- Overview
What is a Facelift?
The face ages differently for everyone — but the changes that come with time are universal. Skin loses its elasticity. The underlying tissues descend. The jawline softens. The neck loses its definition. And gradually, the face in the mirror begins to look tired, heavy or older than you feel on the inside. These are changes that no skincare routine, no filler and no non-surgical treatment can fully reverse once they have taken hold.
A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, is the most effective and long lasting surgical solution for addressing the visible signs of facial ageing. It works by lifting and repositioning the underlying facial tissues, removing excess skin and restoring the natural contours of the face and neck — delivering a result that looks refreshed, youthful and entirely natural rather than pulled, tight or obviously surgical.
At Dr. Orman’s clinic, every facelift is approached as an entirely individual procedure. The degree of lift, the specific techniques used and whether complementary procedures such as a neck lift or blepharoplasty are incorporated are all decisions made specifically around your facial anatomy, your age and the result that will look most natural and harmonious for you. The goal is always the same — to help you look like the best, most rested version of yourself.
Natural Rejuvenation
A facelift restores youthful contour and definition to the face without the telltale signs of surgery — no pulling, no tightness, no artificial appearance.
Long Lasting Results
Unlike non-surgical treatments that require regular maintenance, a facelift delivers results that last for many years — making it one of the most effective long term investments in your appearance.
Addresses the Root Cause
Rather than simply adding volume or relaxing muscles like fillers and Botox, a facelift addresses the underlying structural changes that cause facial ageing — delivering a more complete and lasting result.
Entirely Personalised
Every facelift is designed around your unique facial anatomy and the natural results that will complement your individual features — never a one size fits all approach.
Comprehensive Facial Renewal
A facelift can be combined with complementary procedures such as a neck lift, blepharoplasty or brow lift for a more complete facial rejuvenation in a single operation.
- Who Is Suitable
Is a facelift right for you?
A facelift is one of the most rewarding procedures in facial aesthetic surgery but it is best suited to specific candidates with specific concerns. Here is what Dr. Orman looks for when assessing suitability.
Good candidates are typically:
- Between their mid 40s and late 60s though suitability is assessed individually rather than by age alone
- In good general health with no unmanaged underlying medical conditions
- Non-smokers or willing to stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Experiencing visible sagging or laxity in the mid and lower face
- Dealing with loose or excess skin in the neck area
- Looking for a natural, refreshed result rather than a dramatic transformation
- Holding realistic expectations about outcomes and the natural continuation of the ageing process after surgery
You may wish to wait if:
- You are in your 30s or early 40s and non-surgical treatments have not yet been fully explored
- You smoke and are not willing to stop well in advance of and following surgery
- You have unmanaged health conditions that may affect anaesthesia or healing
- You are significantly overweight as weight loss after surgery can affect your results
- You are looking for a dramatic transformation rather than a natural rejuvenation
- You have unrealistic expectations about completely stopping the ageing process
- The Procedure
What happens during your facelift procedure?
A facelift is a carefully planned procedure that requires both surgical expertise and a deep understanding of facial anatomy and aesthetics. Here is a step by step overview of what to expect.
Consultation & Planning
Before surgery, Dr. Orman conducts a thorough consultation to assess your facial anatomy, skin quality, tissue laxity and the specific changes you want to address. Every element of the procedure is planned specifically around your face to deliver the most natural and harmonious result possible.
Anaesthesia
A facelift is performed under general anaesthesia in an internationally accredited private hospital in Istanbul. You will be completely comfortable and unaware throughout the entire procedure.
Incisions
Incisions are carefully placed within the natural hairline and around the ears where they will be virtually invisible once healed. Dr. Orman plans incision placement meticulously to ensure scarring is as discreet as possible while allowing full access to the underlying facial tissues.
Tissue Lifting and Repositioning
The deeper layers of facial tissue known as the SMAS layer are carefully lifted and repositioned to restore the natural contours of the face. This deep tissue work is what separates a natural looking facelift from one that looks pulled or tight — addressing the underlying cause of facial ageing rather than simply pulling on the skin.
Skin Removal
Once the underlying tissues have been repositioned, any excess skin is carefully trimmed and the remaining skin is re-draped smoothly over the newly lifted facial contours. The skin is never pulled tight — it simply follows the natural lift created by the tissue repositioning beneath.
Closing and Care
All incisions are carefully closed with fine sutures. Dressings are applied and you are moved to your private recovery room where Dr. Orman will visit you personally before discharge.
- The Recovery
What to expect during your facelift recovery.
Facelift recovery is a gradual process and patience is an important part of achieving the best possible result. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how manageable the process is and how natural they look even in the early stages.
Timeline:
Days 1–3
Some swelling, bruising and tightness across the face and neck is completely normal and expected. Pain is well managed with prescribed medication. You will remain in Istanbul under medical supervision and rest is essential during this period. The head should be kept elevated to minimise swelling.
Week 1–2
Swelling and bruising begin to reduce noticeably. Most patients feel significantly more comfortable by the end of the first week. You will attend a follow-up appointment with Dr. Orman before returning home. Sutures are typically removed during this period.
Week 2–4
Most patients feel comfortable in social settings by week 3, once the majority of swelling and bruising has resolved. Light daily activities can be resumed. Strenuous activity should still be avoided. Many patients describe this as the stage where they begin to feel genuinely excited about their results.
Month 1–3
Residual swelling continues to resolve gradually. The full result becomes increasingly apparent as the face settles into its rejuvenated contours. Scars continue to fade and soften. Most patients feel fully back to normal life by the end of month 2.
Final Results
Final facelift results are typically fully visible between 3 and 6 months after surgery once all residual swelling has resolved and the tissues have fully settled. The naturally refreshed, youthfully contoured face you and Dr. Orman discussed is now fully revealed.
Activities to avoid during recovery:
- Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 4 to 6 weeks
- Exposing incisions to direct sunlight for at least 12 months
- Smoking throughout the entire recovery period
- Any activity that significantly raises blood pressure in the early weeks
- Sleeping flat — keep the head elevated for the first 1 to 2 weeks
- Wearing clothing that must be pulled over the head in the first 2 weeks
Ageing is inevitable. Looking tired, heavy or older than you feel is not.
- Why a Facelift
Look as young as you feel — naturally and lastingly.
A facelift does not stop time. It simply makes sure your face reflects the vitality you feel on the inside.
Natural Refreshed Appearance
A well performed facelift should never look surgical. Dr. Orman's approach delivers a naturally refreshed, rested and youthful result that looks entirely like you.
Years of Results
Unlike injectables and non-surgical treatments that require regular upkeep, a facelift delivers results that last for many years — making it one of the most effective long term facial rejuvenation investments.
Structural Correction
By addressing the underlying facial tissues rather than simply adding volume or relaxing muscles, a facelift delivers a more complete, natural and lasting correction of facial ageing.
Dr. Orman's Artistic Approach
Every facelift is planned and performed with a deep understanding of facial aesthetics and natural proportion — ensuring the result enhances your features without ever looking overdone.
Combine for Complete Renewal
A facelift works beautifully alongside a neck lift, blepharoplasty or brow lift — addressing multiple signs of facial ageing in a single operation for a more comprehensive result.
World Class Care in Istanbul
All procedures are performed in internationally accredited hospitals in Istanbul with full concierge support from airport transfer to final follow-up.
- Face Aesthetics
Face Lift
- Hospital Stay
1 Night
- Operation Duration
3–5 Hours
- Anaesthesia
General
- Stay in Istanbul
7-10 Days
- Recovery Duration
3–4 Weeks
- Start Your Journey
Look as young as you feel — starting with one conversation.
A facelift is one of the most rewarding and transformative procedures Dr. Orman performs. His consultation is honest, unhurried and completely free. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- FAQs
Everything you need to know before taking the next step.
We understand that choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.
There is no single right age for a facelift. Most patients are between their mid 40s and late 60s but suitability is determined by the degree of facial laxity and the patient's goals rather than age alone. Some patients benefit from a facelift in their early 40s while others may not consider one until their 70s. Dr. Orman will assess your individual case during your consultation and recommend the most appropriate timing and approach for you.
Natural results are the absolute foundation of Dr. Orman's approach to facelift surgery. By working at the deeper tissue level rather than simply pulling on the skin, he ensures the result looks refreshed and youthful rather than tight, pulled or obviously surgical. Patients consistently describe their results as looking like themselves — only more rested and revitalised.
A facelift typically delivers results that last between 7 and 12 years depending on the patient's skin quality, lifestyle and the natural pace of ageing. While the ageing process continues after surgery, patients who have had a facelift consistently look younger than they would have had they not had the procedure at all.
Fillers add volume to specific areas of the face and can address some signs of ageing but they do not address the underlying structural changes — the tissue descent and skin laxity — that cause the most significant signs of facial ageing. A facelift addresses these structural changes directly, delivering a more complete, natural and long lasting result. The two approaches can also be combined for optimal results.
Facelift incisions are carefully placed within the natural hairline and around the ears where they are virtually invisible once healed. Scarring is minimal and continues to fade significantly over 12 to 18 months. Most patients find their scars entirely undetectable once fully healed.
All procedures are performed in internationally accredited private hospitals in Istanbul by a board-certified surgical team. As with any surgical procedure there are risks which Dr. Orman discusses openly and honestly during your consultation. Choosing an experienced, board-certified facial surgeon significantly minimises these risks.
Cost varies depending on the specific procedures included in your plan. Dr. Orman provides fully transparent, all-inclusive pricing during your consultation — covering surgery, hospital fees, accommodation, transfers and aftercare. There are no hidden costs.
- Get in touch
Let's Begin Your Journey.
Dr. Orman understands that choosing to have a Facelift is deeply personal. His consultation is a conversation honest, unhurried and completely confidential. There is no pressure and no obligation.
- Related Procedures
You May Also Be Interested In
Neck Lift
Restore a clean, defined jawline and neck contour — often performed alongside a facelift for complete facial rejuvenation.
Blepharoplasty
Refresh and rejuvenate tired, heavy or ageing eyes by removing excess skin and fat from the eyelids.
Brow Lift
Restore a youthful, rested appearance by lifting a heavy or drooping brow and opening the upper face.