufficient. Fat is soft tissue and cannot create sharp, bone-like definition. In these cases, an implant is often needed to mimic skeletal support and provide more pronounced contour.

If the bone structure is acceptable but the face looks depleted, tired, or hollow, fat transfer can be an excellent choice. It restores softness, adds natural fullness, and improves skin quality. It also provides smoother transitions and a more subtle rejuvenation.

In many cases, a “hybrid approach” gives the best and most natural-looking result. For example, a chin implant may provide skeletal projection, while fat injection is used to soften edges, blend transitions, and restore midface volume.

Typical implant candidates include:

• Pronounced skeletal deficiency
• Desire for sharper definition
• Preference for a long-term solution
• Very thin facial structure

What is the recovery like and what should patients pay attention to?

Recovery is usually more manageable than many patients expect, but it does require patience. The first 48 hours after implant surgery are typically when swelling is most pronounced, and patients may feel tightness. Pain is generally mild to moderate and can often be controlled with simple painkillers.

With fat injections, bruising and swelling may be slightly more noticeable, because multiple passes are made through soft tissue. Social recovery is usually around 1–2 weeks. If you have an important event coming up, it is generally better to plan the procedure at least 1–2 months in advance so swelling can fully settle.

If an intraoral incision was used, a soft diet and mouth rinses are important in the first days to reduce infection risk. It can take a few months for an implant to feel fully stable, so protecting the face from impact is crucial during healing.

Common restrictions during recovery include:

• Heavy exercise
• Hot baths
• Sleeping face-down
• Hard foods (if intraoral incision)
• Smoking

What are the possible risks and complications?

Every surgical procedure carries risk, and patients should be informed transparently. In implant surgery, the biggest concern is infection. If oral bacteria reach the implant pocket, infection can occur—so antibiotics before and after surgery are important. If an infection develops and does not respond to antibiotics, the implant may need to be removed and replaced months later after full recovery.

Another possible issue is asymmetry. The implant may shift slightly or not match perfectly between sides. This risk is generally lower with screw-fixated porous implants such as Medpor. Temporary numbness in the lips or cheeks can also occur due to swelling affecting nearby nerves, but it typically resolves over weeks to months.

With fat injections, the most serious (but rare) risk is accidental intravascular injection (fat embolism). Using blunt cannulas and proper technique in experienced hands reduces this risk dramatically. More common minor issues include uneven absorption, small nodules, or cysts.

Potential complications include:

• Infection
• Asymmetry
• Temporary numbness
• Capsular formation
• Uneven absorption