Face and Neck Lift

What are facelift and neck lift surgery?

A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, surgically addresses facial tissues that have descended and excess skin. A neck lift allows the jawline, neck skin and related tissues to be considered in the same surgical plan.

Sagging cheeks and jowls, reduced definition of the facial outline and neck laxity are assessed together. Not every wrinkle or area of volume loss responds equally to a facelift. Expression lines, skin pigmentation and brow position may require separate assessment.

How I plan the face, neck and eyelids together

My general approach is to assess a face and neck lift together with the upper and lower eyelids. Examination determines whether each area needs treatment; the same procedures are not necessary for every patient.

My operations combining a face and neck lift with lower eyelid surgery take an average of 4–4.5 hours. I perform them in hospital under general anaesthesia, usually with one overnight stay. Additional procedures and individual circumstances can change the duration.

I usually perform upper eyelid surgery in the clinic the day before. My aim is to avoid extending the general anaesthetic time in hospital. This is my working approach; it does not mean lower risks or identical recovery for everyone.

My deep-plane facelift and SMAS approach

SMAS stands for the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, a layer of muscle-related and connective tissues in the face. Facial rejuvenation surgery should assess supporting tissues rather than simply pull the skin.

In my surgical approach, I work in the deep plane and perform SMAS excision. I determine the extent of dissection according to individual anatomy and need. I aim to avoid unnecessarily extensive, aggressive dissection and to limit tissue- and nerve-related risks.

The terms “deep plane” or “SMAS” alone do not imply a better or risk-free result. Nerve injury, bleeding and other complications can still occur. The intended procedures and their limitations are explained during individual consultation.

At what age is a facelift performed, and who may be suitable?

I do not base the decision on age alone. The degree of sagging, skin and tissue characteristics, previous procedures, general health and expectations matter. Pulling the skin with your hands in a mirror does not prove or guarantee the surgical result.

Smoking and nicotine, uncontrolled blood pressure, bleeding/clotting disorders, significant medical conditions or unrealistic expectations can affect planning. Active infection and uncontrolled illness should be assessed first.

My face and neck lift experience in Switzerland

During three months at Laclinic in Montreux, Switzerland, I served as the first and sole surgical assistant to Dr. Michel Pfulg in face and neck lift operations.

This experience is part of my professional background. I develop each current surgical plan around the patient's examination findings, expectations and individual risks.

Facelift scars and incisions within the hair

For the scalp portion, I usually plan the incision within the hair-bearing scalp. With my current approach, incisions and scars may also lie in front of and behind the ear and in related scalp areas. The entire incision cannot be assumed to remain within the hair. Your individual incision route is shown before surgery.

Incisions for additional neck or eyelid procedures are discussed separately. Incisions leave permanent scars. Noticeable scarring, hairline changes, temporary or permanent hair loss around incisions and changes in earlobe shape may occur.

Assessment, previous fillers and preparation

Disclose previous facial operations, thread lifts, fillers, fat injections and device treatments, including their dates. Previous procedures do not automatically rule out surgery, but may affect tissue planes, surgical difficulty and risks.

Medicines, blood thinners, supplements, allergies and anaesthetic history are assessed. Do not stop prescribed medicines yourself; the prescribing doctor and surgical team should plan together. Discuss smoking and nicotine cessation before surgery.

Report dry eyes, visual problems, thyroid eye disease, previous eye surgery and contact lens use. An ophthalmology assessment is requested when appropriate. The anaesthesia team provides fasting and fluid instructions.

Hospital stay, drains and early follow-up

I usually plan one night in hospital and use drains. Drain removal depends on drainage and examination findings. Drains do not eliminate bleeding risk.

Eating, drinking and the first assisted walk begin when the surgical/anaesthesia team permits. Discharge depends on associated procedures and your health. Follow the individual plan for bandages, drains and wound care.

Recovery and showering after a face and neck lift

Swelling, bruising, tightness, sensitivity or numbness may occur in the first days. Pain varies between individuals. Rapidly increasing swelling on one side, significant pain or neck pressure should not be considered normal.

In my current follow-up approach, showering is possible the day after discharge if the wounds and dressings are suitable. Your individual drain or eyelid-care instructions take priority. Do not rub incisions or the eye area.

My approach is to remove some sutures around day seven and the remainder around day ten. The materials used and healing can change this plan. Do not remove sutures or tapes yourself.

Work, exercise, hair colouring and make-up

Returning to social life and complete tissue healing are different stages. Swelling, bruising and additional eyelid procedures can mean recovery takes longer than a week. Physical demands and medicines, as well as appearance, affect return to work.

Short walks begin with the team's permission. Wait for individual clearance before strenuous exercise, forceful bending or heavy lifting. Before driving, you should move comfortably and no longer be affected by sedating medicines.

Make-up, hair dye, salon treatments, facial massage and sun protection are discussed according to wound healing. Do not apply concealer or irritating products to incisions. If cooling is needed, the team explains how; do not place ice directly on the skin.

Is a facelift permanent, and how many years younger will I look?

The improvement in youthful appearance compared with before surgery is generally maintained in subsequent years. However, ageing continues and sagging may partially return in different areas of the face and neck. The size and duration of that difference vary between individuals. A particular number of years of rejuvenation or an unchanged lifelong result cannot be promised.

Appearance changes as initial swelling subsides, and assessment becomes more reliable over weeks and months. Pre-existing asymmetry may remain. Further surgery may be considered later when appropriate; previous surgery affects the new plan.

Mini facelift and non-surgical facial rejuvenation

“Mini facelift” may describe a shorter incision or more limited tissue work; the term does not mean the same scope in every practice. Neck and eyelid concerns require separate consideration.

Fillers, botulinum toxin, thread lifts and certain device treatments address different concerns. They may not produce the same change as surgery for significant skin and tissue sagging. Each has its own risks. Choosing no surgery is also an option.

Additional procedures such as fat transfer can be discussed for volume loss. Not every area needs another procedure. If one is planned, its specific risks should be explained separately.

Possible risks of face, neck and eyelid surgery

Open the headings to read the details. Risks differ in frequency and severity; your health and any combined procedures require individual assessment.

This information does not replace individual examination or the preoperative informed consent process. Reading this page does not constitute consent to surgery.

Frequently asked questions about facelift surgery

What affects face and neck lift costs in Antalya?

Facelift costs depend on the scope of neck and eyelid surgery, additional procedures, the hospital, anaesthesia and follow-up. The hospital where surgery is performed also affects the fee. Your individual plan and fees are discussed after assessment.