A deep plane facelift is the most advanced facelift technique: the surgeon works beneath the SMAS, releases the retaining ligaments that pull the face down, and moves the midface and jowls up-and-in as a single block. Because it relies on repositioning the deep tissue rather than skin tension, the result is the most natural and longest-lasting — a rested face, never “pulled”.
A deep plane facelift releases the facial ligaments beneath the SMAS and lifts the midface and jowls as one block, giving the most natural, lasting rejuvenation. It takes 3–5 hours under general anaesthesia; scars hide around the ears and hairline. Most patients return to social life in 10–14 days. It clearly outperforms classic SMAS techniques in the midface and nasolabial folds.
- A facelift lifts the skin + SMAS together; skin-only techniques look tight and do not last.
- The deep plane technique gives the most natural, longest-lasting result in the midface, nasolabial folds and jowls.
- Scars are hidden around the ear and in the hairline and fade over time.
- General anesthesia, 3–5 hours; back to social life 10–14 days, heavy activity ~4 weeks.
- Often planned with eyelid surgery, brow lift and fat transfer.
- The result is lasting; ageing continues, but the face always stays younger than it would have been.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Facelift (rhytidectomy) — skin + SMAS lift |
| Duration | 3–5 hours (by technique and scope) |
| Anesthesia | General (sometimes sedation + local) |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Back to social life | 10–14 days; heavy activity ~4 weeks |
| Scars | Hidden around the ear and in the hairline |
| Longevity | Lasting; years of a younger look |
| Who it suits | People with facial/neck sagging in good health |
Contents— 23 sections
Procedures are performed in accredited, approved operating rooms.
A facial-rejuvenation-focused, ISAPS & TSPRAS-member surgeon.
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What Is a Deep Plane Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical rejuvenation that repositions the loosened skin and the underlying SMAS (muscle-fascia) layer to correct sagging, jowls and a lost jawline; it takes 3–5 hours under general anesthesia and the scars are hidden.
Over time skin elasticity decreases and the face’s support tissues (SMAS) and fat pads drift downward, producing jowls, a blurred jawline, deeper nasolabial (nose-to-mouth) folds and neck laxity. Fillers and threads cannot correct this sagging permanently. A facelift removes excess skin, but its real work is lifting the SMAS layer up and back to rejuvenate the face along its own natural vector.
For the upper face (forehead, brow, temples) an endoscopic facelift or brow lift is used; for the neck a deep plane neck lift; and for the most natural, lasting midface result, a deep plane facelift.
Which Areas Does Ageing Affect?
Videos: Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya Explains
Patient experience and more from our channel:
Facelift Techniques (Types)
The right technique is chosen by the degree, location and skin quality of the sagging. The anatomy of the layers — and how the SMAS is lifted — is the essence of the operation:
Works beneath the SMAS; the most natural and lasting result in the midface, nasolabial folds and jowls. Preferred for marked sagging.
The SMAS is folded or partly removed; a classic, safe approach for moderate sagging.
A short-scar, fast-recovery option for limited sagging; suited to earlier stages.
Small incisions for forehead, brow and temples; usually added to a facelift.
Non-surgical methods such as thread lifts are temporary and do not correct marked sagging like surgery; they may be considered in early/mild laxity.
Visual Technique Test: Your Degree of Sagging and the Right Technique
Choose the illustration closest to you; see the likely technique and the next step instantly. This is a self-assessment, not a diagnosis.
👉 Tap the picture that looks most like you — the recommendation appears instantly.
This tool is for information only; the exact technique and suitability are determined only by examination.
Live Facelift Simulator: Sagging → Lifted
Drag the slider and watch a schematic face morph from “sagging” to a “lifted, defined jawline.” Toggle the technique and run a short self-check. Fully private — no data is ever sent.
If the tool doesn’t load, open it here. This simulation is for information only; it does not measure your face or make a diagnosis — a definitive assessment is possible only in consultation.
Who Is a Good Candidate — and Who Is Not?
Suitable candidates
- Marked facial/neck sagging, jowls and a lost jawline
- Reasonable skin elasticity and good general health
- Non-smokers or those able to quit
- Realistic goals who want a natural result
Situations to postpone/assess
- Uncontrolled chronic illness or a bleeding disorder
- Active smoking (wound-healing risk)
- Unrealistic “look 10 years younger” expectations
- Only mild skin change; surgery may be too early
A facelift is not “erasing age” — it corrects sagging and brings the face closer to its own younger self.
What Bothers You Most?
Select the area that troubles you most and see a likely approach and next step. This is preliminary; the exact plan is made in consultation.
👉 Tap the option that fits you best — you will instantly see guidance and a WhatsApp link.
This tool is for information only; technique and suitability are determined only by examination.
Techniques: Quick Comparison
| Technique | Best for | Naturalness / Longevity | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Plane | Marked midface + jowls | Highest | 10–14 days |
| SMAS Plication/Resection | Moderate sagging | High | 10–14 days |
| Mini / MACS | Early/limited sagging | Moderate | ~1 week |
| Endoscopic (upper face) | Forehead-brow-temple | High | ~1 week |
In short: deep plane for marked sagging, SMAS for moderate, mini/MACS for early; endoscopic for the upper face. The right method is chosen by examination.
How Is a Facelift Performed? (Step by Step)
Planning & hidden incision line
The incision starts in the temple hairline, curves in front of the ear, under the lobe and into the hairline behind the ear — largely hidden once healed.
Skin elevation & SMAS suspension
The skin is gently lifted; the deep support layer (SMAS) is repositioned up and back and fixed. This is the core of lasting rejuvenation.
Excess skin removal & closure
Excess skin is trimmed conservatively so tension sits on the SMAS, not the skin; layers are closed with hidden sutures and the jawline is redefined.
Planning and marking
Anesthesia
Incision and skin elevation
Lifting the SMAS
Removing excess skin
Closure and dressing
Recovery — Day by Day, Week by Week
Recovery varies from person to person depending on technique, skin quality and lifestyle.
Aftercare: What to Do and What to Avoid
✓ Do
- Keep the head elevated and use cold packs in the first days
- Use the recommended dressing/support garments
- Follow scar care and sun-protection advice
- Attend follow-ups and take medication as directed
✕ Avoid
- Smoking and alcohol (impair wound healing)
- Heavy exercise, bending and straining for ~4 weeks
- Sauna and very hot showers early on
- Exposing scars to the sun in the first months
Possible Risks and Safety
A facelift is safe in experienced hands; still, you should be aware of the possibilities:
- Hematoma: Blood collection under the skin; the most common early complication, drained if needed.
- Nerve involvement: Usually temporary weakness of expression or altered sensation; permanent injury is rare.
- Scars and hairline: Scars are hidden; rarely a visible scar or thinning at the incision line can occur.
- Wound-healing issues: Especially in smokers, the skin edge may heal slowly.
- Asymmetry: Small differences between the two sides can occur and are minimised with symmetric technique.
- Infection: Rare; managed with sterile technique and follow-up.
Quitting smoking is the single most important risk-reducing step. Blood thinners are adjusted with your doctor’s approval.
What to Check When Choosing a Clinic/Surgeon
A surgeon who lifts the SMAS correctly — not just the skin — gives a natural, lasting result.
The procedure should only be done in an accredited, approved facility.
An unrealistically low price can mean compromises in safety, experience and follow-up.
A natural — not “pulled” — goal and honest expectation-setting drive long-term satisfaction.
Expected Change (Medical Illustration)
By law, the surgeon cannot share real patient photos. The schematic illustration below shows the typical front-view change of a facelift: from sagging jowls and a loose neck to a defined jawline and a firm but natural contour.
Illustrations are for information; personal results vary with anatomy, skin quality and technique and are not guaranteed.
Why a Facelift in Istanbul / Turkey?
Turkey is one of the world’s most-chosen destinations for facial rejuvenation, thanks to high surgical expertise, accredited facilities and value-focused “all-inclusive” processes.
High case volume and command of current techniques such as deep plane.
A transparent journey covering surgery, stay, transfer and follow-up.
Ministry-approved, health-tourism-authorised facilities.
A multilingual team and a personal assistant for a comfortable experience.
Why Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya?
Preparing for Surgery
Skin quality, degree of sagging, health and expectations are assessed; the technique is chosen.
Smoking is stopped in advance where possible; blood thinners are adjusted with approval.
Necessary blood tests and an anesthesia review are done.
Suitable time off and accommodation are planned for recovery.
Questions to Ask at Your First Consultation
To make the right decision, it helps to ask these at your pre-assessment:
- 1Which technique (SMAS / deep plane / mini) will you use and why?
- 2Where will the incisions be and how visible are the scars?
- 3Should the neck, eyelids or brow be addressed in the same session?
- 4How long will the result last; what should I expect over the years?
- 5When will I recover and return to social life?
- 6What are the risks and the chance of temporary sensation/expression change?
- 7In which approved facility and under what anesthesia is it performed?
- 8What can I realistically expect for my face?
Patients From Abroad / Out of Town
We host patients from 30 countries. The remote process is planned around a single goal: you just come, we coordinate the rest.
Initial planning and technique suggestion via photos and an online consultation.
Accommodation, transfer and appointment schedule are planned.
The procedure, 1 night stay and first check-up are completed on site.
A check before you travel back; then follow-up with multilingual coordination.
Facelift Price (2026): Transparent Information
A firm price is given after examination, because the technique (SMAS, deep plane, mini), any added procedures such as neck or eyelid, and clinic conditions vary per person. We do not quote a figure on this page; so you know what is included:
Usually included in the package
- Surgeon, anesthesia and operating-room fee
- 1 night stay, dressing and medication
- Post-operative check-ups
- Transfer and coordination for international patients
Safety, the surgeon’s experience and follow-up should be your priority.
Glossary
- Rhytidectomy
- The medical name for a facelift.
- SMAS
- The face’s support layer (muscle-fascia); the key to lasting rejuvenation.
- Deep plane
- The most natural, lasting technique, working beneath the SMAS.
- Jowl
- Sagging tissue along the jawline.
- Nasolabial fold
- The deep line from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth.
- Mini/MACS lift
- A short-scar lift for limited sagging.
Myths and Facts
Let us clear up the most common misconceptions about facelifts with the facts:
✗ Myth: A facelift makes the face look “tight/artificial”.
✓ Fact: When the SMAS — not the skin — is lifted, the result looks natural and rested; an artificial look comes from the wrong technique.
✗ Myth: Threads and fillers replace a facelift.
✓ Fact: These are temporary and do not correct marked sagging; the lasting solution is surgery.
✗ Myth: The scars are obvious everywhere.
✓ Fact: Scars are hidden around the ear and in the hairline; once healed they are largely unnoticeable.
✗ Myth: A facelift stops ageing completely.
✓ Fact: Ageing continues; but the face always stays younger than it would have without surgery.
