What is a Facelift?
A facelift is an aesthetic procedure performed to address the sagging, wrinkling, and looseness that occur with aging. Medically known as rhytidectomy, this procedure aims to reshape the muscles and tissues beneath the skin of the face, creating a tighter, more youthful, and vibrant appearance. Factors such as age, gravity, sun exposure, and stress can cause skin deformation. Facelift surgery reduces these effects, replacing tired, sagging facial expressions with a more refreshed appearance. We restore the youthful, balanced contours of the face while preserving natural facial expressions.
How is a Facelift Performed?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 3 to 5 hours. The surgeon makes discreet incisions, starting in front of the ears and extending along the hairline. This removes excess skin, tightens facial muscles, and lifts the skin upward. If necessary, the neckline is defined by interventions under the chin. The stitches are hidden behind the ears and in the scalp, making the scars unnoticeable. After the surgery, the face achieves a smoother, firmer, and more youthful appearance. We carefully analyze each patient’s facial anatomy to achieve aesthetic results that preserve a natural expression.
Who is a Candidate for a Facelift?
Those with significant sagging, looseness, or wrinkles on their face are good candidates. It’s generally preferred for individuals over 40, but it can also be performed at a younger age for those who have genetically lost skin elasticity at an early age. A facelift can also correct sagging that occurs after weight loss. Anyone with healthy skin, good general health, and a suitable recovery period can safely undergo this procedure. We evaluate our patients’ facial features, skin type, and expectations to create a personalized plan.
Differences Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Facelifts:
A surgical facelift is a permanent procedure that removes excess skin and reshapes muscle tissue. The results last for many years. Non-surgical facelifts utilize radiofrequency, ultrasound (HIFU), or thread lift techniques. These methods tighten the skin by increasing collagen production under the skin, but the effects are temporary. Non-surgical methods generally last for one to two years. Surgical methods are effective for more advanced sagging. We determine the most appropriate method based on each patient’s age, skin condition, and expectations, ensuring a natural and long-lasting youthful effect.
What are the different facelift techniques?
Facelift surgery can be performed using a variety of techniques. The classic facelift is the most comprehensive technique, encompassing the entire face and lifting the skin along with the deeper tissues, resulting in permanent rejuvenation. A mini facelift is particularly suitable for individuals with mild sagging in the lower face. The endoscopic facelift technique, on the other hand, utilizes camera-assisted surgery through small incisions, offering minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time. In some cases, a facelift can be combined with a neck lift or brow lift for a more holistic rejuvenation. We select the most appropriate technique for each patient’s facial anatomy, ensuring natural, proportionate, and lasting results.
How Long Does a Facelift Take?
The duration of the procedure varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Mini facelifts typically take 2 to 3 hours, while full facelifts typically take 4 to 6 hours. If the procedure is combined with a neck lift, brow lift, or blepharoplasty, the procedure can take longer. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the patient feels no pain during the procedure. During the procedure, facial tissues are carefully lifted, excess skin is removed, and muscles are reshaped. We evaluate each patient’s facial anatomy and skin structure before planning the procedure, ensuring safe and successful results.
Is a Facelift Permanent?
A facelift is a procedure that maintains its effect for many years. Because the skin, muscle, and connective tissue are reshaped, the resulting youthful appearance lasts between 8 and 12 years. This process can vary depending on a person’s lifestyle, genetics, and skin care routine. So, the results are permanent, but the aging process cannot be completely stopped. Natural skin laxity may occur over time, but the face never returns to its pre-operative state. We carefully plan facelifts for long-term results, achieving an aesthetically pleasing and natural rejuvenation effect.
Post-operative Recovery:
Mild facial swelling, tension, and bruising may occur in the first few days after surgery. These symptoms generally subside within 7 to 10 days. Resting with your head elevated, avoiding facial expressions, and applying cold compresses for the first week will accelerate healing. Stitches are removed on the 10th day, and the patient can return to their normal daily activities within two weeks. This timeframe is even shorter with endoscopic or mini facelift techniques. Final results typically take 2 to 3 months to develop. We meticulously monitor the healing process and ensure a comfortable recovery for our patients.
Things to Consider After a Facelift:
In the postoperative period, the face should be protected from impacts and strenuous exercise should be avoided. For the first month, saunas, Turkish baths, hot showers, and direct sunlight should be avoided. Smoking can slow healing, so quitting is recommended. A healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and regularly using the doctor’s recommended care products support the healing process. Facial massages can also be performed after the stitches have completely healed. We provide personalized postoperative care recommendations for each patient, ensuring a fast, safe, and healthy recovery.
Advantages and Risks of Facelift Surgery:
A facelift eliminates sagging skin, resulting in a youthful, vibrant, and smooth appearance. Its permanent results last for many years. The most significant advantages include reduced wrinkles, a more defined jawline, and a more defined facial contour. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Complications such as temporary bruising, swelling, loss of sensation, and, rarely, infection, can occur. When performed by experienced surgeons, these risks are minimal. We manage the surgical process in the most effective manner, adhering to all safety protocols, ensuring a natural and balanced rejuvenation for our patients.
Facelift Prices 2026
Facelift prices in 2026 generally range between 6,000 USD and 12,000 USD, depending on surgical technique and surgeon’s expertise. This cosmetic surgery tightens facial tissues, removes sagging skin, and restores youthful contours. Costs vary with the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia, hospital facilities, and whether additional treatments like neck lift or eyelid surgery are combined. Recovery care and follow-up sessions may also affect the total price. On average, facelift surgery provides long-lasting rejuvenation, enhancing facial harmony and delivering natural-looking results for both men and women.
Does a Facelift Leave Scars?
Facelifts performed using modern surgical techniques leave minimal scars. The incisions are typically hidden in the hairline, starting in front of the ears. This makes the scars unnoticeable. Incisions, which may appear as a faint pink line in the first weeks, gradually fade to match the skin tone. During recovery, sun protection and regular use of creams recommended by your doctor will minimize the appearance of scars. We perform the procedure using aesthetic suture techniques, preserving skin integrity and achieving a smooth appearance.
Does a Facelift Procedure Create a Natural Appearance?
The goal of a facelift is not to alter facial features, but to eliminate the signs of aging and achieve a more youthful and youthful appearance. When performed with proper planning and surgical technique, the results are exceptionally natural. The skin is not overly stretched, facial expressions are preserved, and facial proportions remain intact. After the procedure, the patient achieves a fresher, more rested, and more vibrant appearance. We tailor our plans to each patient, taking into account their facial structure and expression, achieving a rejuvenating effect while preserving their natural expression.
How Effective is a Non-Surgical Facelift?
Non-surgical facelift methods are particularly effective in addressing mild to moderate sagging. Techniques such as thread lifts, fillers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound stimulate subcutaneous tissue to increase collagen production. This results in a firmer, more vibrant, and tighter appearance. However, these methods do not remove excess skin and therefore do not provide as long-lasting results as a surgical facelift. The effects generally last between one and two years. Results can be prolonged with regular treatments. We determine the most appropriate method based on the patient’s age, skin type, and expectations, ensuring a natural and balanced rejuvenation.
Does the Social Security Institution (SGK) cover facelift surgery?
The Social Security Institution (SGK) only covers procedures that are medically necessary. Facelift surgery, however, is not covered by the SGK because it is performed for cosmetic purposes. This means that this procedure is considered a personal choice and is performed under private healthcare. However, in rare cases, if there are medical reasons such as post-traumatic deformation or severe skin sagging in the facial area, an exceptional evaluation may be made with a surgeon’s report. You can obtain detailed information about the scope and pricing of the procedure by contacting us for a quote, and we can arrange a personalized plan for you.
Are facial expressions affected after a facelift?
If a facelift is performed without excessive skin tension or damage to the muscle tissue, facial expressions are preserved. Experienced surgeons only tighten loosened tissues, without affecting the natural movement of the facial muscles. Mild tension may be felt for the first few weeks, but this is temporary. Facial muscles and expressions quickly return to normal. When performed with the correct technique, the postoperative facial expression is natural, vibrant, and balanced. We plan each patient’s facial expressions carefully, ensuring a rejuvenating effect that preserves the natural expression.