Facelift in Northern Cyprus

Modern facelift surgery has two main approaches; both are evidence-based, and the choice depends on the individual case:

• SMAS facelift (SMAS plication and SMASectomy): The SMAS layer is accessed and either folded (plication) and secured, or a strip is excised and the edges sutured together. This is the most widely practised, evidence-backed technique. It delivers reliable outcomes in suitable candidates. The risk of nerve injury is lower than with deep plane.
• Deep plane facelift: Dissection proceeds beneath the SMAS, and the SMAS and skin are elevated as a single composite unit. The effect on the nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines), mid-face and jawline is more pronounced. It is preferred for patients with significant mid-face descent, deep nasolabial grooves and poor jawline definition. The technique is more demanding and requires greater surgical experience; the branches of the facial nerve run adjacent to this plane, making a thorough knowledge of plastic surgery anatomy essential.

At Nis Clinic, the choice of technique is assessed together based on your age, skin elasticity, skeletal structure and the distribution of laxity. Marketing "deep plane for everyone" is as misleading as "superficial SMAS for everyone". The criterion for the decision is not the name of the technique — it is your outcome.

A full SMAS or deep plane procedure may be more extensive than necessary for younger patients with mild to moderate laxity. Two intermediate options exist for this group:

• MACS lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension): The SMAS is suspended to the deep cranial structures (deep temporal fascia, zygomatic periosteum) using short, vertically oriented purse-string sutures. The incision in front of the ear is kept short, extending only minimally behind the ear. It produces clear improvement in the mid-face and jawline. Recovery is modestly faster than with a classic SMAS procedure.
• Mini facelift: A more limited version of the classic SMAS technique, with a shorter incision and narrower dissection. It is suitable for mild to moderate laxity, patients in the early phase (aged 45–55), and those who do not wish for a more extensive procedure. Its limitation is this: in patients with significant neck laxity, a mini lift alone is insufficient — they require either a full SMAS procedure or a combined approach.

Why a skin-only approach is inadequate

A "skin-only" approach has no place in current surgical practice. Tightening the skin without repositioning the underlying SMAS and fat tissues results in early relapse, an unnatural "stretched" appearance, and widened, conspicuous scars from the tension placed directly on the skin closure. A skin-only technique is not performed at Nis Clinic.

The face must be considered as a whole. If the mid-face is lifted but the neck remains lax, or the upper eyelids remain heavy, the result looks inconsistent. For this reason, facelift surgery is frequently planned in the same session as:

• Neck lift (platysmaplasty): The platysma muscle is tightened in the midline and, where necessary, the lower chin contour is defined. A double chin and "turkey neck" appearance are addressed with this procedure. It is very commonly performed alongside a facelift and does not require a separate operation.
• Upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery): Eyelid laxity is one of the earliest signs of facial ageing. When blepharoplasty is combined with a facelift, the overall recovery period is comparable to performing both separately — but requires only one flight, one stay and one anaesthetic. Further detail is available on our blepharoplasty page.
• Brow lift: Can be added where forehead and brow descent is prominent.
• Fat grafting: If volume has been lost in the lifted face — particularly the mid-face — fat grafting restores natural volume.

Not every procedure for every patient — the right combination is tailored to the right person. The appropriate plan for your face is determined together at consultation.

We offer the initial consultation online (Zoom or WhatsApp video call) or in person at our clinic. The process is the same for every patient, whether they have already decided on a facelift or simply wish to gather information — written information first, decision after.

At consultation we assess together:

• Age and age-related changes (mid-face descent, nasolabial grooves, loss of jawline definition, neck laxity)
• Skin quality and elasticity — the most critical surgical variable; firm, resilient skin is favourable, whilst sun-damaged or thinned skin requires more careful planning
• Weight and weight history — a stable weight is a key factor in maintaining the outcome
• General health, chronic conditions and current medication (blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, anticoagulants)
• Smoking — one of the most important contraindications to facelift surgery; addressed separately below
• Expectations — the most important topic of all. "I want to look like a different person" is not a realistic goal; "I want to look more rested as myself" is

At the end of the consultation we give you a clear preliminary plan: whether you are a suitable candidate, which technique (SMAS / deep plane / MACS / mini / combined) is under consideration, the approximate cost range and a possible surgical date.

At the face-to-face assessment, three areas of work take place:

1. Photographic and video analysis: Standardised photographs from multiple angles; video recording in motion (speaking, smiling). The degree and distribution of laxity, left–right asymmetries, skin quality and mid-face volume are all documented.
2. 3D facial analysis: Existing anatomical proportions — target lower-face contour, jawline angle and malar (cheekbone) projection — are assessed in millimetric detail. The simulation is not a guaranteed outcome — it is a communication tool used to establish a shared language about the goal.
3. Technique selection: SMAS, deep plane, MACS, mini or combined — this choice is finalised after the analysis. Neck status, eyelids and brow position are planned simultaneously. If fat grafting is needed, donor sites (abdomen, inner thigh, inner knee) are evaluated.

After planning, you receive in writing: the chosen technique, any additional procedures, estimated duration, recovery timeline and the confirmed price. A figure given verbally at consultation does not change before surgery.

Facelift procedures are usually performed under general anaesthesia, and in some cases under deep local anaesthesia with sedation. The choice depends on the scope of surgery (a mini lift alone versus a full SMAS combined with neck and blepharoplasty), the patient's health status and the assessment of the anaesthetist.

At Nis Clinic, all comprehensive facelift cases are conducted with an experienced anaesthetist, in a fully equipped operating theatre, under continuous monitoring. The airway safety and patient immobility that general anaesthesia provides during longer facial procedures are important for a high-quality outcome. Internal medicine and anaesthesia consultations are completed before any operative date is confirmed.

Operative duration varies with the chosen technique and any additional procedures: a pure mini lift takes 2–3 hours, a SMAS facelift 3–4 hours, and a deep plane combined with neck lift and blepharoplasty 5–6 hours.

Typical schedule (comprehensive SMAS facelift with neck lift):

• 07:30 — Arrival at clinic, final pre-operative checks, anaesthetist review
• 08:00 — Blood tests and ECG; surgical markings
• 08:30 — Transfer to theatre, induction of anaesthesia
• 09:00 — Surgery begins
• 12:30–13:30 — Surgery complete, dressings applied, drain placed if required
• 13:30–15:00 — Observation in recovery room
• 15:00 — Transfer to room, first meeting with family or companion
• Evening — Overnight observation at clinic or partner hospital

Where Are the Incisions Placed?

Facelift incisions are deliberately concealed within the hairline and natural ear contours:

• Temporal (temple) region: Hidden within or just above the hairline
• Pre-auricular (in front of the ear): Along the natural fold in front of the ear cartilage
• Post-auricular (behind the ear): Along the fold behind the ear and into the hairline
• Sub-mental (for the neck): A small additional incision beneath the chin, within the natural chin crease (if platysmaplasty is required)

An honest word about scarring

Every facelift leaves scars. The incisions are placed in the most concealed positions available, and with high-quality micro-sutures and careful scar management they become imperceptible in day-to-day life — but they are not absent. What determines scar quality: placing the incision correctly, transferring tension through the SMAS rather than the skin, the patient not smoking, and sun protection. When these four factors are in place, scars fade over months and are effectively lost within the hair, ear contours and facial expression. Marketing a "scar-free facelift" is not accurate — discreet scarring is what is achieved, not invisible scarring.

Bandaging, not a cast

A facelift does not involve a plaster cast. A moderately firm head wrap is applied. This is changed within the first 24–48 hours and progressively reduced. Any drain is usually removed within 1–2 days.

Facelift recovery progresses gradually. We explain this timeline clearly to every patient from the outset:

• First 48 hours: Noticeable facial swelling and a sensation of tightness are normal. Pain is mild to moderate; contrary to expectation, most patients find facelift discomfort less intense than that of rhinoplasty or abdominoplasty. Cold compresses are recommended; rest with the head elevated in a semi-upright position.
• Days 3–5: The period of peak swelling. Bruising ranging from purple to yellow may extend down to the neck. Skin sutures and hairline sutures remain in place.
• Days 7–10: Skin sutures are removed. Approximately half of the swelling has resolved. The hair bandaging is removed. Returning to social settings is not yet advisable.
• Weeks 2–3: Visible swelling has largely subsided and bruising has faded. Return to everyday social situations with make-up is possible within this window. Strenuous exercise, saunas and sun exposure remain restricted.
• Month 1: Approximately 70–80% of swelling has resolved. The face looks visibly more settled at a glance; close contacts will notice, acquaintances may not.
• Month 3: The sensation of residual tightness diminishes. Scars transition from pink-red to light pink.
• Month 6: 90% of the outcome has settled; scars begin to fade.
• Month 12: The final result. Tissues have fully settled and scars approach skin tone. On thicker or darker skin, scar maturation may take up to 18 months.

We remain in contact throughout via WhatsApp — send photographs and we will respond to your questions within 24 hours. In-person or video reviews are scheduled at day 10 and at months 1, 3, 6 and 12.

Related page: Medical tourism packages — transfers, accommodation and long-term follow-up included

The effect of a facelift is long-lasting, but ageing does not stop. Surgery sets the clock back on your face; the clock is moved back but it does not stop. With modern SMAS and deep plane techniques, the outcome maintains a statistically significant advantage for 8–12 years; after that, the pace of change depends on the individual's rate of ageing, skincare routine, and the variables of smoking, sun exposure and weight fluctuation.

We communicate this honestly to our patients from the beginning: a facelift offers a "fresh start" — not a permanent guarantee. Post-operative skin maintenance, sun protection and, where appropriate, periodic supportive treatments (micro fat injection, laser skin resurfacing, subtle dermal filler) all contribute to preserving the result over time.

• Typically individuals aged 45–70. Below this range, laxity usually does not require surgery; above it, general health is assessed carefully.
• Patients with reasonable skin elasticity. In very thinned, sun-damaged or markedly lax skin, surgical improvement may be less pronounced than anticipated.
• Individuals with moderate to significant laxity (loss of jawline definition, deepening nasolabial grooves, neck laxity, the early "frozen mask" appearance).
• Those with a stable weight. A change of 5 kg or more after surgery can affect the outcome.
• Patients in good general health without uncontrolled chronic conditions.
• Non-smokers, or individuals who have stopped smoking at least 4–6 weeks before surgery. Smoking is arguably the single most critical factor in facelift surgery; nicotine impairs skin blood flow and can lead to tissue loss (necrosis).
• Patients with realistic expectations. "Turning back 20 years" is not achievable; "looking 8–10 years more rested" is a realistic and meaningful goal.

• Active smoking: Must be stopped at least 4–6 weeks before surgery; ideally, discontinued altogether. Elective facelift surgery is not recommended for patients who continue to smoke.
• Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension or cardiac disease: Internal medicine review and stabilisation of values are required first.
• Anticoagulant use: Cardiology consultation; an appropriate transition plan is arranged 7–10 days before surgery.
• Autoimmune conditions: Rheumatology consultation; wound healing and immune response are assessed.
• Previous radiotherapy to the head or neck: Tissue healing is compromised; individual risk–benefit assessment required.
• Isotretinoin (Roaccutane): At least 6 months must have elapsed since the last dose.
• Active skin infection or inflammatory skin condition: Dermatological treatment first.
• Expectation–reality mismatch or suspected body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): Psychological support takes priority over surgery.
• Planned significant weight change in the near future: Assessment after weight has stabilised.

Not every concern about facial laxity requires surgery; particularly for younger patients (aged 35–50) with mild laxity, the following alternatives merit consideration. An honest comparison:

• Thread lifting (PDO/PLLA threads): Absorbable threads are placed beneath the skin to achieve a modest lift. Advantages: non-surgical, performed under local anaesthesia in 30–45 minutes, recovery within one week. Limitations: the effect lasts 6–12 months, extending to 18 months with some threads — but it cannot be compared with a surgical result. It is a bridging solution for patients aged 35–50 with mild laxity; it does not replace a full facelift. The marketing claim of "thread lift = surgery-free facelift" is misleading.
• Filler-based facial volumisation: Hyaluronic acid fillers are used to soften nasolabial folds, restore mid-face volume and define the jawline. The effect lasts 12–18 months. Advantages: immediate result, no surgery. Limitation: fillers do not lift lax tissue — they add volume. In a patient where volume loss is the primary concern, filler can be highly effective; in a patient with true laxity, adding filler can create a heavy, overfilled appearance and does not resolve the underlying problem.
• Energy-based devices (HIFU, radiofrequency (RF) microneedling, Ultherapy, etc.): Deep tissue heating stimulates collagen contraction and new collagen production. Advantages: non-surgical, short recovery. Limitation: the effect is mild to moderate; when laxity is significant, results are insufficient. Improvement is seen within 3–6 months and lasts 12–18 months.
• Botulinum toxin: Should not be confused with a facelift — botulinum toxin relaxes dynamic muscles and addresses lines, not laxity.

Summary: when is surgery required?

"Less invasive = less durable" — we share this openly from the outset.

A facelift is one of the most anatomically demanding procedures in plastic surgery. The branches of the facial nerve (N. facialis) run deep to the SMAS; in deep plane surgery, dissection proceeds immediately adjacent to these branches. Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin is a Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cyprus Turkish Medical Association (CTMA), Registration No. 969. His reconstructive surgery background provides a different level of assurance in terms of nerve safety, scar management and natural-looking outcomes. He is personally present throughout every procedure; the model of "technicians operate, doctor oversees" is not practised at Nis Clinic.

Full academic background, certifications and publications: Doctor Profile — Op. Dr. İbrahim Meyzin

Facelift surgery has a particular quality: the result is visible even when you choose not to mention the surgery. For this reason, many patients want to plan a gradual return to their social circle without announcing the procedure. Northern Cyprus (TRNC) offers a remarkable environment for this:

• Physical distance: One hour fifteen minutes from Istanbul; four to four and a half hours from the United Kingdom. Reachable from your everyday surroundings, yet far enough away.
• Social privacy: The likelihood of encountering someone you know is very low. Spending the critical 2–3 weeks of recovery in a quiet environment has a genuine effect on both psychological wellbeing and the quality of physical healing.
• No passport trace: Simple border procedures for UK passport holders. No Schengen stamp.
• Climate: A mild Mediterranean climate; light outdoor walks during the recovery period are possible, provided direct sun exposure is avoided.
• Service framework: Private transfers, a quiet hotel room, optional nursing observation, written daily follow-up — a framework designed for a discreet recovery.

Our three clinic locations:

• Nicosia — main clinic, operating theatre and consultation centre
• Kyrenia — on the coastline; ideal for a calm recovery after facelift surgery
• Famagusta — serving patients from the eastern side of the island

For patients travelling from the United Kingdom, the extended recovery advantage is particularly significant: a two-week stay combined with a quiet hotel provides a far more comfortable healing period than a restricted leave of absence at home. Our medical tourism packages are designed to resolve this logistics challenge.

Facelift costs vary across a very wide range depending on the clinic, surgeon, technique and any additional procedures:

• United Kingdom: €12,000–€25,000+ (deep plane combined with neck lift at the upper end)
• Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Italy): €10,000–€20,000
• Türkiye (quality clinics): €4,000–€8,000
• Nis Clinic (Northern Cyprus facelift package): €4,500–€8,000

This range varies with the chosen technique (mini / MACS / SMAS / deep plane), any additional procedures (neck lift, blepharoplasty, fat grafting), length of stay and package scope. The confirmed price, tailored to you, is provided after consultation and 3D planning. Package includes:

• Airport transfers (Ercan Airport (ECN), between hotel and clinic)
• 7–14 nights' accommodation (4-star partner hotel)
• Surgical and anaesthesia fees
• Medications, skincare products and surgical support bandaging
• Suture removal and follow-up consultations
• WhatsApp support (24/7 written)
• Photographic follow-up reviews at months 1, 3, 6 and 12

There are no hidden charges. The figure given at consultation remains fixed through to surgery.

Combined procedures — no artificial "combination discount"

We do not market a "combination discount" for facelift + blepharoplasty + neck lift — because each element requires its own distinct surgical work. However, a single flight, single hotel stay and single anaesthetic provide an automatic financial benefit in terms of combined cost. Performed separately, three procedures would require three journeys and three separate recovery periods; that is the genuine advantage of a combined approach.

A facelift is among the aesthetic procedures with the highest long-term satisfaction rates. Seeking the cheapest option is particularly risky with this procedure — revision facelift costs two to three times more and carries considerably greater complexity, with a result that cannot compare to a well-executed primary surgery. A correctly performed first procedure is the most economical choice in the long run.