For patients in South Africa

Mid facelift in Turkey from South Africa: for the cheeks, not the jawline

A mid facelift lifts and repositions the tissues of the cheeks and the area under the eyes. It is aimed at flattened cheeks, loss of volume in the mid-face and deep lines running from the nose to the mouth. It does not treat jowls, loose skin along the jaw or the neck, so the first question is which part of your face actually concerns you. Our facelift guide for South Africans covers the full facelift options.

Mid facelift or full facelift?

• Mid facelift — flattened cheeks, mid-face volume loss and nasolabial folds, without changing the jawline or neck
• SMAS facelift — also treats sagging along the jawline and neck (SMAS facelift guide)
• Deep plane facelift — repositions the mid-face together with the jaw and neck (deep plane facelift guide)

If you have jowls or a loose neck as well as flat cheeks, a mid facelift alone will not address them, and the surgeon may recommend a full facelift instead. More detail is on the mid facelift treatment page.

Who it suits

• People whose cheeks look flat or hollow at rest
• People with prominent lines from nose to mouth, at rest or when smiling
• People with loosened facial tissue after losing a lot of weight
• Healthy adults without significant jowls or loose neck skin

A mid facelift is often considered from around 30 onwards. The surgeon decides the most suitable procedure after assessing your anatomy and goals; photographs are only a first step. Our surgeons are board-certified; see our clinic facts page.

Where the scars are

The incisions are placed inside the mouth, just above the gum, and at the temples behind the hairline, so they are concealed. Because some incisions are inside the mouth, expect instructions on mouth care and eating in the first days.

Adding other procedures

A mid facelift is commonly combined with eyelid surgery, a brow lift, facial fat transfer, chin augmentation or skin resurfacing. The surgeon decides how much is safe in one operation. Our face surgery guide for South Africans lists the options.

How long to stay, and the flight home

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town reach Istanbul in around ten hours, then a short domestic flight takes you to İzmir. South Africans need an e-Visa; see the e-Visa guide. Most patients stay five to seven days, which allows for surgery, monitoring and a follow-up appointment before the surgeon confirms you can travel. Book a return ticket you can change.

• Expect mild to moderate discomfort, tightness and swelling for the first few days, usually controlled with prescribed pain medication
• Take home a written summary of the operation and your medicines for your GP
• Tell us at the start about any history of blood clots, smoking or regular medication

Recovery at home

Many patients return to desk work within ten to fourteen days, depending on swelling and bruising. Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for several weeks, or until the surgeon says it is safe. Like any facial surgery, a mid facelift carries risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, asymmetry, altered sensation and nerve injury.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. For one year our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and any clinically necessary revision, but not a preference for a different look within what was discussed. Accepted cases are treated in İzmir at no charge; flights and accommodation are your own cost. See also our complaints procedure.

What we will not do

We will not recommend a mid facelift for a problem it does not treat, such as jowls or a loose neck, we will not promise a result or how long it will last, and we will not operate if the surgeon judges you are not a suitable candidate.

Frequently asked questions

Will a mid facelift fix jowls or a loose neck?

No. A mid facelift focuses on the cheeks and under-eye area. Jowls and neck laxity are treated with a SMAS or deep plane facelift, sometimes with a neck lift.

Where are the scars after a mid facelift?

The incisions are inside the mouth just above the gum and at the temples behind the hairline, so they are concealed.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a mid facelift?

Most patients stay five to seven days, allowing time for surgery, monitoring and a follow-up appointment before the surgeon confirms you are fit to fly. Book a return ticket you can change.

When can I go back to work after a mid facelift?

Many patients return to desk work within ten to fourteen days. Strenuous activity and exercise should wait several weeks, or until the surgeon says it is safe.

Will my medical aid cover a mid facelift?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic facial surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer specifically before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.