Sagging, wrinkles and signs of aging that occur on our face over the years can often negatively affect our self-confidence. Facelift operations, which offer permanent solutions to these problems in the world of aesthetic surgery, have become very popular in recent years. So what exactly is a facelift, who is it suitable for and what is the healing process? In this article, we have answered the 10 most curious questions about facelift in a simple and understandable language. If you are looking for detailed information about facial rejuvenation, you are in the right place!
1) What is Facelift Surgery and Who is it Suitable for?
Facelift, popularly known as facelift surgery, is a surgical aesthetic procedure that aims to eliminate sagging, wrinkles and loosening that occur in the face and neck area with aging. Significant signs of aging occur on the face due to decreasing skin elasticity over time, the effect of gravity and the use of facial expressions. Facelift surgery aims to reverse these effects and provide a younger, vigorous and natural appearance
During the facelift procedure, the tissues under the skin are tightened, excess skin is removed and facial contours are reshaped. Thanks to modern surgical techniques, the results look more natural and scars are minimized.
Generally, it is an ideal method for individuals aged 40 and over, who have problems such as significant sagging in facial contours, relaxation in the jaw line or folding in the neck area. However, the general health status, skin quality and expectations of the person are also of great importance for the success of the operation. Conditions such as pregnancy, chronic diseases or the use of blood thinners should be taken into consideration and a specialist evaluation should be made.
2) In Which Age Range Is Facelift Operation Preferred?
Facelift operation is an effective aesthetic application preferred by people who want to alleviate the scars left by aging on the face and neck. However, the ideal age range for this operation may vary depending on personal needs, skin structure and genetic factors.
In general, the most suitable age range for facelift surgery is considered to be between 40 and 65 years of age. In individuals in this age group, skin elasticity is partially preserved and a more natural, younger and firmer appearance can be achieved after surgical intervention. Since skin sagging and wrinkles that start in the 40s have not yet reached an advanced level, the results can be more successful and long-lasting thanks to early intervention.
However, age alone is not decisive. Some people may show signs of aging earlier due to factors such as genetic predisposition, lifestyle, smoking, stress and sun exposure. In such cases, a facelift operation can be planned even at the age of 35.
On the other hand, facelift surgery can also be performed in individuals aged 65 and over. However, in this age group, both the condition of the skin structure and the general health status of the person should be evaluated in detail. If necessary, more effective results can be obtained with combined aesthetic procedures.
3) Is Facelift Surgery Permanent, How Long Does It Last?
Facelift, i.e. facelift surgery, is one of the permanent solutions that aims to give the person a younger and more dynamic appearance by reducing the signs of aging in the face and neck area. However, a frequently asked question is:
How long does the effect of facelift surgery last and is it permanent?Although the effects of facelift surgery are long-lasting, they are not completely permanent for life. Because the aging process continues after the operation. However, thanks to the intervention, time is turned back and the person regains a much younger appearance than his/her current age. On average, the effect of facelift surgery lasts between 8 and 12 years. This period may vary depending on the person's age, skin structure, lifestyle and post-operative care.
Regular skin care, protection from the sun, not smoking and adopting a healthy lifestyle after the operation helps to maintain the results obtained for a longer period of time. In addition, if needed, the effects can be supported with mini facelift or non-surgical rejuvenation applications in the following years.
4. How Is Facelift Surgery Performed and Which Techniques Are Used?
Facelift surgery is a surgical procedure performed to eliminate signs of aging and rejuvenate facial contours. The main purpose of the operation is to recover sagging skin, reposition the muscles and tissues under the skin and give a younger expression without disrupting the natural appearance of the face. So how is facelift surgery performed and which techniques are used?
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and the duration of the procedure varies between 2 and 4 hours on average, depending on the technique applied. The surgeon lifts the skin, tightens the subcutaneous tissues and reshapes the face by making incisions in invisible areas such as in front of the ear, behind the ear and the hairline. Since the incisions are usually in hidden areas, the surgical scars become unnoticeable over time.
The main techniques used in facelift operations are as follows:
1. Classic Facelift:
It is preferred in cases where sagging and wrinkles on the face are at an advanced level. It affects the middle, lower and neck areas of the face.
2. Mini Facelift:
It is a less invasive method. It is generally suitable for people in their 40s with early signs of aging. The healing process is shorter.
3. SMAS Facelift (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System):
The muscle layer under the skin is also repositioned. It gives more permanent and natural results.
4. Deep Plane Facelift:
Deep layers of muscle and fat tissues are intervened. It provides dramatic rejuvenation especially on the jaw line and cheeks.
5. Endoscopic Facelift:
It is a modern method performed with the help of a camera through small incisions. It offers less scarring and shorter recovery time.
Since each patient's facial structure and expectations are different, the plastic surgeon decides which technique to use after the examination.
5) Recovery Process After Facelift
The recovery process after facelift surgery is an important stage that directly affects the success of the operation and the permanence of the aesthetic results. During this period, it is necessary to be patient and attentive both physically and mentally. So how is the recovery process after facelift and what should be considered?
During the first few days after surgery, swelling, bruising and mild pain are normal. Applying cold compresses as recommended by the surgeon and using prescribed medications regularly alleviate these symptoms. Generally, you can stay under observation in the hospital for 1-2 days after surgery, and then you will be discharged.
During the first week, heavy physical activity should be avoided, the head should be elevated and the face should be protected from impacts. Stitches are usually removed in 5-7 days. In this process, edema decreases and bruises begin to fade slowly.
Starting from the second week, the person can gradually return to social life. Light make-up can be applied, but the skin should be treated gently. After the 3rd week, the swelling is mostly gone and the facial features start to become clearer.
Although the full recovery time in facelift surgery varies from person to person, the person returns to normal in about 6-8 weeks. It usually takes 3-6 months to see the final results clearly.
6) What are the Risks and Possible Complications of Facelift Surgery?
Facelift surgery is an effective method for those who want to achieve a younger and more dynamic appearance by reducing the effects of aging. However, as with any surgical procedure, there may be some risks and complications in facelift surgery. These risks are generally low and are minimized in operations performed by an expert plastic surgeon.
The most common side effects after facelift surgery include swelling, bruising, mild pain and temporary numbness. These conditions are usually a natural part of the healing process and disappear spontaneously within a few weeks. However, in rare cases, more serious complications may develop. These include infection, blood accumulation (hematoma), delayed tissue healing, nerve damage, skin asymmetry, scarring and, very rarely, skin tissue loss.
Especially in smokers, the healing process can be more problematic and the risk of complications increases. In addition, people with chronic diseases or those taking blood thinners should also be carefully evaluated. In order to avoid all these risks, a detailed health screening should be performed before surgery, the rules recommended by the surgeon should be followed exactly and care should be taken during the healing process.
7) Facelift Surgery Prices 2025: What Does It Depend On?
Facelift surgery continues to maintain its popularity among people who want to rejuvenate the face and neck area by eliminating the signs of aging. As of 2025, facelift surgery prices vary depending on many different factors. The most important factors that determine the price of the surgery include the experience of the surgeon, the technique used, the scope of the operation and the facilities offered by the health institution where the surgery will be performed.
Since the procedure to be applied for each patient varies, it is not possible to determine a standard price range. While simpler interventions such as mini facelifts are usually more affordable, full facelift surgeries or procedures performed with advanced techniques may require higher budgets. In addition, in some cases, prices may increase as additional procedures such as neck lift and eyelid aesthetics may be included in the surgery.
Face and neck lift surgery prices in Turkeyattracts great interest not only by local patients but also by health tourists from abroad as it offers both high quality and affordable price advantages. However, it is of great importance to consider not only the cost but also the experience of the doctor who will perform the surgery, the technologies used and the reliability of the clinic. The most accurate price information becomes clear only after a detailed examination and personalized planning.
8) Differences Between Non-Surgical Face Lift Methods and Surgery
Facial rejuvenation procedures are not limited to surgical methods today. With the development of technology, non-surgical facelift applications have also gained an important place in the aesthetic world. However, there are significant differences between non-surgical methods and surgical facelift in terms of both the application process and the results obtained. When choosing between these two approaches, the patient's expectations, age, skin structure and the depth of the intervention needed play a decisive role.
Surgical facelift is performed to remove deep sagging in the face and neck area, reposition subcutaneous tissues and provide long-term rejuvenation. This method offers more permanent results and is an ideal solution for people in the older age group. The surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and the recovery period can take several weeks. However, the results obtained remain permanent for an average of eight to twelve years.
Non-surgical facelift methods generally consist of procedures that do not require surgical intervention and are applied to the skin surface. These methods include techniques such as ultherapy, focused ultrasound, radiofrequency, thread facelift and fillers. Since these procedures are minimally invasive, they do not require anesthesia and the return to social life is much shorter. However, their effects are more limited and temporary compared to surgery and usually last between six months and two years. In addition, these methods are more effective in people with early signs of aging.
As a result, while non-surgical facelift methods offer temporary solutions for milder signs of aging, surgical facelift is an ideal option for people who want a more pronounced and permanent rejuvenation. Which method should be preferred should be clarified after a detailed evaluation by a specialist plastic surgeon.
9) When Are Facelift Results Visible? Before and After Comparison
Facelift surgery is an effective aesthetic intervention applied to eliminate sagging, wrinkles and signs of aging in the face and neck area. After this procedure, patients are most curious about when the results will be seen and how the face will change compared to before the surgery. Facelift results usually manifest themselves in several stages and after a patient healing process, the face regains a completely new and youthful appearance.
It is quite natural for swelling, bruising and slight asymmetry to occur on the face in the first days after surgery. This is considered part of the surgical intervention and usually begins to decrease significantly within the first week. Starting from the second week of the healing process, the facial contours become clearer and the patient can return to his/her social life. However, a period of three to six months is usually required to see the final results of facelift surgery. At the end of this period, the skin is completely settled, edema disappears and the face gains a natural, balanced appearance.
The difference between before and after facelift is usually quite noticeable. While there are signs of aging such as sagging facial contours, relaxation in the jaw line, and folds in the neck area before surgery, this appearance is replaced by a firmer, smoother and younger facial structure after surgery. However, a well-planned facelift operation provides a natural rejuvenation without changing the facial expression of the person. In other words, the patient does not lose facial expressions or have an artificial expression while looking younger.
10. Things to Know Before Facelift Surgery and Preparation Process
Face and neck lift surgery is an effective and permanent solution for many people who want to remove the signs of aging and gain a younger appearance. However, in order to get the best result from this surgery, it is of great importance to prepare consciously before the operation. Facelift is an aesthetic procedure that is not limited to the day of surgery, but covers a detailed process before and after.
The health status of the person should be evaluated in detail before having a facelift. Any chronic diseases, medications or past surgeries should be reported to the doctor. In addition, factors such as smoking and alcohol use may adversely affect the healing process, so it is recommended to stop at least two weeks in advance. Blood thinners and supplements should also be discontinued before surgery, as such substances can increase the risk of bleeding.
A detailed interview with the plastic surgeon in the preoperative period is very important. At this stage, the patient's expectations should be clearly conveyed and a realistic result expectation should be created in line with the doctor's recommendations. At the same time, the technique of facelift, the duration of surgery, the healing process and potential risks should also be clearly discussed in these interviews.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet before the surgical procedure increases the body's resistance and provides a faster recovery process. Turkey's best aesthetic clinic, comfortable clothes should be preferred for the day of surgery, the face and hair area should be clean, and there should be no makeup or any cosmetic products on the skin.
