A facelift is a structural restoration surgery. Unlike non-invasive treatments that offer temporary fixes, a facelift addresses the root cause of aging by lifting the descending tissues.
There are two primary ways to address facial aging.
This surgery specifically targets the deep creases that form between the nose and mouth known as nasolabial folds. It also corrects the sagging skin that destroys jawline definition (jowls) and the loose skin or bands that form on the neck. It restores the sharp angle between the jaw and the neck. This is often the most defining characteristic of a youthful profile.
Not every patient is ready for surgery. The best candidates are individuals who have begun to see significant sagging in the lower face and neck but still retain some skin elasticity. Most patients are between the ages of 45 and 70.
Good candidates must be in good general health and non-smokers. You must also have realistic expectations.
The Mirror Test: If you can look in the mirror, pull the skin of your jawline back, and like what you see, you are likely a candidate for a facelift.
The biggest pro of medical tourism is the all-inclusive nature of the experience.
The financial advantage of choosing Turkey is undeniable. Patients can access top-tier surgical talent for a fraction of the cost they would pay at home. It is not uncommon for the total cost of the trip to be significantly less than just the surgeon's fee back home.
The lower prices are driven by macroeconomics rather than a lack of quality. Turkey has significantly lower operational costs for rent, labor, and medical utilities compared to the UK or USA. Additionally, the currency exchange rate provides international patients with immense purchasing power. Turkish clinics pass these savings directly to the patient.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for a standard facelift. Note that Western prices often exclude anesthesia and hospital facility fees whereas Turkish prices are typically comprehensive packages.
| Country | Full Facelift Price | Mini Facelift Price | Anesthesia Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $4,500 - $7,500 | $2,500 - $4,000 | Included |
| United Kingdom | $15,000 - $25,000 | $8,000 - $12,000 | Extra ($1,500+) |
| USA | $20,000 - $40,000 | $10,000 - $18,000 | Extra ($2,500+) |
| Germany | $12,000 - $18,000 | $6,000 - $9,000 | Included |
There is no single facelift that suits everyone. The technique your surgeon chooses depends on your anatomy, the quality of your skin, and the degree of aging.
A Mini Facelift is a less invasive procedure with shorter incisions typically limited to the area around the ears. It focuses only on the lower face and jawline. It is ideal for younger patients between ages 40 and 50 who have early signs of jowling but no significant neck sagging. It offers a quicker recovery but less dramatic results than a full facelift.
Facial aging rarely happens in isolation. A facelift stops at the jawline. If you have a turkey neck or loose skin bands, a Neck Lift is almost always performed simultaneously. Similarly, combining a facelift with Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) ensures that your eyes look as youthful as your new jawline. This creates a harmonious result.
Istanbul is the center of the country's medical excellence. It is home to the most renowned surgeons and the largest JCI-accredited hospitals. If you are looking for complex Deep Plane techniques or revision surgeries, Istanbul offers the widest range of specialized professors.
Izmir is known for its high-quality medical universities and a more relaxed pace of life. The clinics here are excellent and often offer a more boutique experience. It is a great choice if you prefer a calmer city environment over the hustle of Istanbul.
Antalya is perfect for combining surgery with a relaxing break. Recovering in a hotel with a view of the Mediterranean can reduce stress. However, you must avoid direct sun exposure on your incisions during the healing process.
Your assessment begins before you travel. You will send photos of your face from the front, profile, and 45-degree angles. Your surgeon analyzes your bone structure, skin quality, and aging pattern to recommend the right technique. This is the time to discuss your goals and medical history.
Upon arrival in Turkey, you will go to the hospital for comprehensive blood tests and a cardiac evaluation. You will then have a detailed face-to-face consultation with your surgeon. They will examine your skin elasticity and draw the surgical plan directly on your face. They will explain exactly where the incisions will be placed.
Recovery is a process of patience. While you will see the change in your contour immediately, the final results take time to reveal themselves as swelling subsides.
The first week is the most uncomfortable. You will have a compression bandage wrapped around your head to minimize swelling. You may have small drains behind your ears to prevent fluid buildup. These are usually removed on day 2 or 3. Your face will feel tight and numb.
Swelling and bruising are inevitable. They typically peak on day 3 or 4. Keeping your head elevated on two pillows while sleeping is crucial to help the fluid drain. Using cool compresses can also help, but do not place them directly on the skin. Most of the heavy bruising will fade or turn yellow by the end of the first week.
Most patients feel comfortable going out in public with a scarf or high-collar shirt after 10 to 14 days. At this point, the stitches are removed. Most of the obvious bruising can be covered with makeup. However, you will still have some residual swelling that only you might notice.
You must stay in Turkey for at least 7 to 10 days after surgery. Your surgeon needs to remove the stitches and perform a final check to ensure the incisions are healing perfectly before you travel. The flight home is safe, but you should move around the cabin to maintain circulation.
One of the hallmarks of the Turkish medical tourism model is the package deal. When you receive a quote, it generally includes:
Transparency is key to a stress-free experience.
When looking at photos, do not just look at the jawline. Look at the ears. A skilled surgeon hides the incision in the natural contours of the ear, so it is invisible. Also check for the pixie ear deformity where the earlobe looks pulled down. A good facelift preserves the natural shape of the earlobe. Look for photos labeled "1-year post-op" to see the true and healed result.
Many patients report that the scariest part was the anticipation rather than the surgery itself. The Wind Tunnel fear is common, but patients of reputable Turkish surgeons consistently report looking like a refreshed version of themselves. The comprehensive care where nurses manage your drains and bandages provides a level of comfort often missing in Western outpatient clinics.
Find trusted doctors, book appointments, and manage your health — all in one place.
Istanbul / TurkeyLiv Hospital Vadistanbul is a new multi-specialty hospital in Istanbul continuing the Liv Hospital's journey in founding new facilities. Vadİstanbul specializes in robotic and traditional kidney transplantation, adult and pediatric cancer surgeries, adult and pediatric cardiac surgeries. The hospital has a heart health center, advanced endoscopy center, spine center and athlete health clinic, rehabilitation clinic, and stem cells.
Istanbul / TurkeyClinic Expert International Hospital is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Istanbul, Turkey. The team is dedicated to otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), dental treatment, plastic surgery, and weight loss surgery. Clinic Expert International Hospital serves both adults and children. Each year, 12,000 patients choose Clinic Expert International Hospital for medical care. Patients from Europe & the Commonwealth, Arab League States, and CIS countries visit the clinic most often.
Istanbul / TurkeyTWT Health Clinic, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is a private multi-specialty center specializing in orthopedics, dental treatments, plastic surgery, and weight loss procedures. With over 15 years of experience in health tourism, the clinic attracts 600 patients annually from Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, and CIS countries. It is renowned for high-quality care, advanced techniques, and personalized adult treatment solutions.
Istanbul / TurkeyDb’est Clinic is a private single-specialty medical center located in Istanbul, Turkey. The clinic focuses on orthopedics, cardiology, and neurology, offering specialized care tailored to adult patients. With a team of experienced medical professionals, Db’est Clinic provides advanced diagnostic and treatment services in a modern clinical setting. Around 600 patients receive care at the clinic annually, including many international patients from the CIS countries, Europe & the Commonwealth, the USA, Canada, and Australia. Db’est Clinic is recognized for combining medical expertise with personalized care to support better outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Antalya / TurkeyMedical Park Antalya Hospital Complex is a private multi-specialty medical center in Istanbul, Turkey. The team focuses on orthopedics and transplantology. Medical Park Antalya Hospital Complex serves only adults. Patients from Europe, the Commonwealth, the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the clinic most often.
Istanbul / TurkeyAsyaesthetic Clinic is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Istanbul, Turkey. The team is dedicated to orthopedics, otorhinolaryngology/ear, nose and throat (ENT), plastic surgery and weight loss surgery. Asyaesthetic Clinic serves only adults. 3000 patients choose Asyaesthetic Clinic to get medical care every year. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, USA, Canada, Australia, and Russian Speaking Countries, visit the clinic most often.
Istanbul / TurkeyLiv Hospital Ulus is a premier healthcare facility located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. As part of the internationally renowned Liv Hospital Group, Liv Ulus is committed to delivering world-class medical care through a combination of cutting-edge technology, internationally trained physicians, and a patient-centered approach. With its modern architecture and hotel-like comfort, Liv Hospital Ulus offers a wide range of medical specialties including oncology, cardiology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and organ transplantation. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, ensuring high standards of safety and precision across all procedures. Recognized for its excellence in healthcare, Liv Hospital Ulus has received numerous international accreditations, including JCI (Joint Commission International), reflecting its commitment to quality, hygiene, and patient satisfaction. The hospital’s International Patient Services team provides personalized assistance at every step from travel arrangements and accommodation to interpretation services making Liv Hospital Ulus a trusted choice for patients from over 180 countries.
Istanbul / TurkeyMedical Park Göztepe Hospital Complex is a multi-specialty medical center in Istanbul, Turkey. The team dedicates itself to multiple fields, including cancer treatment, genetics, in vitro fertilization, hair transplants, cardiac surgery, and aesthetic surgery. With over 150 doctors and nearly 1,000 staff members, Medical Park Göztepe Hospital provides healthcare services to both Turkish and international patients. The hospital partners with national and international insurance companies.
Antalya / TurkeyClinics United, an EU-accredited clinic based in Antalya, Turkey, specializes in bariatric surgery, plastic surgery, dental aesthetics, hair transplantation, and post-bariatric surgery. Highly experienced, board-certified surgeons conduct all procedures. The clinic provides comprehensive pre-op tests, comfortable hotel accommodations, VIP transfers, and long-term follow-up for each patient.Clinics United is dedicated to delivering safe and personalized care, with over 3,000 successful surgeries performed for international patients and a 4.9/5 patient satisfaction rating.
Antalya / TurkeyMedworld Health & Rehabilitation Center is a private multi-specialty medical center located in Antalya, Turkey. The strongest specialities are dental treatment, plastic surgery, and weight loss surgery. Medworld Health & Rehabilitation Center serves only adults. 3,000 patients choose Medworld Health & Rehabilitation Center to get medical care every year. Patients from CIS, Europe, the USA, and Canada visit the clinic most often.