--- title: "Deep Plane Facelift in Istanbul, Turkey | Facelift Guide - Doç. Dr. Ozan Balık" description: "Deep Plane Facelift in Turkey Guide: Natural Rejuvenation in the Anatomical Layers, Surgical Mastery and Timeless Elegance. Istanbul." url: "https://www.ozanbalik.com/en/deep-plane-facelift-turkey-guide/" language: en --- International Patients # Deep Plane Facelift in Istanbul, Turkey | Facelift Guide - Doç. Dr. Ozan Balık Deep Plane Facelift in Turkey Guide: A Natural Renewal in Harmony with Your Face Natural Rejuvenation in the Anatomical Layers, Surgical Mastery and Timeless Elegance > *"The ultimate mastery in facial surgery is not to create a tight, operated look, but to release the deep anatomical layers that time and gravity have carried downwards and to return them effortlessly to the youthful position where they belong. A successful facial rejuvenation does not turn you into someone else; it reunites you in the mirror with your own freshest, calmest and most dynamic self."* > > **— Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozan Balık, Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery** Our face changes over time, and this change does not progress in the same way for everyone. Some people notice that their cheeks have moved downwards, some that their jawline is not as defined as before, and some that the transition between the neck and face has become looser. These changes can make a person look more tired or sad than they are. What many people considering a facelift want is not to make their face look like someone else's, but to come closer to a look in which they feel fresher and more like themselves. **A deep plane facelift** is one of the facial rejuvenation techniques that aims to release and reposition the deeper soft-tissue layers of the face. It is not a procedure done simply by tightening the skin; the tissues of the mid and lower face as well as the jawline and the transition to the neck are assessed according to the person's anatomy. Which technique is suitable depends on your facial structure, skin quality, expectations and the surgeon's examination findings. For patients from abroad considering a deep plane facelift in Istanbul, the process can start with a free online consultation. Photos and videos help with the initial assessment; the final plan is made after an in-person examination and the necessary assessments. In this guide we explain what a deep plane facelift is, who it can be considered for, the recovery process and the planned **7–10 day stay** in Istanbul. ## What is a deep plane facelift? There are different surgical approaches to facelifting. In a deep plane facelift, the deeper soft-tissue layers under the skin and the supporting tissues of the face (SMAS) are treated together. Releasing and repositioning these tissues can contribute to a more balanced appearance of the cheeks and lower face. This approach does not aim to create a tight look by stretching only the skin of the face. The surgeon assesses the face's natural anatomy and plans in which direction and to what extent the tissues will be moved. The incisions are usually designed to be hidden around the ears and close to the hairline. Still, as with every surgical incision, there will be scars; how they look depends on healing and individual characteristics. A deep plane facelift is not a single standard operation. In some patients the lower face and jawline are the focus, while in others the midface or neck are also assessed. Eyelid, brow or neck procedures may also be considered; however, not everyone needs all of them. The surgical plan is made at the examination by discussing which areas bother the person most and what kind of change is realistic. ## Who might consider the deep plane approach? A deep plane facelift can be considered for people whose general health is suitable for surgery and who notice marked laxity or downward displacement in the mid and lower face. Age alone does not decide whether to operate. Skin quality, bone structure, soft tissues and expectations are at least as important as age. At the first consultation the following are discussed: - General health and regular medications - Previous face or neck operations - Smoking and nicotine use - Conditions that may affect wound healing - Which changes in the face are bothersome - The expected look and the time available for recovery - Post-operative care and travel plans A facelift does not remove all signs of facial ageing. For example, forehead lines, excess eyelid skin or fine lines around the mouth may require different approaches. At the examination, which area can be addressed with which procedure, and which changes fall outside the scope of a facelift, should be discussed openly. ## How does a deep plane facelift differ from other facelift techniques? Facelift techniques differ in how the skin and the supporting tissues underneath are treated. The deep plane approach involves releasing the deeper tissues and moving them together. In other techniques, the skin, the supporting layer called the SMAS, or different parts of these structures may be treated with varying methods. A technique having a newer or more extensive name does not automatically mean it will give a better result for every patient. A deep plane facelift can be a suitable option for certain anatomical features; for another patient a different technique may be more appropriate. That is why the choice of technique is made according to the patient's face and goals. A systematic review published in 2025 examined studies comparing deep plane and SMAS facelift techniques; it noted that both methods can be effective in facial rejuvenation but that direct comparative evidence and standardised outcome measures are limited. The review's conclusion supports the importance of choosing the technique individually. For this reason, a deep plane facelift should not be presented as a solution that is "best for everyone" or "permanent". Suitability and the expected result must be assessed in person. [YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMQIvMQ7c6M) *Deep Plane Facelift mi Lokal Anesteziyle Yüz Germe mi?* ## The first step: a free online consultation For patients considering travelling to Istanbul from abroad, the process can start with a free online consultation. In this conversation we discuss which changes you have noticed in your face, what look you would like and your medical history. Photos or videos from certain angles may be requested for the initial assessment. The images help to assess the general features of the face and the initial plan. However, they do not replace a real examination. Skin quality, tissue mobility, the face's natural asymmetries and the neck area are better understood in an in-person assessment. Photos can also be affected by light and angle. In this conversation, sharing other patients' results as examples can help you explain the features you like. However, another person's result cannot be guaranteed for you. The surgical plan is determined by your facial structure and your examination findings. ## Examination and pre-operative preparation in Istanbul When you arrive in Istanbul, an in-person examination is carried out. The mid and lower face, the jawline, the neck transition, skin quality and the position of the tissues are assessed. The initial plan made in the online consultation is finalised according to the examination findings. The necessary blood tests and anaesthesia assessment are carried out. Your regular medications, supplements, allergies and smoking or nicotine use are included in the assessment. Do not stop or change medications on your own; the physician will advise you on this. At the pre-operative consultation, the incision sites, which areas will be treated, possible additional procedures, the recovery process and scars are discussed. The face's natural asymmetries and the limits of the operation are also part of the planning. ## What happens on the day of surgery? A deep plane facelift is usually performed under general anaesthesia. The duration of the operation varies according to the planned procedures, the extent of the face and neck area treated and the details of the surgical approach. If there are additional procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid or brow surgery, the total time can also change. After the operation, a dressing or supportive bandage may be applied. Whether a hospital stay is needed also depends on the procedures performed and the patient's condition. Discharge is planned after the post-operative clinical assessment. ## The recovery process After a facelift, swelling, bruising, tightness and temporary changes in sensation may occur. In the first days your face may look different from what you expected; this is related to swelling and the early healing of the tissues. Time is needed to assess the result. In the early period, keeping the head elevated, avoiding heavy exertion and caring for the wound areas according to the instructions may be recommended. You will be given individual timing for washing your hair, showering, make-up, skin care and returning to social life. It is necessary to keep to the planned dates for checking or removing stitches. It can take weeks for the swelling to go down and for the facial contour to start looking more natural. Full recovery and maturing of the scars take longer. The time to return to social life and work depends on the scope of the procedures and the way the patient heals. It is not possible to give every patient the same timeline. ## A 7–10 day stay in Istanbul For patients coming from abroad, **a 7–10 day stay in Istanbul** can be planned after a deep plane facelift. This period helps to organise the post-operative check-ups and the assessment before your return. The exact length of stay may vary depending on the scope of the operation, your recovery, whether additional procedures were performed and the flight time. The timing of the return flight should not be decided only by how many days have passed on the calendar. For travel after a facelift, your personal health and your post-operative examination are taken into account. BAAPS has published patient information that generally recommends **waiting 7–10 days** before flying after a facelift; travel time and individual risks should still be assessed separately with the surgeon. During your stay in Istanbul after the operation, support can be provided with VIP transfers and accommodation. A changeable flight ticket makes it easier to update your plan if recovery is slower than expected. It is important to be assessed by your surgeon before you return. ## When does the result become clear? Swelling and bruising in the first days can temporarily change the shape of the face. That is why the appearance immediately after the operation is not the final result. As the tissues heal, the contour and expression of the face also change. A facelift does not stop the ageing process. The results can be long-lasting; however, the face naturally continues to change over time. ISAPS also states that facelift results are not short-lived and that they vary with factors such as age, skin quality, bone structure and general health. The aim of the operation is not to create an unrecognisable change in your face, but to achieve a fresher and more balanced appearance in the areas targeted by the surgical plan. Discussing expectations openly from the start also helps when assessing the result. ## An open conversation about possible risks In most patients, a facelift is completed with the planned recovery. However, as with every surgical procedure, there may be risks such as bleeding, infection, fluid collection, scarring, delayed skin healing or temporary changes in sensation. More rarely, temporary or permanent effects on the facial nerve, circulation problems in the skin, marked asymmetry or the need for an additional procedure may occur. Discussing these topics does not mean that complications will definitely occur. The aim is to share the scope of the surgery and its possible outcomes clearly enough for the patient to make a decision. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also recommends in its facelift information that these risks be discussed with the surgeon before surgery. After the operation, contact the surgical team without delay if you have rapidly increasing swelling, uncontrollable bleeding, fever, marked redness or discharge at the wound, shortness of breath or any other unexpected symptom. In an emergency, go to the emergency medical service where you are. ## Is our surgery covered by health insurance? Within the health protection programme for international patients, our clinic will arrange your health insurance and complication insurance before you even arrive in Turkey. This way, from before you board your plane until six months after you return to your country, you will be under the protective umbrella of our national health system. ## What affects the price of a deep plane facelift? The price can vary according to the scope of the operation, hospital and anaesthesia conditions, the need for an inpatient stay and the services offered to the patient. When getting a quote, it is useful to ask which services are included in the price and about the follow-up plan. In Turkey, each surgeon may set different standards and prices depending on their experience, the hospital where they operate, the materials used and the scope of service. Our clinic strives to offer high-quality care at accessible prices while treating patient safety as the top priority. Rather than comparing price alone, also consider the surgical plan and post-operative follow-up. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is a deep plane facelift suitable for everyone? No. Suitability is assessed according to facial structure, skin quality, tissue position, health and goals. A different facelift technique may be more suitable for you. ### Does a deep plane facelift give a more natural result? The aim of the technique is to address the facial contour by repositioning the deep tissues of the face. Whether the result looks natural depends on correct patient selection, the surgical plan, the technique and individual healing characteristics. The same result cannot be guaranteed for every patient. ### Will the scars be visible? The incision scars are usually planned around the ears and close to the hairline. Still, there will be scars; their appearance depends on individual wound healing and the scope of the surgical plan. Usually an onlooker cannot notice the scars of a healed facelift. ### When can I return to social life after the operation? How long swelling and bruising last varies from person to person. Your surgeon will give you individual timing for returning to social life, work and exercise. ### How long do I need to stay in Istanbul? The general planning period is **7–10 days** . Your post-operative condition, additional procedures and flight time can change this range. You need to be assessed by your surgeon before you return. ### Does follow-up continue after I return home? Yes. After you return home, contact can continue through online consultations. In an urgent or unexpected situation you need to get medical care where you are. ## A personal assessment for a deep plane facelift in Istanbul For patients considering a deep plane facelift, the first step is to talk about what change they are looking for in their face and why it matters to them. A free online consultation can help answer your first questions and plan your visit to Istanbul. The surgical plan is then finalised with an in-person examination and the necessary assessments. A deep plane facelift is not a ready-made method applied in the same way to every face. Which tissues will be treated, whether the neck or another area will be added to the plan, and your recovery process are determined after the examination. A 7–10 day stay in Istanbul can cover the post-operative check-ups and the assessment before your return. Fitness to fly, however, is decided according to your recovery and your surgeon's examination, regardless of the calendar. Our online contact continues after you return home. *This article is for general information only and is not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Suitability for surgery, surgical technique, recovery and flight planning are determined by examination and the physician's assessment.* > *"Your face is your soul's window to the world. We would be honoured to welcome you to our clinic in Istanbul to erase the traces of deep fatigue in that window and replace them with confident, fresh and timeless elegance."* > > **Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozan Balık Clinic — Levent, Beşiktaş, Istanbul | www.ozanbalik.com** ### Related Pages - [Deep Plane Facelift](https://www.ozanbalik.com/en/facelift-surgery/) - [All guides for international patients](https://www.ozanbalik.com/en/international-patients/) *Medically reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ozan Balık. Last updated: 30 October 2026* The information on this page is for general information only; always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Book an Appointment Book a consultation for detailed information about Deep Plane Facelift in Turkey Guide. 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Prof. Dr. Ozan Balık), Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery - Address: Levent Mahallesi Çilekli Caddesi No:10, Beşiktaş / İstanbul, Türkiye - Phone: +90 532 609 08 73 · +90 212 215 53 33 · WhatsApp: https://wa.me/905326090873 - Email: info@ozanbalik.com - Opening hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–18:00 - Online appointment: https://ozanbalik.crm.iboxsoft.com/randevu - Ask the Doctor form: https://www.ozanbalik.com/en/contact/ *The information on this page is general information; an examination is required for diagnosis and treatment.*