Facelift Turkey — Rhytidectomy Istanbul from €3,360

Best for: Early jowling, mild skin laxity, patients who want a subtle improvement with quicker recovery.

Limitations: A mini facelift does not address the neck, mid-face or deep nasolabial folds. Patients with significant skin excess or neck banding will achieve a better result with a full SMAS or deep plane facelift.

SMAS Facelift

The SMAS facelift is the gold-standard technique worldwide and the most commonly performed facelift at MedProper. It addresses the fundamental cause of facial ageing: the descent of the SMAS layer that lies beneath the skin.

An incision runs from the temple, follows the natural crease in front of the ear, curves beneath the earlobe and extends into the hairline behind the ear. The surgeon then elevates a skin flap, exposes the SMAS, and either plicates (folds and sutures) or elevates and repositions it. Excess skin is trimmed and closed without tension, which prevents the unnatural "pulled" appearance associated with older skin-only facelift methods.

Operating time is approximately 3 to 4 hours. The SMAS facelift corrects jowls, deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines and jawline sagging. It can be combined with a neck lift for comprehensive lower-face and neck rejuvenation.

Best for: Moderate to advanced facial ageing, patients aged 45 to 70, those who want long-lasting results (typically 8 to 12 years).

Deep Plane Facelift

The deep plane facelift goes one layer deeper than the standard SMAS technique. Rather than lifting the SMAS as a separate layer, the surgeon releases the retaining ligaments of the face and elevates the SMAS, fat pads and overlying skin as a single composite flap. This allows the mid-face tissues to be repositioned vertically rather than simply pulled laterally.

The deep plane approach produces the most dramatic and natural-looking rejuvenation, particularly for the mid-face (cheek area), nasolabial folds and jawline. Because the blood supply to the skin flap is preserved within the composite layer, there is often less bruising and a lower risk of skin flap complications compared with extended SMAS dissection.

Operating time is 4 to 5 hours. The deep plane facelift is technically demanding, and only surgeons with advanced training in this technique should perform it. At MedProper, deep plane facelifts are performed exclusively by our senior facial plastic surgeons.

Best for: Significant mid-face descent, deep nasolabial folds, patients seeking the most comprehensive and long-lasting result (10 to 15 years).

Mid-Face Lift

The mid-face lift (also called a cheek lift) specifically targets the central area of the face between the lower eyelid and the mouth. As we age, the malar fat pad descends from its youthful position high on the cheekbone, creating a hollow under the eye and a deeper nasolabial fold.

During a mid-face lift, the surgeon elevates the descended cheek pad back to its original position through small incisions in the lower eyelid or temple hairline. This restores cheek volume, reduces the tear trough and softens nasolabial folds without the need for dermal fillers.

A mid-face lift can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with a full facelift for complete facial rejuvenation.

Best for: Patients with mid-face hollowing, flat cheeks or deep tear troughs who may not yet need a full facelift.

Facelift vs Non-Surgical Alternatives

Many patients explore non-surgical options before considering a facelift. The table below compares the main treatments so you can make an informed decision.

Key takeaway: Non-surgical treatments can delay the need for surgery by a few years, but they cannot replicate the structural lift and long-term results of a facelift. Most patients who have tried threads, fillers and energy devices eventually progress to a facelift as the definitive solution.

How Much Does a Facelift Cost in Turkey in 2026?

Transparent pricing is a core principle at MedProper. The table below lists our 2026 all-inclusive facelift prices in British pounds, US dollars and euros. Every price includes surgery, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, hospital stay, medications, post-operative garments, VIP transfers and 5 nights of hotel accommodation.

All prices are valid for 2026 and include a comprehensive all-inclusive package. Final pricing is confirmed after your video consultation, as the exact cost depends on the technique recommended and any additional procedures.

Why Are Facelift Prices Lower in Turkey?

Turkish plastic surgery prices are not lower because of inferior quality. The cost difference is driven by three structural factors:

1. Operating costs: Hospital running costs, staff salaries and medical supplies are significantly lower in Turkey than in the UK, even in JCI-accredited facilities.
2. Currency advantage: The Turkish lira remains favourable against the pound sterling and US dollar, which reduces the GBP and USD-equivalent cost of surgical and hospital fees.
3. Volume and specialisation: Istanbul clinics perform a high volume of cosmetic procedures, creating economies of scale that reduce per-patient costs while maintaining quality.

MedProper uses the same implants, suture materials and surgical instruments as leading Harley Street and Park Avenue practices. Our surgeons have trained in Europe and hold the same board certifications as their UK and US counterparts.

Facelift Turkey vs UK vs USA: Full Cost Comparison

The following table compares what you would pay for equivalent facelift surgery in the UK and USA versus MedProper Istanbul, including all associated costs.

Even after adding return flights from London to Istanbul (typically £80-£200 with budget airlines) or from the US (Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from New York JFK, Chicago O'Hare, Los Angeles, Washington Dulles, Houston, Miami and San Francisco — typically $500-$800 return), the total cost of having your facelift at MedProper is less than a third of the UK or US equivalent.

What Is Included in Our All-Inclusive Package?

Every facelift patient at MedProper receives the following as standard:

• Pre-operative consultation — Video call with your surgeon plus in-person assessment on arrival in Istanbul
• All surgical fees — Surgeon, assistant surgeon, anaesthetist and operating theatre
• JCI-accredited hospital stay — Private room with 24-hour nursing care (1-2 nights depending on procedure)
• Prescription medications — All post-operative painkillers, antibiotics and anti-swelling medication
• Compression garments — Medical-grade facelift bandage and chin strap
• 5 nights hotel accommodation — 4 or 5-star hotel near the clinic with breakfast
• VIP airport transfers — Private car collection from Istanbul Airport (IST) and return
• Hotel-to-clinic transfers — All journeys between your hotel and the hospital
• Post-operative check-ups — Daily wound checks at the clinic during your stay
• Aftercare pack — Detailed recovery guide, surgeon direct contact number and 12-month follow-up via WhatsApp or video call
• Translation and patient coordinator — English-speaking personal coordinator throughout your stay

Not included: International flights, travel insurance, personal spending. We recommend patients arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance that covers elective surgery abroad.

Am I a Good Candidate?

The ideal facelift candidate meets the following criteria:

• Age range: Most facelift patients are between 45 and 70, though patients in their late 30s and early 40s may benefit from a mini facelift.
• Visible facial ageing: Sagging jowls, deep nasolabial folds, marionette lines, loss of jawline definition or mid-face descent.
• Good general health: No uncontrolled medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or bleeding disorders.
• Non-smoker (or willing to stop): Smoking impairs blood flow to the skin flap and significantly increases the risk of wound healing complications. We require patients to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery.
• Realistic expectations: A facelift turns back the clock by 8 to 15 years but does not stop the ageing process. Understanding this ensures satisfaction with results.
• Stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations after a facelift can compromise results.
• Good skin elasticity: While a facelift removes excess skin, patients with some remaining elasticity achieve the smoothest results.

Who should not have a facelift? Patients with severe uncontrolled medical conditions, those on blood-thinning medications that cannot be paused, active smokers unwilling to quit, and individuals with unrealistic expectations or body dysmorphic disorder.

Facelift for Turkey Neck: What You Need to Know

"Turkey neck" is the colloquial term for the combination of loose, sagging skin beneath the chin, visible platysmal bands (the vertical cords that appear in the neck) and submental fat that blurs the jawline. It is one of the most searched-for concerns among facelift candidates — and one of the most effectively treated.

A standalone facelift addresses the lower face and jowls but does not fully correct the neck. To treat turkey neck comprehensively, MedProper surgeons combine a facelift with a neck lift (platysmaplasty) in a single session. This combined procedure:

• Tightens the platysma muscle — the paired muscle sheets that create vertical neck bands are sutured together in the midline (corset platysmaplasty), creating a smooth, taut neck contour.
• Removes submental fat — liposuction beneath the chin eliminates the double chin appearance.
• Re-drapes excess neck skin — the surplus skin is excised through incisions hidden behind the ears.
• Redefines the jawline — by lifting the jowls and tightening the neck simultaneously, a clean cervicomental angle (the angle between the chin and the neck) is restored.

SMAS Facelift + Neck Lift at MedProper starts from £3,080 / $4,974 / €4,563 all-inclusive. For comparison, a combined facelift and neck lift in the UK costs £9,000 to £16,000 and in the USA $12,000 to $22,000.

If your primary concern is the neck alone (without significant facial sagging), a standalone neck lift may be sufficient. MedProper also offers standalone neck lift procedures — see our dedicated neck lift page for details.

Combining Facelift with Other Procedures

Combining complementary procedures in a single surgical session saves money, reduces total recovery time and delivers a more harmonious result. At MedProper, the following combinations are most popular.

Facelift + Neck Lift

This is our most requested combination. While a facelift addresses the lower and mid-face, a neck lift targets the area from the jawline to the collarbone. Combining both procedures corrects jowls, turkey neck, platysmal banding and submental fat in one operation. The incision behind the ear from the facelift naturally extends to accommodate the neck lift, so there is no additional visible scarring.

Recovery is essentially the same as a standalone facelift, with the compression garment worn for the same duration. Combined pricing starts from £3,080.

Facelift + Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) removes excess skin and fat from the upper and/or lower eyelids. Ageing around the eyes often occurs at the same rate as facial sagging, and addressing both areas simultaneously produces a more balanced, refreshed appearance.

Upper blepharoplasty adds approximately 30 to 45 minutes to the total operating time. The recovery timeline is not significantly extended, as eyelid swelling and facial swelling resolve concurrently.

Facelift + Fat Transfer

Facial fat transfer (lipofilling) harvests fat from a donor area such as the abdomen or thighs via gentle liposuction, purifies it and injects it into the face. This restores volume to hollowed cheeks, temples and under-eye areas that a facelift alone cannot address.

The combination of structural lift (facelift) and volume restoration (fat transfer) produces the most comprehensive rejuvenation possible. Fat transfer adds 45 to 60 minutes to the operating time and the transferred fat is permanent once the initial absorption period (3 to 6 months) is complete.

How Is a Facelift Performed? Step by Step

Understanding the surgical process helps patients feel confident and prepared. Here is a step-by-step overview of a full SMAS facelift at MedProper.

Step 1 — Anaesthesia General anaesthesia is administered by a board-certified anaesthetist. You will be completely asleep and pain-free throughout the procedure. A mini facelift may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation if the surgeon and patient agree this is appropriate.

Step 2 — Incision placement The surgeon marks the incision lines, which follow the natural contours of the face: beginning in the temple hairline, continuing down the front of the ear (within the natural crease), looping beneath the earlobe and extending behind the ear into the posterior hairline. These incisions are designed to be virtually invisible once healed.

Step 3 — Skin flap elevation The skin is carefully separated from the underlying SMAS layer, creating a skin flap that can be independently repositioned.

Step 4 — SMAS manipulation This is the most critical step. The surgeon lifts, tightens and secures the SMAS layer using permanent sutures. In a deep plane facelift, the surgeon releases the retaining ligaments and elevates the SMAS with the overlying fat as a single composite flap. This repositions the deeper structures to a more youthful position.

Step 5 — Excess skin removal With the SMAS now tightened, the skin naturally re-drapes over the lifted foundation. The surgeon trims away the surplus skin without applying tension to the skin closure. This tension-free technique is what prevents the "pulled" look.

Step 6 — Closure Incisions are closed in multiple layers using fine absorbable and non-absorbable sutures. Small drains may be placed behind the ears to prevent fluid accumulation.

Step 7 — Bandaging A gentle compression bandage is applied around the face and chin. This reduces swelling, supports the tissues in their new position and protects the incision lines.

Total operating time: 1.5 to 2 hours (mini facelift), 3 to 4 hours (SMAS facelift), 4 to 5 hours (deep plane facelift).

Your 10-Day Journey at MedProper Istanbul

We have refined our patient journey over thousands of procedures to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience from arrival to departure.

Day 1 — Arrival Your VIP driver meets you at Istanbul Airport and takes you directly to your hotel. Settle in, rest and prepare for the next day.

Day 2 — Consultation and pre-operative tests Your personal coordinator collects you from the hotel and brings you to MedProper. You meet your surgeon for an in-person consultation, discuss your goals and finalise your surgical plan. Pre-operative blood tests, ECG and a medical examination are completed.

Day 3 — Surgery day You arrive at the hospital in the morning. Final markings are drawn, you meet the anaesthesia team, and surgery is performed. After a period in the recovery room, you are transferred to your private hospital room. Your surgeon visits you in the evening.

Day 4 — Hospital discharge Your surgeon checks your incisions, removes any drains if placed and clears you for discharge. You return to your hotel with a detailed aftercare instruction pack.

Days 5-7 — Recovery at hotel You rest at the hotel while attending daily check-up appointments at the clinic. Your coordinator handles all transport. Swelling and bruising are at their peak during this period and begin to subside from day 5 onwards.

Day 8 — Stitch removal Your surgeon removes non-absorbable sutures and assesses healing. Many patients begin light walks around Istanbul at this stage.

Day 9 — Final check-up A final examination confirms that healing is progressing well and you are fit to fly. Your surgeon provides a written summary for your GP and a direct WhatsApp number for ongoing communication.

Day 10 — Departure Your VIP driver takes you to Istanbul Airport for your flight home. You remain in contact with your surgeon and coordinator for the full 12-month aftercare period.

Recovery Timeline: Week by Week

Recovery is a gradual process. The timeline below gives you realistic expectations for each stage.

Important: Every patient heals at a different rate. The timeline above is a general guide. Follow your surgeon s specific advice, as it is tailored to your procedure and individual healing response.

When Can I Fly Home?

Most facelift patients are cleared to fly 7 to 10 days after surgery. Our standard 10-day stay in Istanbul is designed to ensure you are comfortable and safe before boarding your return flight.

Flying too soon after a facelift can increase swelling due to cabin pressure changes and the dry aircraft environment. We recommend the following precautions for your flight home:

• Wear your compression chin strap during the flight
• Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol
• Walk up and down the aisle every hour to promote circulation
• Take any prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid lifting heavy luggage (ask cabin crew or travel companions for help)

The flight from Istanbul to London is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Direct flights from New York and Chicago take approximately 10 to 11 hours. Turkish Airlines' modern fleet offers flat-bed business class on all long-haul routes, which many facelift patients find comfortable for the return journey.

Is a Facelift Safe in Turkey?

Safety is the most common concern for international patients considering surgery abroad, and it is a concern we take seriously. Here is why MedProper meets and exceeds international safety standards.

JCI accreditation: MedProper operates within a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited hospital. JCI is the global gold standard for healthcare quality and patient safety. Only a small percentage of hospitals worldwide hold this accreditation, and it requires compliance with over 1,200 measurable standards covering patient care, infection control, surgical safety and medication management.

Board-certified surgeons: Our facelift surgeons hold Turkish Board certification in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and are members of ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). They have performed thousands of facial procedures and regularly attend international conferences to stay current with the latest techniques.

Anaesthesia safety: All general anaesthetics are administered by specialist anaesthetists (not nurse anaesthetists or CRNAs) using the same monitoring equipment found in NHS, private UK and US hospitals, including continuous ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography and invasive blood pressure monitoring where indicated.

Infection control: Operating theatres are equipped with HEPA-filtered laminar airflow systems. Strict surgical checklists (based on the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist) are followed before, during and after every procedure.

Turkey is the world is fourth-largest medical tourism destination according to the International Healthcare Research Center, with over 1.2 million international patients visiting annually. Istanbul in particular has established itself as a global centre for cosmetic surgery, with infrastructure and expertise that matches — and in many cases surpasses — Western European standards.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

We believe in complete transparency about complications and how they are managed.

During your stay in Istanbul: If any complication arises during your 10-day stay, your surgeon will assess and treat you at no additional cost. If hospital readmission is required, this is covered under your all-inclusive package.

After you return home: MedProper provides a 12-month aftercare guarantee. If a surgical complication related to your facelift occurs within this period, we will arrange your return to Istanbul for corrective treatment at no additional surgical cost. This guarantee covers complications directly related to the surgery, such as asymmetry, wound healing issues or haematoma.

Emergency contact: Every patient receives a direct WhatsApp contact for their surgeon and a 24/7 emergency line for the patient coordination team. We respond to patient messages within hours, not days.

GP liaison: We provide a detailed surgical report in English that you can share with your NHS GP. If any follow-up care is needed in the UK, your GP will have full documentation of the procedure performed.

Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. A facelift is a safe and well-established operation, but informed consent requires that you understand the potential complications.

Common (expected) side effects:

• Swelling and bruising (resolves over 2-4 weeks)
• Temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks (resolves over 2-6 months)
• Tightness and stiffness in the face (settles gradually)
• Mild asymmetry during the healing period (usually resolves as swelling settles)

Uncommon complications (1-5% incidence):

• Haematoma (blood collection under the skin) — the most common surgical complication of facelift surgery, occurring in approximately 1-3% of patients. Males and patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk. Treatment involves drainage, usually under local anaesthesia.
• Infection — rare with proper antibiotic prophylaxis and sterile technique, but possible with any surgery. Treated with antibiotics and wound care.
• Delayed wound healing — more common in smokers, diabetics and patients with poor circulation.
• Visible or widened scars — most facelift scars heal beautifully, but individual healing varies. Scar revision can be performed if needed after 12 months.

Rare complications (less than 1%):

• Nerve injury — temporary weakness of a facial nerve branch can occur, most commonly affecting the marginal mandibular nerve (lip movement). Permanent nerve injury is extremely rare (less than 0.5% in published studies) and most temporary weakness resolves within 3 to 6 months.
• Skin flap necrosis — loss of blood supply to a small area of the skin flap. This is almost exclusively seen in active smokers and is a primary reason we require smoking cessation.
• Asymmetry requiring revision surgery

Your surgeon will discuss all risks specific to your health profile during your consultation. Our complication rates are consistent with published international standards for facelift surgery.

Before and After Results

Our before-and-after gallery showcases real facelift results from MedProper patients who have given their written consent for their photographs to be shared. Every image is unretouched and taken under standardised clinical lighting.

When reviewing before-and-after photos, look for:

• Jawline definition — a clean, continuous line from chin to ear
• Jowl elimination — smooth transition from cheek to jaw
• Nasolabial fold reduction — softened but not erased (natural results)
• Neck contour — for combined facelift and neck lift patients
• Natural expression — the face should look rested and refreshed, not tight or surprised

We encourage you to request before-and-after photos of patients with a similar age and facial structure to yours during your video consultation. Your surgeon can also show you digitally projected outcomes to help set realistic expectations.

When to Consider Combining Facelift with Other Procedures

A facelift addresses the mid and lower face, but ageing affects multiple facial areas simultaneously. Combining complementary procedures in a single session delivers a more harmonious, natural-looking rejuvenation.

Popular Facelift Combinations

Why Combine Facial Procedures?

Ageing is not isolated to one area. Patients who address only the lower face with a facelift may find that their refreshed jawline contrasts with aged eyelids or a hollow mid-face. Combining procedures ensures:

• Natural harmony — every area of the face is rejuvenated proportionally
• Single recovery — one 7-day stay in Istanbul covers everything
• Cost efficiency — combined pricing is significantly lower than separate operations
• Single anaesthesia — one session, one recovery, no repeat surgical risk

Combination Pricing

The most complex procedure (typically the facelift) is charged at full price. Additional procedures are discounted. All combinations include 5 nights hotel, 2 nights hospital, VIP transfers, and 12-month aftercare.