Choosing Lower facelift surgery in Turkey is the strategic answer for individuals who feel their reflection no longer matches their vitality, specifically where gravity has blurred the definition between the face and neck. As we age, the youthful “V-shape” of the face gradually inverts into a “square” silhouette due to the descent of jowls and loss of skin elasticity. Clinic Care Center offers advanced surgical solutions to reclaim a sharp, defined profile by addressing the root causes of aging in the lower face.
Targeting the Lower Third: SMAS and Platysma
To understand this procedure, one must look beneath the skin. True aging occurs in the deep structural layers, not just on the surface.
The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) is the fibromuscular layer that supports the face; when it weakens and slides down due to gravity, it creates heavy jowls that obscure the jawline. Simultaneously, the Platysma muscle in the neck separates and sags, forming vertical bands (often called a “turkey neck”). A modern Lower Facelift does not simply pull the skin; it surgically tightens and repositions these muscles to define the mandibular border, ensuring the result looks natural rather than “windblown.”
Clinic Care Center: Expert Warning
Patients often confuse a Lower Facelift with a Full Facelift. A Lower Facelift specifically targets the jawline, jowls, and neck. It does not lift the cheeks (mid-face), eyes, or forehead. If you have sagging cheeks or hollow eyes, a Lower Facelift alone will not give you a harmonious result. Furthermore, this surgery involves incisions behind the ears to manage the neck skin. If you are not willing to have a scar behind the ear, you cannot achieve a tight neck.
Lower Facelift vs. Mini Facelift: Which Do You Need?
It is crucial to distinguish between a “refresh” and a structural correction. The table below outlines why a Lower Facelift is necessary for significant aging.
| Feature | Mini Facelift | Lower Facelift (Neck & Jowls) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Target | Early Jowls (Sagging cheeks). | Heavy Jowls & Turkey Neck. |
| Neck Correction | Minimal to None. | Extensive. Includes Platysmaplasty (muscle tightening). |
| Incision | Front of ear only. | Front of ear + Behind ear + Hairline. |
| Age Group | 40 – 50 years. | 50 – 70 years. |
| Downtime | 1 week. | 2 – 3 weeks. |
Recovery Expectations: Numbness and Healing
Healing is a biological process that cannot be rushed. You should expect temporary numbness around the ears and cheeks for several weeks or even months, caused by the disruption of sensory nerves during the elevation of skin flaps. This is normal and resolves spontaneously. Additionally, your neck will feel remarkably tight, similar to wearing a stiff scarf; this sensation confirms that the muscle repair (corset) is holding firm. While incisions will appear pink initially, they are strategically placed in natural creases to fade into thin white lines over 6-12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Facelifts
Does it include a neck lift?
Yes. A Lower Facelift and a Neck Lift are almost always performed together. Lifting the jowls without tightening the neck would result in an unnatural, unbalanced appearance.
Can I combine it with eyelid surgery?
Yes. Combining a Lower Facelift with Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is the most common “facial rejuvenation” package, as it addresses aging in both the upper and lower face simultaneously.
How long does it last?
A expertly performed SMAS Lower Facelift typically lasts 10 to 15 years. While it does not stop the aging process, it “resets the clock,” meaning you will always look younger than if you had not had the surgery.
Will I look “pulled”?
No. The “pulled” look occurs when surgeons rely only on skin tension. Because we tighten the deep muscle layer (SMAS) first, the skin is draped naturally over the new contour without excessive tension.
How long do I stay in Turkey?
We require a stay of 8 to 10 days. This allows for the removal of drains (Day 1-2) and sutures (Day 7-8) before you fly home.
Is it safe for men?
Yes, but the technique differs. Great care is taken with incision placement to ensure the beard hair is not pulled into the ear or behind it, preserving a masculine hairline.
Do I need drains?
Yes. Small drains are typically placed behind the ears for 24 hours to remove excess fluid and prevent hematoma (blood collection), ensuring a safer recovery.
Redefine Your Profile.
A defined jawline is the hallmark of a youthful face. At Clinic Care Center, our surgeons specialize in deep-plane and SMAS techniques to restore your structure naturally. Contact us today for a comprehensive facial analysis to see if a Lower Facelift is the right step for you.
Also Read:
Otoplasty
Chin Beautification
Cat Eyes
Eyebrow Lift
Eyelid Lift
Facelift Operation
Face Fat Injection
Forehead Lift
Neck Lift
Rhinoplasty
Buccal Fat Removal
Dimpleplasty
Lip Lift
