Facelift, neck lift and eyelid surgery in Türkiye: what UK patients ask before they book
Facelift, neck lift and eyelid surgery in Antalya: which lift you need, how long to stay, stitches, flying home, swelling, scars and aftercare in the UK.
Sagging jowls, a loose neck or heavy eyelids – many people in the UK look at a facelift in Türkiye once they have seen the price of private surgery at home. This guide answers the practical questions UK patients ask most before they book a facelift, neck lift or eyelid surgery in Antalya: which operation, how long to stay, stitches, flying, swelling, scars and aftercare back home. It does not replace a consultation with your surgeon or advice from your GP.
Which facelift do I need – mini, SMAS, deep plane or neck lift?
Your surgeon decides after examining you – not the name of a package. The terms describe how much is lifted and at which depth: a mini facelift treats a smaller area, SMAS and deep plane techniques lift the deeper layer under the skin as well, and a neck lift focuses on loose skin and bands under the jaw. Many patients have a face and neck lift together.
| Term you will see | What it usually means | Worth asking |
|---|---|---|
| Mini facelift | Smaller lift, shorter scars, mainly lower face | Will it treat my neck, or only my jowls? |
| SMAS facelift | Skin and the deeper layer are tightened | Which layers will you lift, and why? |
| Deep plane facelift | Deeper tissues released and repositioned | Why this technique for me, and what are its specific risks? |
| Neck lift | Loose neck skin and muscle bands | Is a separate scar under the chin needed? |
| Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) | Excess skin or fat removed from upper and/or lower lids | Upper, lower or both – and where will the scars be? |
If someone names a technique before seeing photos or examining you, treat that as a warning sign.
Can I combine a facelift with eyelid surgery?
Often yes – a facelift, neck lift and eyelid surgery are commonly done in one session. Each extra procedure lengthens the operation and the anaesthetic, though, so the surgeon must decide whether it is safe for you, based on your health, age and medication. Eyelid surgery on its own takes about 45 minutes to two and a half hours, and most people go home the same day, according to the NHS.
How many days do I need in Antalya?
BAPRAS advises allowing seven to ten days abroad after facial cosmetic procedures before flying home. That fits the timing of stitch removal and the first check-ups. A rough shape of the stay:
| Phase | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Day of arrival or next day | Consultation, examination, blood tests, final plan and consent |
| Surgery day | Facelift under anaesthetic; eyelids alone are often a day case |
| First one to two days | Bandages and any drains removed; BAAPS says drains usually come out after a day or two |
| Days 3 to 7 | Rest at the hotel, head raised, short walks, wound checks |
| Around days 7 to 10 | Stitch removal and a final check before you are cleared to fly |
Book a ticket you can change rather than an early fixed return flight.
When are stitches removed and when can I fly?
The NHS says facelift stitches are usually removed after about 7 to 14 days, unless they are dissolvable; BAAPS gives around day seven to eight. Eyelid suture strips usually come off within about a week. Plan your flight for after removal, so you do not have to find someone at home to take them out.
Fly only once your surgeon has seen you and confirmed you are fit to travel. Flying and surgery both raise the risk of blood clots. BAPRAS says drinking water, avoiding alcohol and walking around during the flight help, but do not remove the risk entirely. Before the flight, ask:
- Are all drains out and are the wounds dry?
- Do I need compression stockings or blood-thinning injections?
- Can I have a letter for any medicines in my hand luggage?
More in flying after cosmetic surgery.
What is usually included in a package?
Packages differ, so get the list in writing. Commonly included:
- consultation and pre-operative tests
- the operation, anaesthetic and hospital stay
- hotel nights and airport and clinic transfers
- dressings, a chin strap or compression garment, and medication for the first days
- check-ups and stitch removal before you leave
Ask what is not included: extra nights if you are not fit to fly, treatment of complications, and any corrective surgery later.
How long will swelling and bruising show?
Expect to look bruised and swollen for at least two weeks. The NHS says full recovery takes about two to four weeks, swelling or numbness can last weeks or months, and stiffness in the face and mouth usually settles within six weeks. Bruising often drifts down into the neck. After eyelid surgery, bruising and redness may take several weeks to fade, and eyes can be watery or irritated for a few weeks.
The final result shows only at around 6 to 9 months, according to the NHS. Plan important events and photos accordingly.
Tip: Take two to four weeks off work and avoid social events in that period. Bring sunglasses and a scarf for the flight home – they hide most of the bruising.
Where are the scars?
Facelift scars usually run in the hair at the temples, down in front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear, with a small scar under the chin if the neck is lifted, says the NHS. They fade but do not disappear completely. Women can often hide them with their hair; men may need to shave closer to the ear. Upper eyelid scars usually lie in the natural crease and often become hard to see, though they can feel tight for a few months.
How long does a facelift last?
There is no fixed number of years. BAAPS puts it this way: a facelift does not stop the clock, but it puts it back. You keep ageing afterwards, and sun, smoking and large weight changes affect how long the result looks fresh. Be wary of anyone promising a set number of years.
Can I have a facelift if I smoke?
Smoking is the main cause of poor healing after a facelift, because it reduces blood flow to the lifted skin, especially behind the ears. BAAPS patient information advises stopping at least two weeks before surgery; many surgeons ask for longer and also after surgery. Tell your surgeon honestly – including vaping and nicotine products. The NHS also advises avoiding smoking after eyelid surgery, because smoke irritates the eyes. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers increase bleeding risk; ask which medicines to stop and when.
Sun, hair dye and exercise afterwards
Follow your surgeon’s written instructions; as a rough guide:
| Activity | General guidance |
|---|---|
| Strenuous exercise, sauna, massage | Avoid for at least two weeks (NHS, BAAPS) |
| Showering and wetting bandages | Not for the first two days (NHS) |
| Hair dye or perm | Fresh scars are sensitive to these chemicals for a few weeks – have them done before surgery (BAAPS) |
| Contact lenses, rubbing eyes | Avoid after eyelid surgery until your surgeon allows it (NHS) |
| Driving | Not for a number of days – check with your surgeon and insurer |
| Sun, sea and pool | Protect scars with shade and a hat; swim only once wounds have healed and your surgeon agrees |
Antalya is sunny most of the year. Plan for shade rather than the beach during your recovery week.
What are the main risks?
The NHS lists nerve injury causing loss of feeling or movement, uneven features, hair loss around the scars, thick or obvious scars and healing problems, plus the general risks of bleeding, blood clots, infection and reactions to anaesthetic. After eyelid surgery, blurred or double vision, uneven eyes and, rarely, the lower lid turning outwards or bleeding behind the eye can occur. Some people are unhappy with the result and want another operation – ask how that would be handled and paid for.
How do I check the surgeon?
- Who exactly will operate, and are they a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery?
- How many facelifts and neck lifts do they do, and can they show their own before-and-after photos?
- Which technique do they recommend for me, and why?
- Is the clinic authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for health tourism – can I see the document?
- What happens if I have a complication after I fly home, and who do I contact?
The clinic checklist has more.
What if numbness, swelling or problems persist back home?
Some numbness of the cheeks and ears is normal and usually fades over weeks or months. Contact your surgeon in Türkiye first and send photos. If you are worried, see your GP or call NHS 111.
Get help the same day for a temperature of 38°C or above, spreading redness, pus or wounds opening. Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden, rapidly increasing swelling on one side of the face or neck, difficulty breathing, chest pain, a sudden change in vision or a painful, swollen leg.
Tip: Bring home your operation report in English, a medication list and the surgeon’s contact details, and give copies to your GP practice.
Read more
Emergency: If you have shortness of breath, chest pain or a swollen, painful leg, call emergency services (112 in Europe) immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of facelift do I need?
That depends on your skin, the deeper tissues, your neck and your expectations. Mini, SMAS, deep plane and neck lifts are different techniques, and the surgeon should explain after examining you why one suits you better than another.
Can I have a facelift and eyelid surgery at the same time?
It is often done in one session. It makes the operation longer, so your surgeon has to judge whether it is safe for you.
How long do I need to stay in Antalya after a facelift?
BAPRAS suggests allowing seven to ten days abroad after facial cosmetic procedures before flying home. Your surgeon should confirm the date after a final check.
When are the stitches removed?
The NHS says facelift stitches are usually removed after about 7 to 14 days, unless they are dissolvable. Eyelid suture strips usually come off within about a week.
How long will the bruising and swelling last?
The NHS says bruising is visible for at least two weeks, while swelling or numbness can last weeks or months. Full recovery takes about two to four weeks.
Where are the facelift scars?
Usually in the hair at the temples, in front of the ear, around the earlobe and behind the ear, sometimes with a small scar under the chin. They fade but do not disappear completely.
How long does a facelift last?
There is no fixed number of years. A facelift puts the clock back, but your face continues to age, and lifestyle, sun and weight changes affect how long the result looks fresh.
Can I have a facelift if I smoke?
Smoking is a main cause of poor healing after a facelift. BAAPS patient information advises stopping at least two weeks before surgery – many surgeons ask for longer, so check with yours.
Questions about treatment in Türkiye?
Would you like personal advice before or after treatment in Türkiye – for example about the process, choosing a clinic, your contract, aftercare or your rights? Message us on WhatsApp or call.
Note: this number belongs to Av. Yakup Oral Kulaksız, who writes the legal content on this website; he is also active in the health tourism sector himself. Contacting us is without obligation. Only send medical documents if you wish to. In a medical emergency, call 999 (UK) or 112.