Facelift & Neck Lift in Istanbul

Facelift & Neck Liftby Op. Dr. Emre Özbey · EBOPRAS Fellow

CostPersonalised written quote · free video consultation

RecoveryAbout 2–4 weeks before most social activities; swelling settles over months

Istanbul stayPlanned with the team after clinical reviews

ClinicIME Clinic · Bakırköy, Istanbul

LanguagesEnglish · Русский · Português · Español · Türkçe

What is a facelift and neck lift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and repositions sagging tissues of the mid and lower face and jawline, and removes excess skin. A neck lift addresses loose neck skin, fat beneath the chin and muscle bands. The two are often planned together because the lower face and neck age together.

Modern techniques work on the deeper supporting layer (SMAS) rather than pulling only the skin, which aims for a more natural result. The extent of the operation, incisions and the expected change depend on your anatomy, skin quality and goals, and are decided at consultation.

Dr. Özbey on Face & Neck Rejuvenation — A short video message from Op. Dr. Emre Özbey about face and neck lift surgery and how each plan is tailored to the patient’s own anatomy.

Face & Neck Lift

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SMAS facelift vs. deep plane facelift

Both are established approaches that lift the deeper layer of the face. The choice depends on the degree of laxity, the areas you want to change and the surgeon’s assessment.

Feature	SMAS facelift	Deep plane facelift
Layer treated	SMAS is tightened, folded or partly removed	Dissection beneath the SMAS; retaining ligaments released
Main areas	Jawline and lower face	Midface, nasolabial area, jawline
Skin tension	Lifting is shared between SMAS and skin	Lift carried by deep tissues; skin redraped
Operating time	Usually shorter	Usually longer and technically demanding
Recovery	Individual; similar overall timeline	Individual; swelling pattern may differ

Neck, combined procedures and facial anatomy

The neck: skin, fat and platysma

Neck ageing may involve loose skin, fat under the chin or vertical muscle (platysma) bands. A neck lift plan specifies which of these is treated; liposuction alone is usually not enough when skin is lax.

Adding eyelid surgery or fat transfer

A facelift does not treat the eyelids or forehead. When appropriate it can be combined with blepharoplasty or facial fat transfer; the combined plan changes the operating time, risks and recovery.

Mini or limited lifts

Shorter-scar lifts may suit earlier, limited laxity. They treat less and may not address the neck. Whether a limited lift is suitable is decided after examination.

Facial anatomy training

Op. Dr. Emre Özbey attended the Michele Pascali facial surgery fellowship in Rome and facial anatomy and cadaver courses in Verona, focused on advanced facial surgical techniques.

Who may be a candidate?

Suitability is decided after an individual assessment. People who often ask about a facelift or neck lift include those with:

Sagging of the cheeks, jowls or jawline
Loose neck skin, fat beneath the chin or visible neck bands
Deepening folds between the nose and mouth
Good general health, stable weight and no smoking, or the ability to stop around surgery

A video consultation with Op. Dr. Emre Özbey at IME Clinic can review your photographs and goals. Final suitability requires a face-to-face examination and medical assessment.

Recovery timeline

Day 1–2

Dressings and possibly drains; swelling and tightness are expected. Rest with the head elevated.

Week 1

Drains and some stitches are removed at review; bruising begins to fade.

2–4 weeks

The NHS describes about 2–4 weeks off work as general guidance.

4–6 weeks

Most visible swelling has settled; strenuous exercise is resumed only when the surgeon advises.

Before flying

Agree your Istanbul stay and flight date with the team after your post-operative reviews.

6–12 months

Residual swelling, numbness and scar maturation continue to improve gradually.

Facelift and neck lift cost in Istanbul

The price depends on the technique, whether the neck is treated, any combined procedures, anaesthesia and the hospital stay. Ask IME Clinic for a written, itemised quote covering surgery, anaesthesia, hospital care, medicines, garments and follow-up.

Compare written quotes for the same treatment scope, including travel and aftercare; price alone does not establish quality or safety. Request your personal quote →

Risks and possible complications

A facelift and neck lift are major operations. Possible complications include:

Bleeding or haematoma, which may need a return to theatre
Infection, poor wound healing and skin loss, with higher risk in smokers
Facial nerve injury causing weakness, usually temporary but rarely permanent
Numbness, hair loss around incisions and visible or widened scars
Asymmetry, contour irregularities and anaesthesia risks

The surgeon should explain your individual risks, how complications would be managed and what follow-up is arranged after you return home.

Your surgeon for face and neck rejuvenation

Op. Dr. Emre Özbey — Facelift & Neck Lift

Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS, 2026)
Specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery (Istanbul University, 2023) and in ophthalmology (2018)
Full member of TPRECD; member of ISAPS, EPCD and ECD
Michele Pascali facial surgery fellowship (Rome, 2024, twice), ICLO face surgery and cadaver course (Verona, 2024), FABCAST face lift cadaver course (İzmir, 2026) and the Deep Plane Facelift & Rhinoplasty Congress (2024)

About Op. Dr. Emre Özbey →

View Op. Dr. Emre Özbey’s education, experience and certificates

Download CV (PDF)

Facelift and neck lift: frequently asked questions

How long does a facelift last?

The duration varies with anatomy, skin quality, ageing and lifestyle. Surgery does not stop ageing, and a particular result or number of years cannot be guaranteed.

Will the scars be visible?

Incisions are planned around the hairline and ears, with placement depending on the technique. Scars usually fade but do not disappear, and visibility varies with healing.

What anaesthesia is used?

A facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia, sometimes local anaesthesia with sedation for limited procedures. The anaesthesia team assesses your medical history.

Is there an age limit?

Suitability depends on health, facial anatomy, skin condition and expectations rather than age alone. The surgeon assesses these factors individually.

Can I have a neck lift without a facelift?

Yes, when the main concern is the neck and the jawline is reasonably supported. If the lower face is also sagging, a combined plan may be recommended.

Can a facelift be combined with eyelid surgery?

Yes, a facelift is often combined with eyelid surgery when both areas need treatment and the medical assessment allows it. Combining procedures changes operating time, risks and recovery.

Related Procedures in Istanbul

Rhinoplasty in Istanbul → Breast Aesthetic Surgery in Istanbul → Body Contouring in Istanbul → Eyelid Surgery in Istanbul →

Patient information and further reading

General patient information from plastic surgery professional associations. These resources are in English.

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