Deep Plane Facelift Turkey:
Dr. Zereyak's Technique Explained

Pricing for a deep plane facelift with Dr. Zereyak in Istanbul is provided during your free video consultation, as the cost depends on the complexity of your case and any combination procedures. The all-inclusive package covers surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, pre-operative tests, compression garment, VIP airport transfers, and 12 months of follow-up. Contact us for a personalised quote.

We recommend remaining in Istanbul for a minimum of 5–7 days post-surgery. This allows for partial suture removal (typically day 5) and a post-operative follow-up before your flight. Most international patients are comfortable flying after 7–10 days. Long-haul flights (over 9 hours) should be discussed individually during consultation.

A SMAS facelift tightens and repositions the superficial musculoaponeurotic system — the fibrous layer beneath the skin. A deep plane facelift releases the retaining ligaments that tether this layer to the bone, allowing the entire facial composite (skin, SMAS, and underlying fat) to be repositioned as one unit. This produces more natural results with longer longevity — typically 12–15 years versus 7–10 years for SMAS — with less tension on the skin surface.

Deep plane facelifts typically last 12–15 years, significantly longer than traditional SMAS facelifts (7–10 years). Longevity depends on individual factors including skin quality, lifestyle, sun exposure, and weight stability. The results are permanent in the sense that the repositioned tissues remain elevated — but natural aging continues after surgery.

Days 1–3: Significant swelling and bruising, head elevation required, rest at hotel. Day 5: Partial suture removal — dissolvable sutures are used throughout. Week 1–2: Socially presentable, most patients feel confident leaving the hotel. Month 1: Near-normal function, majority of swelling resolved. Month 3: Final facial contours settling. 6–12 months: Complete resolution of all swelling and scar maturation.

Recovery is more extensive than a mini facelift or SMAS facelift due to the deeper tissue plane involved. Most patients describe the first 3–5 days as uncomfortable rather than painful — we prescribe appropriate pain management. Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours then gradually improves. The majority of Dr. Zereyak's international patients feel comfortable flying home at 12–14 days post-surgery.

Ideal candidates are typically aged 45–70 with moderate to severe sagging in the mid-face, jowls, and neck — where skin laxity has progressed beyond what a mini facelift can address. Good general health is essential: non-smoking or willingness to stop 4 weeks prior, no uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, and realistic expectations about outcome. A free video consultation with Dr. Zereyak will determine whether deep plane is appropriate for your anatomy.

Active smokers (smoking must cease minimum 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery), patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or significant bleeding disorders. Patients on blood-thinning medications (aspirin, warfarin, certain supplements) require a medication-free period prior to surgery. Very thin skin with extensive sun damage may require a modified approach discussed at consultation.

When performed correctly, a deep plane facelift produces the most natural-looking results of any facelift technique. Because the deeper tissues are repositioned rather than the skin being pulled, there is no "windswept" or overcorrected appearance. The technique preserves natural facial expressions and avoids the distortion of skin-only facelifts.

Yes — we offer free video consultations via Zoom or Microsoft Teams for all international patients. During a 30–45 minute session, Dr. Zereyak reviews your photos, discusses your aesthetic goals, evaluates candidacy, provides a personalized quote, and answers all pre-surgical questions. Most international patients complete 1–2 video consultations before confirming their surgery date.

The all-inclusive package covers: surgical procedure fees, anesthesia, hospital stay (1–2 nights), pre-operative blood tests and medical assessment, post-operative compression garment, prescribed medications, VIP airport and clinic transfers, hotel coordination assistance, a dedicated patient coordinator throughout your stay, and 12 months of remote follow-up with Dr. Zereyak's team.

The deep plane facelift is a more complex and time-intensive procedure than SMAS or mini facelift techniques, which means: longer operating time (4–6 hours), more extensive initial swelling (peaks at 48–72 hours), and a slightly longer recovery before social presentability compared to minimal-incision procedures. It also requires a surgeon with advanced fellowship-level training in facial anatomy and ligament release — relatively few plastic surgeons perform deep plane facelifts as their primary technique. The tradeoff is more natural results and significantly longer longevity.

The best surgeon for your deep plane facelift depends on verifiable credentials, not marketing claims. When evaluating any surgeon in Turkey, verify three things independently: (1) ISAPS membership at isaps.org — this confirms international peer-reviewed board certification in aesthetic plastic surgery. (2) Hospital accreditation — JCI accreditation confirms safety standards equivalent to US hospitals. (3) Specific deep plane experience — ask for case volume and before/after photographs of patients with anatomy similar to yours. Dr. Zereyak is ISAPS-certified, TPCD board-certified, holds the European FEBOPRAS qualification, and performs all procedures at a JCI-accredited hospital in Istanbul.

A mini facelift (also called a short-scar or S-lift) addresses mild jowling and early neck laxity through smaller incisions and limited tissue repositioning. It does not release the retaining ligaments or reposition the malar fat pad. A deep plane facelift is a full anatomical repositioning — releasing the zygomatic, masseteric, and mandibular ligaments to move the entire facial composite as one unit. Mini facelifts are appropriate for patients in their early 40s with mild aging; deep plane is the procedure of choice for moderate to significant facial aging where the nasolabial fold, jowls, and neck all require correction. Results last 3–5 years for mini facelift versus 12–15 years for deep plane.

Istanbul is the centre of advanced plastic surgery in Turkey. The highest concentration of ISAPS-certified surgeons, JCI-accredited hospitals, and specialist facelift practices are in Istanbul. Antalya is primarily known for dental tourism and package-based cosmetic surgery — fewer surgeons there specialise specifically in deep plane technique, which requires advanced fellowship training. For a procedure as anatomically complex as deep plane facelift, we recommend choosing your surgeon based on credentials and deep plane case volume rather than city. Dr. Zereyak operates exclusively in Istanbul at a JCI-accredited hospital.