FACELIFT (RHYTIDECTOMY)
A rhytidectomy, also known as a facelift, tightens both the facial skin and the underlying tissues, giving the face greater tone and elasticity. This surgical procedure repositions the facial skin as well as fatty tissue and muscle, reshaping the face and thereby reducing wrinkles and sagging skin. A facelift is often combined with an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).
The surgical technique used by the surgeon varies depending on the desired result and the personal initial situation of the individual patient. Modern techniques allow the surgeon to perform the procedure with minimal scarring.
Who Is a Facelift Suitable For?
Patients between the ages of 40 and 70 who notice clear signs of the aging process and feel that their quality of life is significantly impaired are the ones who mainly opt for a facelift. These signs are manifested by severe wrinkling of the face and eyes, sagging cheeks, sagging facial skin, excess skin, loss of tone and elasticity, dark circles and pronounced nasolabial folds. Facelift is not recommended for patients who are heavy smokers or suffer from diabetes or hypertension.
Time Required
The length of stay in our clinic is 1 day, with patients staying one night for observation. In a follow-up appointment, the attending surgeon checks the healing process and removes the stitches. Therefore, we recommend an average length of stay in Turkey of 1 week before patients can board their return flight.
Before the Facelift
Before the surgery, patients discuss the desired result of the facelift with the surgeon. The patient’s general health is also assessed to ensure that the surgery does not pose a risk to the patient. Patients are also asked not to smoke or take blood thinning medications, such as aspirin, during the time before and after surgery.
How Is the Treatment Carried Out?
The surgeon will make an incision in the temple hair area, just above and in front of the ear. An incision is made under the earlobe, leading back to the back of the ear and running into the hairline. The skin is lifted as the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat may be removed, as well as excess skin. The incision is then closed with a special suturing technique.
Treatment duration and anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The treatment time for a facelift is approximately 2 to 5 hours.
After the Facelift
After a facelift, the face is bandaged for a few days. A drainage tube may be placed to allow the wound secretions to drain freely. During the first few days after surgery, the face may feel slightly numb. Swelling and slight bruising can also be expected. Therefore, patients should allow themselves 1 week of rest to minimize possible discomfort. During the initial period after surgery, we recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head for dressing and undressing, if possible.
Stitches are removed approximately 1 week after surgery. Extreme physical exertion and sports should be avoided for the first 2 to 3 weeks after the surgery.
Possible Risks
The possible risks of a facelift include damage to the facial nerve, bleeding, swelling and bruising, difficulty opening the mouth, numbness, scarring, tissue loss, hair loss (especially sideburns in men) and infection.
Cost of Facelift in Istanbul
The price of a facelift in our clinic in Istanbul can range approximately from 2,800 euros to 4,800 euros. However, on average, our patients only incur costs of about 3,800 euros for a facelift.
For further questions and information about a facelift in Turkey, our Care Team is always available to advise you. We will be happy to assist you in finding the right treatment.
