The Ultimate Guide to Facelift Procedures: Which One is Right for You?

Aging is a natural process, but the visible signs such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume can impact self-confidence. While skincare and non-surgical treatments can help maintain a youthful appearance, they often only address surface-level concerns. For those seeking more profound and long-lasting results, facelift surgery offers a powerful solution. With a range of techniques available, from minimally invasive options to advanced surgical approaches, facelifts can effectively rejuvenate facial contours and restore a fresh, vibrant look.

This comprehensive guide explores the different types of facelift surgeries, highlighting their unique benefits, ideal candidates, and how to make the best choice for your face type and aesthetic goals.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a cosmetic procedure designed to tighten sagging skin, smooth deep wrinkles, and restore lost facial volume. Unlike temporary non-surgical treatments, a facelift repositions deeper tissues to create natural-looking rejuvenation that lasts for years.

This procedure primarily targets the lower two-thirds of the face, addressing concerns such as:

Loose skin and jowls along the jawline
Deep nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth)
Sagging cheeks and loss of mid-face definition
Excess skin and fat under the chin and neck

Different facelift techniques are available based on individual needs, ranging from less invasive mini facelifts to advanced deep plane facelifts.

Types of Facelift Surgery & Their Benefits

Not all facelifts are the same. Different techniques are designed to target specific concerns and levels of aging. The right facelift procedure depends on factors like skin laxity, facial structure, and desired results. Some options focus on minor improvements, while others provide more dramatic and long-lasting effects.

Facelift procedures generally fall into two categories:

Traditional surgical facelifts: Involves deeper tissue adjustments and longer-lasting results.
Minimally invasive facelifts: Uses smaller incisions and shorter recovery times.

Let’s take a closer look at the most common facelift techniques, their benefits, and who can benefit the most from each one:

Deep Plane Facelift

Deep plane facelift is considered one of the most advanced and effective facelift techniques available today. Unlike traditional facelifts that primarily tighten the skin, this procedure focuses on repositioning the deeper facial tissues, particularly the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) layer.

This approach ensures not only a lift but also a rejuvenation of facial contours that appear both youthful and natural. The deep plane facelift is ideal for individuals looking for a comprehensive solution to deep facial folds, sagging cheeks, and loss of jawline definition.

Benefits of Deep Plane Facelift

Comprehensive rejuvenation: Addresses both skin and deeper facial structures.
Long-lasting results: Typically lasts 10 to 15 years.
Natural appearance: Avoids an overly tight look by repositioning deeper tissues.
Versatile improvements: Effective for lifting sagging cheeks, softening deep nasolabial folds, and defining the jawline.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals with significant sagging in the mid and lower face, particularly those with deep nasolabial folds and jowls.
Patients seeking a natural, youthful look without the “pulled” effect.
Ideal for those in their 50s to 60s who want a dramatic yet natural rejuvenation.
Excellent for individuals who have had previous facelifts and need a more advanced correction.

SMAS Facelift

SMAS facelift is a widely used technique that offers a balanced approach to facial rejuvenation. By targeting both the skin and the SMAS layer, this procedure lifts and tightens facial tissues without altering natural expressions.

It is particularly effective for enhancing the mid-face, jawline, and neck, providing a refreshed and youthful look. The SMAS facelift involves slightly fewer risks and a shorter recovery time compared to the deep plane facelift, making it a popular choice for those seeking substantial yet natural results.

Benefits of SMAS Facelift

Enhanced facial contours: Lifts both the skin and underlying muscles.
Natural results: Achieves a youthful appearance without looking overdone.
Mid-face and neck improvement: Especially effective for contouring the jawline and neck.
Durable results: Typically last 10 years or more.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 40s to 60s with moderate to severe skin laxity in the mid-face, jawline, and neck.
Patients who want a balance of effectiveness and recovery time.
Suitable for those who want significant lifting without the need for a more invasive deep plane facelift.
Great for individuals looking to improve both facial and neck appearance simultaneously.

Endoscopic Facelift

Endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a small camera (endoscope) to achieve subtle yet effective facial lifting.

This technique is perfect for those showing early signs of aging but not yet needing a full facelift. The procedure involves tiny incisions, typically hidden within the hairline, allowing the surgeon to lift and reposition facial tissues with precision.

Benefits of Endoscopic Facelift

Targeted enhancements: Ideal for lifting the brow, mid-face, and upper cheeks.
Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions mean faster healing and minimal scarring.
Natural results: Delivers a subtle, rejuvenated appearance.
Quick recovery: Shorter downtime compared to traditional facelifts.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 30s to 50s with mild to moderate sagging, particularly in the brow and mid-face.
Patients looking for a refreshed appearance without significant downtime.
Ideal for those not yet needing a full facelift but wanting to address early aging signs.
Great for enhancing specific facial areas with minimal invasiveness.

Mini Facelift (Lower Facelift)

Mini facelift, also known as a lower facelift, is designed to address mild to moderate aging in the lower face and jawline.

This procedure uses smaller incisions, typically around the ears, to lift and tighten the skin and underlying tissues. It is a quicker procedure with less downtime, making it an attractive option for those seeking a subtle enhancement.

Benefits of Mini Facelift

Subtle rejuvenation: Targets the lower face and jawline.
Quicker recovery: Smaller incisions lead to faster healing.
Natural enhancement: Avoids dramatic changes while still delivering noticeable improvements.
Good longevity: Results can last up to 10 years.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 30s to 50s with early signs of aging around the lower face.
Those wanting to address jowls and mild skin laxity without a full facelift.
Ideal for patients seeking minimal downtime and a quick return to daily activities.
Great for those looking to enhance their jawline and achieve a fresher look.

Still unsure about the differences between them?

Read our in-depth Full Facelift vs Lower Facelift blog to compare the two and find out which option suits you best!

Mid-Facelift (Cheek Lift)

Mid-facelift, also known as a cheek lift, focuses on rejuvenating the middle part of the face, particularly the area around the cheeks and under the eyes. Unlike traditional facelifts that target the lower face and neck, a mid-facelift restores volume and enhances the contours of the mid-face region.

The procedure involves lifting the deeper tissues, such as the fat pads in the cheeks, which can descend over time and create a hollow or tired appearance.

Benefits of Mid-Facelift

Targeted rejuvenation: Lifts sagging cheeks and enhances mid-face volume.
Improves under-eye area: Reduces hollowness and smooths nasolabial folds.
Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions with less downtime.
Natural enhancement: Creates a youthful, well-rested appearance.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 30s to 50s with early signs of aging in the mid-face area.
Ideal for those experiencing volume loss in the cheeks or a hollowed look under the eyes.
Great for patients who want to avoid more invasive surgery but still achieve noticeable improvements.
Suitable for those looking to enhance their facial contours without altering the lower face or jawline.

Brow Lift (Forehead Lift)

Brow lift, also known as a forehead lift, is a cosmetic procedure designed to elevate drooping eyebrows and smooth forehead wrinkles.

This procedure is particularly effective in reducing the tired or angry look that can result from sagging brows and deep frown lines.

Benefits of Brow Lift

Elevates the brows: Creates a more open and alert eye area.
Smooths forehead wrinkles: Reduces frown lines and horizontal creases.
Enhances facial expressions: Softens a harsh or tired look.
Long-lasting improvement: Results can endure for several years.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 40s to 60s with drooping brows, deep forehead lines, or frown lines.
Suitable for those who want to achieve a more youthful and relaxed expression.
Ideal for patients who feel their brows contribute to a tired or aged appearance.
Great for those who want a natural enhancement of their upper face without invasive surgery.

Temporal Lift (Cat-Eye, Almond Eye, Fox Eye)

Temporal Lift, also known as cat-eye, almond eye, or fox eye, is a minimally invasive procedure that focuses on lifting the outer corners of the eyes and the brow area to create a more elongated and lifted appearance.

Often associated with trends like the “cat-eye,” “almond eye,” or “fox eye” looks, the temporal lift elevates the temples and the lateral brow, giving the eyes a more defined and youthful shape.

Benefits of Temporal Lift

Enhances eye shape: Achieves trendy eye looks such as cat-eye or almond eye.
Minimally invasive: Small incisions mean less scarring and quicker recovery.
Rejuvenates the brow area: Lifts the outer brows and reduces crow’s feet.
Natural and subtle results: Ideal for enhancing facial aesthetics without drastic changes.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 20s to 40s looking to enhance eye shape and achieve a lifted, youthful look.
Great for those who want a slight elevation of the outer brow and upper cheek area.
Ideal for patients seeking subtle enhancements without undergoing a full brow or forehead lift.
Suitable for those looking to reduce mild brow drooping or enhance their natural eye contour.

Neck Lift (Lower Rhytidectomy)

Neck lift, also known as lower rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the neck and jawline.

This procedure is particularly effective in addressing loose skin, excess fat, and muscle banding in the neck area, often referred to as a “turkey neck.” A neck lift is frequently performed in conjunction with a facelift to create a smooth, cohesive, and youthful appearance from the face down to the neck.

Benefits of Neck Lift

Refines neck contours: Eliminates sagging skin and reduces neck wrinkles.
Enhances the jawline: Provides a smoother and more defined profile.
Long-lasting results: Typically maintains improvements for a decade or more.
Restores a youthful look: Especially effective when combined with a facelift.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 40s to 70s with loose skin, excess fat, or muscle banding in the neck.
Ideal for patients experiencing a “turkey neck” or wanting to improve neck and jawline definition.
Great for those who want a significant transformation of their neck’s appearance.
Suitable for patients combining a neck lift with other facial procedures for a more cohesive look.

Full Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

Full facelift, or rhytidectomy, is the most comprehensive facelift procedure available.

It addresses aging signs across the mid-face, lower face, and neck, providing a dramatic and long-lasting rejuvenation. The full facelift tightens sagging skin and repositions deeper facial tissues to restore youthful contours and eliminate deep wrinkles.

Benefits of Full Facelift

Comprehensive enhancement: Improves the mid-face, lower face, and neck.
Restores facial contours: Lifts sagging cheeks, tightens jawline, and smooths deep wrinkles.
Long-lasting transformation: Typically maintains results for 10 to 15 years.
Balanced and natural look: Avoids an overly tight or “windblown” appearance.

Who Is It Best For?

Individuals in their 50s to 70s with advanced signs of aging, such as deep wrinkles and significant skin laxity.
Ideal for those seeking a complete and lasting facial rejuvenation.
Suitable for patients who want a unified enhancement of their face and neck.
Great for those looking to achieve a younger appearance with natural-looking results.

Non-Surgical Facelift Options

Non-surgical facelifts offer a less invasive way to reduce signs of aging, using advanced techniques to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the face without surgery. These treatments are ideal for those who want gradual improvements with little to no downtime.

Popular Non-Surgical Facelift Options

Dermal Fillers: Add volume to the cheeks, jawline, and under-eye area, reducing sagging and wrinkles.
Botox: Relaxes facial muscles to smooth fine lines and prevent deeper wrinkles from forming.
Thread Lift: Uses dissolvable sutures to lift sagging skin, providing an immediate but temporary lift.
Ultrasound Therapy (Ultherapy): Stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin over time.
Radiofrequency (RF) Treatments: Firms the skin by heating deeper layers, encouraging collagen growth.
Microneedling with PRP: Improves skin texture and elasticity by boosting natural collagen production.

Why Choose MCAN Health for Facelift Surgery in Turkey?

From mini facelifts to comprehensive deep plane facelifts, MCAN Health offers a wide range of techniques tailored to meet your specific aesthetic goals with a facelift in Turkey.

Our internationally accredited plastic surgeons are known for their precision, artistry, and commitment to patient safety. With state-of-the-art, JCI and TEMOS-accredited facilities, you can expect a comfortable and secure surgical experience.

What Makes MCAN Health the Best Choice for Your Facelift?

Expert Surgeons: Our highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in advanced facelift techniques, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Advanced Medical Facilities: All procedures are performed in internationally accredited clinics equipped with the latest technology and stringent safety standards.
Comprehensive Care Packages: We offer all-inclusive packages covering everything from accommodation and airport transfers to multilingual patient support and detailed aftercare.
Exceptional Aftercare Services: Our dedicated in-house nurses provide daily hotel visits, assisting with wound care, monitoring recovery, and offering medical support 24/7.
Transparent & Affordable Pricing: MCAN Health offers competitive prices with no hidden costs, allowing you to achieve your desired results at a fraction of the price compared to the UK, Europe, and the US.
Proven Patient Satisfaction: With over 15,000 happy patients and a 4.8-star rating, our track record speaks for itself. We pride ourselves on delivering transformative results that boost confidence and well-being.

Choose MCAN Health for your plastic surgery in Turkey and take the first step toward a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance with confidence and expert care!

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article by

Mehmetcan Kotil

Medical Content Expert

Mehmetcan is MCANs Digital Marketing Manager and Content writer who has taken roles in medical tourism for years and created written materials for healthcare provider’s websites.

Updated on Monday, March 10 2025.