Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

In the heart of Turkey, where precision meets passion, Facelift surgery offers more than just a cosmetic transformation — it offers a new beginning.

If you’re noticing sagging skin, deep folds, or a tired expression when you look in the mirror, a Facelift (Rhytidectomy) can help restore the contours of your youth. It’s a refined, advanced procedure designed to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate.

As Ali Cetinkaya M.D. puts it, “A Facelift is not about changing who you are — it’s about revealing the best version of you, with natural and lasting elegance.”

What is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)?

A Facelift, or Rhytidectomy, is a surgical aesthetic procedure designed to reverse visible signs of ageing by tightening the skin, repositioning underlying facial tissues, and restoring youthful contours. It effectively addresses sagging cheeks, deep nasolabial folds, jowls, and loose skin around the jawline and neck.

Ideal for individuals seeking long-term and dramatic rejuvenation, a Facelift offers natural-looking results by enhancing facial harmony and definition. Unlike non-surgical treatments, it provides deeper structural improvements with results that can last for many years.

• Lifts and repositions sagging facial tissues for a refreshed, youthful appearance
• Improves definition of the jawline and neck
• Smooths deep wrinkles and folds, especially around the mouth and chin
• Provides long-lasting results with one-time surgery
• Can be combined with other procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery, fat transfer) for full facial rejuvenation

Facelift surgery is tailored to your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Performed by experienced hands like Ali Cetinkaya M.D., the procedure ensures natural, elegant results that rejuvenate—not alter—your expression.

Why is a Facelift (Rhytidectomy) Performed?

A Facelift, also known as Rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to address moderate to severe signs of facial aging. It restores a youthful appearance by lifting and tightening sagging skin, repositioning deeper tissues, and smoothing deep wrinkles and folds. This comprehensive rejuvenation primarily targets the mid-to-lower face and neck areas.

Common reasons for undergoing a Facelift include:

• Reversing facial ageing: Effectively lifts sagging cheeks, jowls, and loose neck skin for a firmer, more youthful profile.
• Improving facial contour: Enhances the definition of the jawline and neck by restoring volume and tightening underlying structures.
• Achieving long-term results: Provides more dramatic and lasting rejuvenation compared to non-surgical treatments.
• Correcting deep wrinkles and folds: Smooths prominent nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and neck creases for a refreshed appearance.

Ideal candidates for a Facelift typically have:

• Visible signs of ageing: Noticeable skin laxity, volume loss, or deep wrinkles in the lower face and neck.
• Good skin elasticity: Sufficient skin flexibility for optimal tightening and healing after surgery.
• Overall good health: A healthy lifestyle and no significant medical conditions that could impair recovery.
• Realistic expectations: Understanding that a facelift enhances natural features without creating an artificial or overdone look.

The Facelift procedure typically takes 2–4 hours and is performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the technique and case complexity. Recovery may take several weeks, but the natural-looking and long-lasting results make it a highly effective solution for restoring youthful facial harmony.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive, transformative solution to facial ageing, a Facelift offers powerful results that go beyond what non-surgical treatments can achieve.

How to Prepare for a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe surgery, smooth recovery, and optimal facelift results. Your surgeon will provide a personalized plan, but here are the general steps you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation:

Meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, medical history, and expectations. This is the time to ask questions, understand the procedure, and determine if a facelift is the right option for you.

2. Physical Evaluation:

Your surgeon will assess your facial structure, skin quality, and the degree of aging. Based on this, they will tailor a surgical plan that best suits your anatomy and desired outcome.

3. Medical Clearance:

You may be required to undergo blood tests or medical evaluations to ensure you’re in good health for surgery. Disclose all medications, supplements, allergies, and pre-existing conditions.

4. Understanding Risks and Recovery:

A clear explanation of potential risks, expected downtime, and aftercare instructions will be provided. It’s important to enter surgery with realistic expectations and a good understanding of the recovery process.

Additional steps to help you prepare include:

• Stop smoking: Nicotine restricts blood flow and significantly impairs healing. Most surgeons recommend stopping at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
• Avoid blood thinners: Discontinue aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamin E, and herbal supplements at least 1–2 weeks before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding (only under medical guidance).
• Plan for recovery: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help with basic tasks for the first few days.
• Prepare your home: Stock up on soft foods, button-up clothing, prescribed medications, and necessary post-op supplies to make your recovery more comfortable.
• Stay hydrated and eat well: Good nutrition and hydration support better healing and skin quality.

What to Expect After a Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin on the lower face and neck, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. While the results can be transformative, understanding the recovery process is key to a successful outcome.

Facelift Procedure Overview

Facelift surgery is tailored to each patient’s facial structure and aesthetic goals. Common steps include:

• Incisions and Tissue Repositioning: Small, well-hidden incisions are made around the ears and possibly under the chin. The underlying facial muscles and tissues are lifted and repositioned for a natural, long-lasting result.
• Excess Skin Removal: Loose or sagging skin is carefully trimmed to reduce wrinkles and redefine facial contours.
• Minimal Scarring: Incisions are placed strategically along natural creases, making scars discreet and often barely visible once healed.

Immediately After Surgery

Once your facelift is complete:

• Swelling and Bruising: These are normal and peak within the first 2–3 days. Most swelling subsides within 2 weeks.
• Mild Discomfort: You may feel tightness or soreness, which can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
• Compression Garment: A gentle facial wrap may be applied to reduce swelling and support healing tissues.

Recovery Timeline

1–2 Weeks:

You’ll begin to feel more comfortable. Stitches are typically removed within the first week. Most patients return to light daily activities during this time.

2–4 Weeks:

Bruising fades significantly, and swelling continues to subside. Light exercise may be resumed with your surgeon’s approval.

4–6 Weeks and Beyond:

Final results become more visible as your face settles into its new contour. You’ll notice a firmer jawline, smoother skin, and an overall refreshed look.

Long-Term Results

Facelift results are long-lasting, typically maintaining their effect for 8–10 years depending on skin type, age, and lifestyle. With proper skincare and sun protection, you can enjoy a youthful, natural appearance for years to come.

By understanding what to expect after your facelift and closely following your surgeon’s guidance, you’ll support optimal healing and achieve the most refined, rejuvenated outcome.

Potential Risks and Complications

A facelift (Rhytidectomy) is a highly effective surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation, but as with any surgical intervention, it carries certain risks and potential complications.

Early Postoperative Risks

These typically occur shortly after surgery and are usually temporary:

• Swelling and Bruising: Common in the first few days, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and neck. These effects usually subside within 1–2 weeks.
• Discomfort or Tightness: Mild to moderate discomfort or a feeling of tightness may be experienced, which is generally well managed with prescribed pain medication.
• Bleeding or Hematoma: Accumulation of blood under the skin (hematoma) may require drainage. This is rare but important to address early.
• Infection: Though rare, infection at the incision sites can occur. Proper wound care and antibiotics help minimise this risk.

Less Common or Long-Term Complications

While less frequent, some complications may arise during healing or in the long term:

• Scarring: Incisions are carefully placed in natural creases to minimise visible scars, but in rare cases, hypertrophic or keloid scars may form.
• Nerve Injury: Temporary or, rarely, permanent weakness in facial muscles due to nerve injury can occur, affecting expression or sensation.
• Asymmetry: Subtle differences in facial appearance may arise but are often corrected through minor revision procedures if necessary.
• Skin Irregularities or Discolouration: Uneven skin texture or prolonged redness may develop but typically improves over time.
• Hair Loss Along the Incision Line: Temporary thinning or loss of hair near the incision sites may occur but usually resolves.

Minimising Risks

To reduce the likelihood of complications:

• Choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon with a strong track record in facelift procedures.
• Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to support healing and reduce infection or swelling.
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor your recovery and address any concerns promptly.

When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon and with proper post-operative care, facelift surgery is safe and offers long-lasting, natural-looking results. Understanding the potential risks helps ensure realistic expectations and a smoother, more confident recovery journey.

Facelift in Turkey – Prices in 2025

The cost of a facelift in Turkey can vary based on several factors, including the extent of the procedure, the surgical technique used, the clinic’s location, and the expertise of the plastic surgeon. At Ali Cetinkaya MD.’s clinic in Istanbul, facelift surgeries are performed with precision and care, offering patients natural-looking and long-lasting rejuvenation.

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure designed to tighten sagging facial tissues, redefine the jawline, and smooth out deep wrinkles, delivering a youthful and refreshed appearance.

Pricing for facelift procedures in Turkey generally includes:

• A comprehensive pre-surgery consultation
• Customised surgical planning based on facial anatomy and goals
• Operating room and anaesthesia fees
• Post-operative care and follow-up visits

At Ali Cetinkaya MD.’s clinic, each treatment is tailored to the individual’s unique needs, ensuring results that are both elegant and harmonious.

For an accurate and personalized quote for your facelift in Turkey, we recommend scheduling a consultation. Ali Cetinkaya MD. will assess your facial structure, discuss your aesthetic goals, and develop a customised surgical plan to deliver optimal outcomes.

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