Facelift and Eyelid Surgery in Istanbul: What’s Really Lifted, Recovery and How Long It Lasts
By the Lamis Clinic Plastic Surgery Team, Istanbul, with insights from Dr. İsmail Barut, Plastic Surgeon · Updated October 2026
Short answer: a modern facelift lifts the deeper layer of the face — not just the skin — so results look rested rather than pulled. Bruising peaks around days 3–4, most people feel ready for everyday life after about two weeks, and results generally last 7–10 years. Eyelid surgery is often combined for a complete, refreshed look.
Is only the skin tightened?
“In facelift surgery, what is actually adjusted are the muscles under the skin and a layer of fascia we call the SMAS. They are tightened, the excess is removed, then the excess skin is trimmed and the stitches are placed behind the ear.” — Dr. İsmail Barut, Plastic Surgeon
Lifting the SMAS is what makes a facelift look natural and last. A skin-only lift stretches the surface and tends to look tight and fade quickly.
How long does a facelift last?
“Results vary from person to person, depending on skin sagging, age and weight. But generally, we can say they are effective for 7 to 10 years.” — Dr. İsmail Barut
A facelift doesn’t stop ageing — but you will keep looking younger than you would have without it.
Facelift or eyelid surgery — which do you need?
Jowls, loose skin along the jaw, neck bands: facelift and neck lift
Heavy, hooded upper eyelids: upper eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty)
Bags or puffiness under the eyes: lower eyelid surgery
A tired look overall: often a combination, planned at consultation
Facelift recovery, day by day
Day 1: sleepy and sore — pain relief helps most today
Day 2: first check of incisions and dressings
Days 3–4: bruising and swelling peak
Days 4–6: most people stop needing prescription pain relief
Days 7–14: stitches come out between the end of week one and week three; many people feel like themselves by the end of week two
Weeks 3–4: you can usually go out without obvious signs of surgery
Months 3+: final results settle; tiny bits of swelling or numbness can take up to a year
Eyelid surgery alone is usually quicker: bruising often fades within 10–14 days.
How long to stay in Istanbul
Plan around 10–14 days for a facelift, so your surgeon can check healing and remove stitches before you fly. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons advises 1–2 weeks after general-anaesthetic surgery of up to 3 hours, and longer for combined operations.
Questions to ask your surgeon
Do you lift the SMAS, or only the skin?
Can eyelid surgery be done at the same time?
Where will the scars be, and how do they heal?
Where will the operation take place, and who gives the anaesthetic?
Questions patients ask us
Will people see scars? The stitches sit around and behind the ear, where scars are well hidden. Eyelid scars sit in the natural eyelid fold.
Am I too young or too old? It depends on your skin and health, not a number. We’ll tell you honestly at consultation.
Related reading
Plan your consultation
Send us a few photos and tell us what bothers you most. We’ll explain which option fits. Request a Consultation on WhatsApp
Images: wayhomestudio, nensuria via Magnific (Freepik).
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