What Happens to the Face as We Age?

As we age, various changes occur throughout the body—and the face is no exception. These downward shifts in facial structures can create a tired or unhappy appearance. Until the age of 50, non-surgical treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, radiofrequency, and laser-based technologies can help manage these signs of aging. However, after the age of 50, these treatments may become insufficient, and surgical facelift procedures in Antalya become necessary to achieve the desired results.

Who Is a Candidate for a Facelift Procedure?

Facelift procedures in Antalya are typically performed on individuals over the age of 50 who show visible signs of aging across the entire face. Midface tissues begin to descend due to gravity as early as the 30s. In patients in their 40s, a midface lift is often the preferred option.

What Should Be Done Before a Facelift Surgery?

At least 3 weeks prior to surgery, patients should stop smoking and avoid alcohol. One week before the procedure, blood thinners such as aspirin should be discontinued under medical supervision. Herbal supplements and over-the-counter vitamins should also be avoided.

How Is a Facelift Performed?

The face must be evaluated holistically. A personalized plan is developed after a detailed consultation. If the patient has forehead drooping or requires a brow lift, the procedure can be performed endoscopically or through a temporal extension of the facelift incision. Upper and lower eyelids should also be evaluated and, if necessary, treated during the same operation.

Midface Lift:

This procedure is usually performed via a subsiliary (under the lash line) incision. Through this incision, access is gained to the midface region down to the oral cavity. Descended facial tissues are lifted and repositioned upward. This approach also allows correction of lower eyelid puffiness and wrinkles.

Traditional Facelift:

If the patient shows sagging in both mid and lower face along with skin laxity, a full facelift is recommended. An incision is made in front of the ear and may extend behind the ear depending on the patient’s needs. Through this incision, the SMAS layer—the muscular and structural layer of the face—is accessed. Procedures such as SMAS excision, plication, or dissection are performed. The SMAS is the key target in a facelift and determines the long-term success of the procedure.
The facelift surgery in Antalya typically lasts 4 to 6 hours.

How Is a Neck Lift Performed?

In patients aged 40–45 with no muscle laxity but only fat accumulation in the neck area, liposuction alone can deliver excellent results. This is a 30–60-minute procedure performed under general anesthesia through a ~1 cm incision beneath the chin.

For older patients with noticeable muscle sagging, a full neck lift is recommended. This surgery, performed under general anesthesia in 2–3 hours, involves incisions hidden in front and behind the ear. The platysma muscle (neck muscle) and SMAS layer are accessed, repositioned, and secured, and excess skin is removed.

What to Expect After Facelift and Neck Lift Surgery

Patients are usually kept in the hospital overnight. Drains, if placed, are removed the next day, and patients are discharged. Showering is allowed 2 days after surgery. Swelling and bruising significantly subside within a week but may take up to 3 weeks to fully resolve. Stitches are usually removed between 6 to 8 days.
Full results become visible after 4–6 months, once swelling and internal healing have completed.

What Are the Potential Risks After a Facelift or Neck Lift?

Swelling and bruising are normal and temporary. Hematoma (a collection of blood) is a serious early complication and may require surgical intervention.
Persistent swelling may be treated with lymphatic massage, radiofrequency, or ultrasound therapy.
In rare cases, temporary weakness in the eyebrows or lower lip muscles may occur; though typically short-lived, it may last longer in some individuals.

Over-correction (excessive tightening) may cause wound healing issues or tissue loss, especially in smokers. Therefore, smoking must be stopped at least 3 weeks before surgery.

Are Facelift and Neck Lift Results Permanent?

While aging continues after surgery, the face does not return to its pre-surgery state. Longevity of the results depends on the technique used and the patient’s skin type. Patients with thicker or oilier skin may experience earlier sagging compared to those with thinner skin.

Facelift Prices in Antalya

Facelift (rhytidectomy) prices in Antalya vary depending on the method used. For accurate pricing and evaluation, please visit our clinic for a consultation. Click the contact button to fill out the form or call us directly to schedule an appointment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Op. Dr. Uğurcan Şener sees patients at his private clinic located in Konyaaltı, Antalya.