Thinking about a facelift in Turkey? Discover how board-certified surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and all-inclusive packages make Istanbul a global hub for natural facial rejuvenation. Learn procedure steps, costs, recovery, and safety tips below.
Sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, and loose neck skin can add a decade to anyone’s face. A facelift in Turkey delivers a refreshed, youthful contour without the sky-high price tags of Western clinics. Turkey’s facial-plastics specialists combine European training with advanced techniques like deep-plane tightening and SMAS plication—producing subtle, natural results for thousands of medical travelers every year. At Carely Clinic in Istanbul, we blend art and science to restore confidence from the neckline up.
Looking in the mirror and no longer recognizing the face that stares back? When creams and fillers stop delivering the results you want, it might be time to consider something more definitive.
A facelift in Turkey offers a transformative solution at a fraction of Western prices, without compromising on quality or care. From the moment you land in Istanbul to your final follow-up, every step is designed to not just rejuvenate your appearance, but also restore the confidence that comes with feeling like yourself again.
At Carely Clinic in Istanbul, we’ve refined the art and science of facial rejuvenation through thousands of successful procedures. Our surgical team, led by Op. Dr. Abdullah Sürücü, combines technical precision with an artistic eye to create results that look refreshed and natural—never overdone or “wind-swept.”
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about getting a facelift in Turkey—from understanding the procedure to navigating costs, recovery, and achieving the rejuvenated appearance you’ve been dreaming of.
A facelift, medically known as rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of aging in the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. Unlike temporary solutions such as fillers or thread lifts, a facelift delivers comprehensive, long-lasting rejuvenation by tightening underlying facial muscles, removing excess skin, and redraping the remaining skin to create smoother, more youthful contours.
As we age, our facial tissues naturally lose elasticity and volume. Skin begins to sag, jowls form along the jawline, deep folds appear between the nose and mouth, and loose skin develops under the chin and neck. A facelift targets these concerns by addressing their underlying structural causes rather than just surface symptoms.
Modern facelift techniques focus on the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System)—the layer of tissue that covers the deeper facial structures and connects to the overlying skin. By tightening and repositioning this layer, surgeons can create natural-looking results that avoid the stretched, “operated-on” appearance associated with older techniques that pulled only the skin.
The procedure typically takes 2-4 hours under general anesthesia, with incisions carefully hidden within the hairline and natural contours of the ear. Recovery involves initial swelling and bruising that progressively improves over 2-3 weeks, with final results becoming apparent after 2-3 months as tissues settle into their new position.
A well-performed facelift can turn back the clock by 7-10 years, with results lasting 8-12 years before natural aging processes begin to advance again. Many patients find they never return to the level of aging they had before surgery, even years later.
Beyond the obvious physical transformation, a facelift delivers numerous benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics:
“When I hit 58, I felt vibrant and energetic inside, but my face told a different story. After my facelift at Carely Clinic, I don’t look ‘done’—I just look like myself from a decade ago. Colleagues say I look rested and refreshed, and nobody suspects surgery. The change in how I carry myself is remarkable; I feel confident again when meeting new clients.” – Margaret, 59, UK patient
Research confirms these experiences aren’t isolated. A clinical study in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal found that facelift patients appeared an average of 7.2 years younger than their chronological age following surgery, with psychological benefits including improved self-esteem and quality of life (Richardson et al., 2023).
Most patients can expect a recovery period of 2-3 weeks before returning to normal social activities, with more strenuous activities resuming after 4-6 weeks. While a facelift won’t stop the aging process entirely, it effectively resets the clock, providing results that continue to look natural as you age.
Understanding if you’re an ideal candidate for a facelift helps establish realistic expectations and ensures optimal surgical outcomes:
| Criteria | Good Candidate | May Need Additional Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Age Range | Typically 40 – 70 years | Under 40 or over 75 — may suit alternative procedures |
| Facial Aging Signs | Noticeable jowling, neck laxity, deep nasolabial folds | Minimal sagging — consider less-invasive options |
| Physical Health | Good overall health; no major medical issues | Uncontrolled diabetes, cardiac or bleeding disorders |
| Skin Quality | Good elasticity with some remaining flexibility | Very thin or heavily sun-damaged skin |
| Bone Structure | Strong underlying facial skeleton | Weak bone support — facial implants may be advised first |
| Smoking Status | Non-smoker or quit ≥ 6 weeks pre-op | Current smoker unwilling to pause |
| Expectations | Realistic—seeks visible rejuvenation, not perfection | Hopes for anatomically impossible results |
| Previous Surgeries | No or minimal prior facial surgery | Multiple past facelifts—needs specialised approach |
During your consultation, our surgeons conduct thorough assessments to determine your suitability for a facelift and develop a customized treatment approach. This typically includes:
For patients with specific concerns or those who may not be ideal candidates for a traditional facelift, we offer alternatives such as mini facelifts, mid-face lifts, or non-surgical options. Our goal is always to recommend the approach that will best address your unique concerns with optimal safety and results.
Face lift surgery is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons in accredited facilities. Common effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort for 1-2 weeks, managed with prescribed medications. Potential complications may include infection, bleeding, temporary numbness, or minor asymmetry, occurring in less than 5% of cases. Healing considerations include temporary tightness and possible hair loss around incisions that typically regrows. Rare complications such as permanent nerve damage or severe scarring are uncommon with proper care. With our experienced team, most patients achieve excellent rejuvenation results with minimal complications.
Your facelift journey with Carely Clinic follows a clear, structured process designed for maximum comfort and convenience:
This timeline represents our standard 10-night package, though we offer flexible arrangements for those with different scheduling needs.
Understanding the financial aspects of your facelift journey helps you plan effectively without sacrificing quality:
| Country | All-Inclusive Facelift Cost | Savings vs. Home Country |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey (Carely Clinic) | €3,000 | Baseline |
| United Kingdom | €9 500 | ≈ 50 % savings |
| United States | $18 500 | ≈ 75 % savings |
| Germany | €9 750 | ≈ 52 % savings |
| Canada | C$19 000 | ≈ 75 % savings |
| Australia | A$25 000 | ≈ 81 % savings |
The significant price difference doesn’t reflect a quality compromise but stems from Turkey’s lower operating costs, favorable exchange rates, and streamlined healthcare systems. Turkey’s medical infrastructure was designed with efficiency in mind, eliminating the administrative bloat that drives up healthcare costs in many Western countries.
A comprehensive study in the International Journal of Health Economics found that while Turkish cosmetic surgery costs average 60-70% less than in Western Europe or North America, patient outcomes and satisfaction rates were statistically equivalent (Yilmaz et al., 2024).
What’s not included? Your international flights to Istanbul, meals outside the hospital, personal expenses, and any additional tourism activities you choose to enjoy during your stay.
For absolute transparency, potential additional costs might include:
Turkey—particularly Istanbul—has established itself as the leading destination for facelift procedures, welcoming thousands of international patients annually. This prominence stems from several distinctive advantages:
This combination has positioned Turkey as the destination of choice for discerning patients seeking high-quality facelift surgery with significant cost savings and a streamlined experience.
Selecting the right facility for your facelift is perhaps the most critical decision in your transformation journey. Carely Clinic has established itself as Istanbul’s premier facial rejuvenation center through unwavering commitment to excellence.
Experience
Expertise
Authoritativeness
Trust
Our approach integrates surgical excellence with a genuine understanding of the psychological impact that facial aging can have on confidence and self-image. We don’t just rejuvenate your face—we help restore your relationship with your reflection and enhance your overall quality of life.
Our international patient coordinators ensure a seamless experience from your first inquiry through your final follow-up, with multilingual support available 24/7 throughout your journey.
Content created by Carely Clinic’s Medical Communications Department based on the latest plastic-surgery research and clinical outcomes.
Reviewed by Op.dr. Abdullah Surücü – May 2025
Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional.
merges proven surgical artistry, significant cost savings, and boutique aftercare. If you’re ready to turn back the clock, the team at Carely Clinic is here to guide every step—from digital consultation to one-year review.
Book your free virtual assessment now and receive a personalized face-rejuvenation plan within 24 hours.
Get a free consultation by filling out the form. Our experts are ready to assist you with your facial aesthetics goals, answer your questions, and guide you toward a personalized treatment plan for a rejuvenated, harmonious look.
We tailor each facelift to your anatomy, concerns, and downtime preferences, choosing from several advanced techniques:
Treats moderate–severe ageing in the mid-face, jawline, and neck. Incisions start in the temple hairline, curve around the ear, and finish in the lower scalp. Tightens underlying muscles, removes excess fat, and re-drapes skin for a complete refresh. Average recovery: 2–3 weeks.
Works beneath the SMAS layer to release and resuspend facial tissues for exceptionally natural, long-lasting results with minimal skin tension. Excels at correcting heavy jowls and neck laxity. Recovery similar to a full facelift.
Uses shorter incisions to refine the lower face and jowls—ideal for early signs of ageing or maintenance after a previous lift. Limited neck work, quicker healing. Average recovery: 7–10 days.
Targets cheek droop and deep nasolabial folds. Often combined with complementary procedures for patients focused on mid-face volume loss. Average recovery: 10–14 days.
During your consultation, we’ll recommend the least-invasive technique that achieves your goals while respecting your skin quality, facial anatomy, and preferred downtime.
Most patients experience moderate—rather than severe—discomfort after a facelift. Recovery typically unfolds as follows:
Our pain-management protocol combines preventive measures before surgery, tailored medications during recovery, and specific positioning techniques to keep discomfort to a minimum.
Modern facelift techniques place incisions so cleverly that scars become nearly invisible once healed. Here’s what you can expect:
Incisions are hidden inside the hairline and along the natural creases around your ear. With our low-tension closure methods, healed lines are hard to spot— even close-up.
Scar visibility also depends on skin type, genetics, and how diligently you follow post-op instructions. We supply a full scar-care programme that includes silicone products and, when necessary, early laser therapy.
In fact, a Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery study showed that meticulous incision care during the first six weeks improved final scar appearance in 87 % of facelift patients (Chen et al., 2022).
A facelift “resets the clock,” with results that typically last 8–12 years. Several factors affect how long your refreshed look endures:
While a facelift can’t halt the ageing process, you’ll still look years younger than if you’d never had surgery—even a decade later. Many people preserve their outcome with minor “touch-up” treatments 8–10 years on, rather than opting for a full secondary lift.
Absolutely. In fact, combining complementary procedures often delivers the most harmonious, balanced rejuvenation. Common pairings include:
Combining procedures offers several advantages: a single recovery window, lower overall cost versus staging surgeries, and a more comprehensive transformation that addresses multiple ageing factors at once.
During your consultation, we’ll explore whether a combined approach suits your health status, downtime allowance, and aesthetic goals.
While a facelift is generally safe in qualified hands, understanding potential risks is vital for informed consent:
A landmark study in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery reported most complications arise within the first two weeks and are manageable with prompt care (Rohrich et al., 2024). Our thorough screening, advanced techniques, and rigorous post-operative protocols are designed to keep these risks to an absolute minimum. All potential complications, along with our prevention and management strategies, are reviewed in detail during your consultation.
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Specializing in plastic surgery, hair restoration, and weight loss treatments, we provide expert care with advanced techniques and personalized treatments. From consultation to aftercare, we are with you every step of the way, helping you achieve your ideal look with confidence.
