For patients in South Africa

Temporal lift in Turkey from South Africa: lifting the outer brow

A temporal lift raises the outer part of the eyebrows and the temples through small incisions hidden in the hairline. It is aimed at drooping brow tails and hooded skin at the outer corners of the eyes, which can make a face look tired. It is a smaller operation than a full brow lift and gives a more subtle result. Our brow lift guide for South Africans covers the other options.

Temporal lift or endoscopic brow lift?

• Temporal lift — lifts the outer corner of the brow and the temple; incisions at the temples behind the hairline
• Endoscopic brow lift — lifts the whole brow and smooths the forehead, including frown lines; incisions behind the hairline on the forehead (endoscopic brow lift guide)

For significant brow descent or forehead ageing, an endoscopic or other brow lift is usually the better option. The surgeon recommends a technique based on your anatomy and goals. More detail is on the temporal lift treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with hooding skin under the outer part of the eyebrows
• People whose eyebrow tails droop at the sides of the eyes
• People with early signs of ageing around the temples
• People who want a subtle lift without a larger operation

Age is not the deciding factor; the position of the brow is. Hooding can come from the brow, the upper eyelid or both, and the surgeon assesses which. Our surgeons are board-certified; see our clinic facts page.

Adding other procedures

A temporal lift is commonly combined with upper eyelid surgery, a facelift or facial fat transfer. It is often added to a deep plane facelift in the same operation. The surgeon decides what is safe to do together. 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, follow-up appointments and the surgeon’s approval to travel. If the temporal lift is part of a larger operation, the stay is planned around the larger procedure. Book a return ticket you can change.

• Expect mild discomfort, swelling, bruising and tightness rather than severe pain; these are temporary
• Stand and walk regularly on the plane, and drink water
• 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

Most patients return to work and light daily activities within one to two weeks. Strenuous exercise should wait until the surgeon clears you. The incisions sit within the hairline, so the scars are well hidden once healed. Like any surgery, a temporal lift carries risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, hair loss near the incisions, altered sensation and asymmetry.

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 temporal lift where the brow has dropped too far for it to help, 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

What is the difference between a temporal lift and a brow lift?

A temporal lift raises the outer part of the brow and the temples. An endoscopic brow lift raises the whole brow and smooths the forehead. The surgeon recommends one based on your anatomy and goals.

Will the scars from a temporal lift show?

The incisions are placed within the hairline at the temples, so the scars are well hidden once healed.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey for a temporal lift?

Most patients stay five to seven days, allowing time for surgery, follow-up and the surgeon’s approval before the flight of around ten hours home.

Can a temporal lift be done with upper eyelid surgery?

Yes. A temporal lift is commonly combined with upper eyelid surgery, a facelift or facial fat transfer. The surgeon decides what is safe in one operation.

Will my medical aid cover a temporal lift?

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.