Reviewed by Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya — a qualified physician and specialist plastic surgeon (ISAPS, TPRECD), whose particular focus is the deep plane facelift. Surgery is carried out at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul. General information, not medical advice.
Restore a natural, refreshed look by tightening sagging skin and the deeper facial tissues — turning back the clock without looking “pulled”.
What is a facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) lifts and repositions sagging skin and the underlying muscle layer (the SMAS) of the face and neck to create a smoother, more youthful contour. Modern techniques, including deep-plane approaches, aim for a natural result rather than an overly tight look. A facelift addresses sagging and jowls; it does not change skin quality or fine surface lines, which other treatments such as RF microneedling and medical aesthetics target.
The deep plane facelift — our focus
Not all facelifts are the same, and the difference is where the lift happens. A traditional facelift mostly tightens skin; a SMAS facelift also tightens the muscle-fascia layer beneath it. A deep plane facelift goes further — it releases and repositions the deeper facial layers themselves, moving sagging tissue back to where it sat years ago rather than pulling the surface tight over it.
That is why a deep plane result looks natural and lasts: there is no “wind-tunnel” tension on the skin, the midface and cheeks are genuinely restored, and the correction holds for longer. It is also more technically demanding, which is exactly why the surgeon’s training matters. The deep plane facelift is Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya’s particular area of focus.
Deep plane, SMAS, mini and non-surgical — which is which?
| Approach | What it does | Typically lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Deep plane facelift | Repositions the deeper facial layers — most natural, restores the midface | ~10–15 years |
| SMAS facelift | Tightens skin plus the muscle-fascia (SMAS) layer | ~8–10 years |
| Mini facelift | Shorter-scar lift for early jowl/jawline laxity | ~5–8 years |
| Thread lift | Barbed threads to lift lightly — a non-surgical procedure | ~1–2 years |
| “Liquid / non-surgical” facelift | Fillers/injectables to soften, not lift — temporary | Months |
A note on non-surgical options. Thread lifts, liquid facelifts and injectables can refresh mild changes, but they do not lift significant sagging and they fade — which is why “facelift results slipping” stories almost always involve a non-surgical or skin-only procedure, not a properly done deep plane lift. For lasting rejuvenation of real sagging, a facelift is surgery.
The mini facelift
A mini facelift is a smaller operation with shorter incisions, suited to earlier signs of ageing — some jowl and jawline laxity without significant neck sagging. It means less downtime, but it does less: for advanced sagging, a full or deep plane lift gives a result a mini cannot. Whether a mini suits you is a judgement made on your anatomy, not a cheaper default to be sold.
What a facelift can do for you
- Tightens sagging cheeks, jowls and neck.
- Restores a more defined jawline and youthful contour.
- Long-lasting results (years), aging continues naturally.
- Can be combined with eyelid surgery or a neck lift.
Suitability and results vary; a surgeon assessment confirms what is realistic.
Are you a good candidate?
Good candidates have noticeable facial/neck sagging, reasonable skin elasticity, good general health, and realistic expectations. Non-smokers (or willing to stop) heal better.
Wondering if you are a candidate?
Send photos and a short note about what bothers you. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and gives you a realistic surgical opinion.
How a facelift is performed
- Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia or sedation, usually 2–4 hours.
- The surgeon lifts and repositions deeper tissue (SMAS/deep plane), removes excess skin, and closes with fine, hidden incisions (around the ears/hairline).
The operation takes place at Acıbadem, an accredited private hospital in Istanbul, under general anaesthesia or sedation.
A deep plane facelift — Dr Çetinkaya’s area of focus. Meet your surgeon →
Facelift recovery
Typical pattern; healing varies.
- Week 1: swelling and bruising; rest with the head elevated; dressings/sutures managed.
- Weeks 2–3: bruising fades; many feel presentable and return to light routine.
- Weeks 3–6: avoid strenuous activity; swelling continues to settle.
- Months 1–6: the natural, refreshed result emerges as tissues settle.
Results and how long they last
A facelift produces long-lasting rejuvenation; results typically last several years, though the face continues to age naturally. Planned well, the result looks refreshed and natural, not “operated”.
How long does a facelift last? It depends on the technique and your tissues. A deep plane facelift typically holds for around ten to fifteen years; a SMAS lift somewhat less; non-surgical thread and liquid “facelifts” fade within months to a couple of years. In every case the face keeps ageing naturally from its new, younger starting point — a facelift turns the clock back, it does not stop it. Matching the technique to the degree of sagging is the single biggest factor in how long you stay happy with the result.
Cost in Turkey
Transparent, all-inclusive packages (surgeon, procedure, anaesthesia, aftercare, hotel, transfers, coordinator). Quote confirmed after assessment. 💬 Get your facelift quote on WhatsApp.
Get a surgeon’s honest opinion
Send photos from the front and in profile on WhatsApp. Dr. Çetinkaya assesses them personally and you get a realistic opinion and one clear, all-inclusive quote — with no pressure and no obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Will a facelift look natural?
Modern deep-plane techniques aim for a natural, refreshed look, not a pulled appearance.
How long does a facelift last?
Typically several years; aging continues naturally afterwards.
Where are the scars?
Incisions are placed around the ears and hairline, where they heal discreetly.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
Usually around 7–10 days for surgery and initial recovery.
Is it painful?
Discomfort is usually mild to moderate and well controlled with medication.
Can it be combined with other procedures?
Yes, often with eyelid surgery or a neck lift.
When can I return to work?
Many return to light activity in about 2 weeks, once bruising fades.
Reviewed by our aesthetic, plastic and reconstructive surgeon. See Our Doctors.
What is a deep plane facelift?
It repositions the deeper facial layers rather than tightening skin, giving a natural, longer-lasting result — and it is Dr Çetinkaya’s area of focus.
Deep plane vs SMAS — which is better?
Deep plane restores the midface more completely and tends to last longer; SMAS is a well-established alternative. The right choice depends on your anatomy and is decided in person.
What is a mini facelift?
A smaller operation with shorter scars for earlier, limited sagging and less downtime. For advanced sagging it does less than a full or deep plane lift.
How much does a deep plane facelift cost in Turkey?
Well below UK, EU or US prices for the same operation; your figure depends on the technique and whether a neck lift or eyelid surgery is combined, confirmed in writing. See plastic surgery cost & packages.
Are thread or “liquid” facelifts a good alternative?
They refresh mild changes only and fade within months to a couple of years; they do not lift real sagging. For lasting change, a facelift is surgery.
Are the before-and-after photos real?
We show only genuine, consented results. Learn what to check in our honest before & after guide.
Related procedures
Plastic Surgery in Turkey · Rhinoplasty in Turkey
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