A facelift medically known as Rhytidectomy is a cosmetic procedure designed to reduce visible signs of aging by lifting and tightening the deeper layers of facial and neck tissue, restoring a naturally youthful appearance. There are several types, from the less invasive Mini Facelift targeting the lower face to the comprehensive Full Facelift and the advanced Deep Plane technique each addressing different degrees of aging and different anatomical layers.

Turkey has become one of the leading destinations for facelift surgery in Europe, offering board-certified facial plastic surgeons at costs 60–70% lower than in the UK. Luna Clinic Istanbul’s board-certified surgeons specialise in the full spectrum of facelift techniques, operating within a JCI-accredited hospital independently certified to meet international surgical safety standards.

Every patient is assigned a dedicated patient coordinator from their first enquiry a bilingual point of contact who manages pre-operative consultations, travel logistics, and post-operative follow-up throughout their entire journey.

On average, the cost of a facelift in Turkey is €3,000 often 60–70% lower than equivalent procedures in the UK or US, while maintaining high medical standards. Most international patients travel on an all-inclusive facelift Turkey package that bundles the full surgical fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay, VIP airport transfer and hotel accommodation, and post-operative follow-up appointments into a single transparent price with no hidden costs.

Luna Clinic’s packages include an aftercare guarantee structured remote follow-up with your surgeon after you return home, covering wound healing, scar management guidance, and swelling progression assessment. This continuity of care is included as standard across all packages.

The final cost varies depending on the type of facelift chosen Mini, Mid, Full, or Deep Plane the surgeon’s experience, the quality of the facility, and the extent of pre- and post-operative care included.

International patients travelling to Istanbul for facelift surgery book an all-inclusive package that covers every element of their surgical journey. Luna Clinic Turkey’s facelift package includes:

• Pre-operative blood tests, heart evaluation, and medical history review
• Full surgical fee – board-certified facial plastic surgeon, anaesthesiologist, and theatre team
• Hospital stay and dedicated nursing care in our JCI-accredited facility
• Post-operative wound care kit and medications
• VIP airport transfer between Istanbul airport, your hotel, and the clinic for all appointments
• 4–5 star hotel accommodation for the recommended stay duration (typically 7–10 nights)
• Dedicated patient coordinator – bilingual, available throughout your entire stay
• Follow-up appointments with your surgeon before your return flight
• Aftercare guarantee – structured remote check-ins covering wound healing, scar management, swelling assessment, and results review after you return home

Package pricing starts from €3,000 with complete cost transparency. Contact your patient coordinator for a personalised quote based on your chosen facelift type.

Facelift surgery is known for delivering impressive results, with a success rate of over 95%. Most patients report high satisfaction with the outcome, with a patient satisfaction rate of around 90-95%. After the procedure, you can expect your face to look smoother, tighter, and more youthful, with the results typically lasting for several years.

For facelift surgery, before-and-after results are the single most informative resource available to prospective patients because outcomes depend on a combination of the surgeon’s technique, the patient’s skin quality and elasticity, the degree of aging present, and the specific procedure performed. A Mini Facelift result looks very different from a Full Facelift or Deep Plane result on the same face.

Luna Clinic Turkey’s before-and-after gallery documents real patient outcomes across all facelift types — Mini, Mid, Full, and Deep Plane — at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery. Seeing results at multiple time points is particularly important for facelift, where early tightness and swelling can temporarily distort the final appearance. All results shown are from patients treated by our board-certified surgeons at our JCI-accredited hospital in Istanbul, independently verifiable through our verified clinic profile.

Browse the gallery before your consultation, then speak to your patient coordinator about which cases best represent the type of result achievable from your specific starting point and the procedure you are considering.

Reading independently collected patient reviews is particularly important for facelift surgery a procedure where the difference between a natural, refreshed result and an over-tightened appearance is determined entirely by surgical skill. Reviews that specifically describe the outcome at 3 and 6 months, when final results have settled, are the most meaningful.

Luna Clinic Turkey publishes independently collected patient reviews and star ratings on platforms outside our own website, covering surgical outcomes across all facelift types, the consultation process, patient coordinator responsiveness, hospital experience, and the quality of follow-up under the aftercare guarantee. Our patient satisfaction rate consistently reflects the procedure’s global benchmark of 90–95%.

Our verified clinic profile is accessible on independent medical tourism platforms where patient feedback is published unedited. We encourage every prospective patient to read these reviews, examine our before-and-after gallery, and confirm our JCI accreditation status before making any commitment.

Recovery time after a facelift can vary depending on the type of procedure and individual healing. Most patients can generally return to normal activities within 2 to 4 weeks, but it may take a few months for all swelling and bruising to subside completely. Patience is key during recovery as results improve, and full healing can take several months.

Facelift 1 Week Post Op

At 1 week post-op, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and tightness around the face and neck. While this is normal, you should still take it easy, avoid strenuous activities, and follow your surgeon’s care instructions. Most patients will still have visible signs of surgery, but by the end of the first week, the initial swelling begins to subside.

Facelift 3 Weeks Post Op

By three weeks post-op, most of the bruising and swelling has significantly reduced, and you may feel more comfortable in social settings. You can resume light activities and possibly return to work. However, it’s important to continue avoiding intense physical exertion to ensure proper healing.

Facelift 4 Weeks Post Op

At 4 weeks post-op, most patients experience noticeable improvements in their facial appearance, with much of the swelling gone. Many patients feel confident enough to resume their normal routines, but healing is ongoing. You should continue to protect your skin from the sun and follow any remaining post-op care instructions.

Facelift 3 Months Post Op

At 3 months post-op, the final results of the facelift are becoming visible. Swelling and tightness should be almost completely resolved, and your face will have a smoother, more youthful appearance. This is when you can fully appreciate the outcome of the surgery, as healing is mostly complete.

Facelift 6 Months Post Op

By 6 months post-op, the facelift results are fully settled, with your face showing a natural and refreshed appearance. Any residual tightness or minor swelling will have completely resolved. Your face will appear rejuvenated and youthful at this stage, and the results will be long-lasting.

Facelift 10 Years Later

10 years after a facelift, most patients still enjoy visible benefits from their surgery. Although natural aging continues, the results remain noticeable, and your face typically appears younger than it would have without the procedure. Minor touch-ups or non-surgical treatments may be recommended to maintain optimal results.

Facelift 20 Years Later

20 years later, while aging will have progressed, many patients still benefit from their facelift, as the procedure has delayed the visible signs of aging. Your face will continue to look younger than someone who has not had the surgery, but additional procedures may be considered to enhance your appearance if desired.

Facelifts come in different types, each targeting specific concerns and using unique techniques. Your surgeon will recommend the best option based on your goals and facial structure to achieve the most natural and rejuvenated appearance.

Mini Facelift

The Mini Facelift is a less invasive procedure ideal for those with mild to moderate signs of aging, particularly sagging in the lower face and jawline. This type of facelift involves smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time than traditional ones, making it a popular choice for those seeking subtle improvements.

Mid Facelift

A Mid Facelift focuses on the middle section of the face, especially the cheeks and under-eye area. It’s designed to lift sagging cheeks and smooth out deep folds, giving the face a refreshed, youthful look. This procedure is perfect for individuals who want to address aging signs in the central face without altering the lower face or neck.

Full Facelift

The Full Facelift, or the Standard or Traditional Facelift, addresses significant aging across the entire face and neck. This comprehensive procedure involves tightening the skin and underlying muscles, offering the most dramatic results. It is ideal for individuals with more advanced aging concerns, such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin across multiple areas of the face and neck.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift targets the tissue layer directly beneath the skin, lifting and repositioning it to create a more comprehensive result than skin-only techniques. It is the most commonly performed type of full facelift at Luna Clinic and provides longer-lasting results than a standard mini facelift. Your board-certified surgeon will assess whether an SMAS or Deep Plane approach is more appropriate for your degree of facial aging during consultation.

Combining Your Facelift With Other Procedures

Many Luna Clinic patients combine their facelift with complementary procedures in a single surgical trip — reducing total recovery time and overall cost compared to separate procedures. Most frequently combined with:

• Neck lift — for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation
• Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) refreshing the upper and lower eye area to match a rejuvenated midface
• Brow lift — addressing forehead lines and brow descent for a balanced, harmonious result

Your patient coordinator can build a personalised combined procedure plan and all-inclusive package quote covering all elements in a single price.

A neck lift medically known as a lower rhytidectomy or platysmaplasty addresses sagging skin, excess fat, and banding in the neck area that a standard facelift may not fully resolve. It is one of the most commonly combined procedures with facelift surgery, and is often the defining element that creates a harmonious, fully rejuvenated result.

At Luna Clinic Istanbul, neck lift procedures are performed by board-certified facial plastic surgeons either as a standalone procedure or combined with a Mini Facelift or Full Facelift for comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation. Key benefits:

• Addresses “turkey neck” — loose, crepey skin below the jawline that diet and exercise cannot resolve
• Defines the jawline — restoring a clean angle between the jaw and neck
• Long-lasting results — typically 8–10 years, consistent with a standard facelift
• Combinable with eyelid surgery or brow lift — for a balanced, full-face rejuvenation in a single surgical trip

Neck lift Turkey is included within Luna Clinic’s all-inclusive packages and is covered by the aftercare guarantee. Browse real neck lift before-and-after results in our gallery, or speak to your patient coordinator about whether a standalone neck lift or a combined facelift and neck lift is the right approach for your concerns.

The facelift procedure is a carefully planned process that starts with the initial consultation and continues through surgery, recovery, and follow-up care to ensure the best possible results.

Consultation

During the consultation, your surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals, examine your face, and determine the best approach for your facelift. This is the time to ask questions and explore your options, ensuring you are fully informed about the procedure and the expected outcome.

Medical Test

Before surgery, you’ll undergo medical tests to ensure good health. These tests typically include blood work, heart evaluations, and a medical history review. Ensuring you’re fit for surgery is crucial for a safe and successful outcome.

Surgery

The surgery typically lasts between 2 to 5 hours, depending on the type of facelift. It involves making incisions along the hairline and around the ears, then tightening and lifting the underlying muscles and skin to achieve a youthful appearance. You will be under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

Recovery

Recovery from a facelift can take 2 to 4 weeks, with most patients returning to light activities within a week or two. You may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during this period, but following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions is essential for optimal healing.

Follow-Up

Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your healing progress and ensure the results are as expected. Your surgeon will assess your recovery, address any concerns, and guide you in maintaining the results. Regular follow-ups help ensure long-term satisfaction with your facelift.

• Swelling and bruising
• Temporary numbness or tingling
• Tightness or discomfort in the face
• Scarring along the incision sites
• Risk of infection
• Hematoma (blood pooling under the skin)
• Hairline changes near the incision
• Asymmetry or unevenness in facial features
• Prolonged swelling or delayed healing
• Temporary or permanent nerve damage (rare)

Istanbul is Turkey’s leading centre for facial plastic surgery, with a concentration of internationally trained surgeons, JCI-certified hospital infrastructure, and direct flight access from all major UK airports. Luna Clinic’s facelift programme stands apart on four specific foundations:

Board-certified facial surgical expertise. Every facelift at Luna Clinic is performed by a surgeon holding board certification from the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (TSPRAS) equivalent to BAAPS certification in the UK. Our surgeons perform the full spectrum of facelift techniques, from Mini and SMAS facelifts to the advanced Deep Plane approach, ensuring the right technique is matched to your anatomy and degree of aging — not defaulted to the most common option.

JCI-accredited hospital standards. All procedures take place in a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospital independently audited to confirm compliance with international surgical safety, anaesthetic, and post-operative monitoring standards. This is not a self-declared quality mark.

Verified profile and transparent outcomes. Luna Clinic’s accreditation, surgeon credentials, independently collected patient reviews and ratings, and before-and-after gallery are all accessible on our verified clinic profile on independent platforms reviewable before you travel.

Complete patient journey support. Every patient benefits from a dedicated patient coordinator, VIP airport transfer and hotel, an all-inclusive package with complete pricing transparency, and an aftercare guarantee covering structured remote follow-up after you return to the UK.

Step 1: Research Clinics and Surgeons

Use verified clinic profiles on independent platforms to compare facelift providers in Istanbul, confirming surgeons are board-certified in plastic surgery and that the facility holds JCI accreditation. Review independently collected patient reviews and ratings and examine before-and-after galleries across all facelift types at both 3 and 6 months post-surgery.

Step 2: Initial Consultation

Your dedicated patient coordinator will arrange your consultation virtual or in-person with your assigned board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Discuss your aging concerns, target areas, preferred facelift type, and any combined procedures. The coordinator handles all scheduling, language support, and follow-up, and will provide a personalised all-inclusive package quote covering your procedure, VIP transfer, hotel, and aftercare guarantee.

Step 3: Pre-Travel Arrangements

Your patient coordinator manages all logistics flights advice, VIP airport transfer booking, and hotel accommodation near the clinic. Many patients use this time to review our before-and-after gallery and read patient reviews and ratings on our verified clinic profile to finalise their decision with complete confidence.

Step 4: Pre-Surgery Medical Evaluation

Upon arrival, you’ll undergo a medical evaluation to ensure you’re fit for surgery. This may include blood tests, physical exams, and reviewing your medical history to confirm you’re a suitable candidate.

Step 5: Surgery Day

On the day of the procedure, you’ll be admitted to the clinic, where the surgeon will perform the facelift under general or local anesthesia. Depending on the complexity, the surgery typically lasts 2 to 5 hours.

Step 6: Post-Surgery Recovery

After surgery, you’ll stay in the clinic for observation and begin your recovery process. Most patients stay in Istanbul for about a week to ensure proper healing and follow-up care from the surgeon.

Step 7: Follow-up and Aftercare

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions and may need to schedule virtual follow-ups once you return home.

Research Credentials and Certifications

Look for a surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery by a recognised governing body — in Turkey, the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery (TSPRAS). Board certification requires a minimum five-year plastic surgery residency and an independently assessed case portfolio. It is not a self-declared credential. Verify this through the surgeon’s profile on our verified clinic listing before proceeding.

Check Experience and Specialization

Choose a surgeon specializing in facelift procedures with a proven track record. Surgeons with years of experience in facial surgeries are more likely to provide safe, effective results.

Review Patient Testimonials and Before-and-After Photos

Read independently collected patient reviews and ratings on platforms where the clinic cannot curate or edit content. Examine the surgeon’s before-and-after gallery specifically for facelift cases comparable to your own same age range, similar degree of aging, and the same facelift type you are considering. Look for consistent, natural-looking results across multiple patients rather than selecting on the single most dramatic outcome.

Consider the Clinic’s Reputation and Facilities

Verify JCI accreditation independently awarded by the Joint Commission International after an on-site audit of surgical safety protocols, anaesthetic standards, infection control, and patient rights compliance. This is the same accreditation standard applied to leading NHS and EU hospitals. All Luna Clinic facelift procedures take place in a fully JCI-accredited hospital in Istanbul, confirmed on our verified clinic profile.

• People who are in good health condition.
• People with saggy facial skin. 
• People with loose skin around the neck. 
• People with wrinkles around the mouth and nose.
• People with saggy tissues in the area around the jawline.

Preparing for Rhytidectomy is the same as preparing for any medical operation. The surgeon will have to make some tests and body examinations before the surgery commences. The patient’s current medication may be altered, and he or she may be asked to take a break from smoking. Just like in any other plastic surgery, the patient is also expected to abstain from aspirins and anti-inflammatory drugs. Any patient is required to carefully follow these instructions as they determine the outcome of the surgery.

Facelift surgery in Turkey has been performed for over two decades. Turkish surgeons have performed thousands and thousands of Facelift surgeries over the years. No wonder they are regarded amongst the top surgeons in the World. Most of the Facelift surgery patients are foreigners from the US, Western Europe, and Northern Africa. 

Over the years, Facelift Surgery has become one of the most popular plastic surgeries in Istanbul, with state-of-the-art facilities like Luna Clinic being at the forefront of giving the best treatment and cosmetic services.

What is a facelift?

A facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic surgery that reduces visible signs of aging by tightening and lifting facial and neck tissues.

What are the different types of facelifts?

There are two main types: a full facelift, which addresses the entire face, and a mini facelift, which is less invasive and focuses on the lower face and neck.

What is the ideal age for a facelift?

Most candidates are between 45 and 75, but age is less important than overall health and skin condition.

How long do facelift results last?

A facelift typically lasts 8 to 10 years, though the aging process continues naturally.

How much does a facelift cost?

In the U.S., costs range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the type of facelift and surgeon experience. In Turkey, the price is typically between €3,000 and €4,500.

Is facelift surgery painful?

Discomfort is common, but modern techniques make it less painful. With proper care, pain usually subsides in 2 to 3 weeks.

How long is the recovery time?

Recovery takes around 2 to 4 weeks, with full recovery and results visible after about 3 to 6 months.

Can a facelift be done under local anesthesia?

Yes, mini facelifts and less invasive procedures can often be done under local anesthesia with sedation.

How soon can I return to work after a facelift?

Most people can return to work within 10 to 14 days after surgery, depending on the type of procedure.

What are the risks of a facelift?

Risks include bruising, swelling, infection, scarring, and, in rare cases, nerve damage.

How do I prepare for a facelift?

Preparation includes quitting smoking, avoiding certain medications, and scheduling time off for recovery.

Will I have scars after a facelift?

Scarring is minimal and usually hidden around the ears and hairline, fading over time.

Can a facelift help with jowls?

Yes, a facelift effectively lifts sagging jowls and tightens the jawline.

Can a facelift be combined with other procedures?

Yes, facelifts are often combined with neck lifts, eyelid surgery, and brow lifts.

How can I maintain my facelift results?

Protect your skin from sun damage, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consider non-surgical treatments like Botox or dermal fillers.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?

While results are long-lasting, aging continues, and some people may opt for a second facelift after several years.

What should I expect during facelift recovery?

You may experience swelling, bruising, and tightness during the first two weeks. Results improve gradually over the next few months.

Can men get facelifts?

Yes, facelifts are becoming increasingly popular among men to achieve a youthful appearance.

Does a facelift make me look unnatural?

A well-done facelift provides a natural, rejuvenated appearance. Over-tightening can result in an unnatural look, so choose a skilled surgeon.

What is a mini facelift?

It is a less invasive procedure targeting the lower face and neck, with smaller incisions and quicker recovery.

Can a facelift fix wrinkles?

A facelift can improve deep wrinkles, but Botox or fillers may be more effective for fine lines.

How do I choose the best facelift surgeon?

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in facelift procedures and review before-and-after photos.

How long does a facelift procedure take?

A mini facelift usually takes 2 hours, while a full facelift can take up to 6 hours, depending on the complexity.

Can I get a facelift if I have health issues?

If you’re in good general health, you can still get a facelift, but your surgeon will review your medical history to assess any risks.

How soon will I see results after a facelift?

You’ll notice improvements after 2 weeks, but full results will be visible after 3 to 6 months once all swelling has subsided.