Face and Neck Lift
When you look in the mirror, do you feel your face looks more tired than you really are? With age, the cheeks move downwards, the jawline loses its definition, and the neck develops loose skin and bands. In a face and neck lift, my aim is not to change your face, but to move the loosened tissues back to their natural place and give you a more rested face that still looks like you.
In short: A face and neck lift is surgery that corrects sagging in the cheeks, jawline and neck. It is performed under general anesthesia, usually with one night in hospital. Most people return to social life in 2–3 weeks, and the final result settles in 3–6 months. The effect is long-lasting, but aging continues.
Who Is a Face and Neck Lift For?
Most people who come to my consultation mention these concerns:
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Sagging cheeks and deepening lines at the corners of the mouth
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A less defined jawline and a “double chin” look
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Loose skin and vertical bands on the neck
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A face that looks tired or sad
This surgery is suitable for people in good general health with realistic expectations. If the sagging is still mild, smaller treatments such as Botox, fillers or a mini lift may be enough. We decide together at the consultation which option is right for you.
→ For non-surgical options: Facial aesthetics and rejuvenation
Which Technique Is Used?
Every face ages differently. That is why, instead of a single method, I make a plan based on what your face needs:
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Mini lift: For mild sagging, with a shorter incision and faster recovery.
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SMAS facelift: Lifts not only the skin but also the supporting layer beneath it (SMAS). It gives a more natural and longer-lasting result.
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Neck lift: Loose skin and muscle bands on the neck are corrected, and if needed, fat under the chin is removed.
The incisions are hidden in the natural folds in front of the ear and within the hairline. The scars fade significantly over time.
Procedures that can be combined
Eyelid surgery, a brow lift, facial fat grafting or treatments around the lips can be planned in the same session as a facelift.
→ Details: Blepharoplasty
The Day of Surgery
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The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a fully equipped hospital.
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It usually takes 3–5 hours, depending on the procedures planned.
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After surgery, a special dressing is applied to your face, and a drain is placed if needed.
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You usually stay one night in hospital; if there is a drain, it is removed the next day.
Preparing for surgery
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If you smoke, you need to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery. Smoking seriously impairs wound healing.
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Blood thinners and some herbal supplements are stopped before surgery. Be sure to tell us about all the medications you take at the consultation.
Recovery
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First week: Swelling, bruising and a feeling of tightness are normal. Sleeping with your head raised reduces swelling. You can wash your hair on day 2–3.
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Days 5–7: The stitches on the face are removed.
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Days 10–14: The stitches in the hairline are removed. Most of the bruising fades.
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Weeks 2–3: Most people return to work and social life.
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Weeks 4–6: You gradually return to exercise, saunas and direct sun.
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Months 3–6: Remaining mild swelling and numbness fade, and the final look settles.
Abroad note
If you are coming from abroad, plan to stay in Türkiye for about 10–14 days, until your stitches are removed and your first check-ups are complete
Risks
As with any surgery, a facelift has risks:
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Bleeding and hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)
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Infection and wound healing problems
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Temporary numbness or reduced sensation
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Temporary weakness of the facial nerve (permanent damage is very rare)
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A noticeable scar or asymmetry
Proper patient selection, stopping smoking and an experienced surgical team significantly reduce these risks.
Will I Look Natural?
Faces that look “tight” or “windswept” are usually the result of pulling only the skin. I lift the tissues from the deeper layer, in their natural direction, and I do not over-tighten the skin. My goal is for the people around you to say “you look rested”, not “you’ve had surgery”.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal age for a facelift?
There is no specific age. It is usually done between the ages of 45 and 65, but the deciding factor is the degree of sagging, not age. In the early stages, smaller procedures such as a mini lift may be enough.
How long does a facelift last?
The effect is long-lasting; for most people, even 8–10 years later, the face looks younger than it would have without surgery. Aging, however, continues.
Will there be a scar after surgery?
Because the incisions are hidden in the natural folds in front of the ear and within the hairline, the scars fade significantly over time and are usually not noticeable.
When can I return to work?
Most people return to work and social life within 2–3 weeks. If you have an important event, I recommend planning the surgery at least 1 month in advance.
Are fillers or device-based treatments enough instead of a facelift?
For mild laxity, fillers, Botox or device-based treatments can help. However, with noticeable sagging, these methods do not lift the sagging tissue; in this case, a facelift is the better option.
Information and Booking
Deciding on a facelift is a personal decision and should not be rushed. At the consultation, we evaluate your face together, listen to your expectations and talk openly about the plan that suits you best. For a preliminary assessment, you can send photos of your face from the front and side via WhatsApp. If you live abroad, this also helps us plan your trip and your stay in Türkiye.
FACE
Rhinoplasty
Otoplasty
Blefaroplasty
Facial Rejuvenation
This page was prepared and medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Nurgül Altuntaş . Last updated: November 2026