For patients in South Africa

Thread lift in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A thread lift uses dissolvable threads placed under the skin to lift and support areas that have started to sag. It avoids the incisions of a facelift and has a short recovery, but the result is subtler and does not last as long. For South African patients, that trade-off matters, because a repeat treatment means a repeat journey.

What a thread lift does

Fine dissolvable threads are placed beneath the skin to lift and hold sagging tissue, restoring some definition to the face. As the threads dissolve, they stimulate collagen production. There are no traditional surgical incisions, which is why recovery is quick. The thread lift treatment page explains the method.

Thread lift or facelift?

The honest comparison: a thread lift gives a quicker recovery and avoids facelift scars, but the improvement is more modest and temporary. A SMAS facelift remains the better option for moderate to advanced ageing, such as heavy jowls and loose skin of the lower face, and its result lasts much longer. If you are unsure, a mini facelift or the facelift guide may help you compare.

Who it suits

• People with early or mild to moderate facial sagging, typically from their thirties onwards
• People who want a non-surgical option rather than incisions
• People whose health or age means a surgical facelift is not advisable
• People who accept that the result is subtle and will fade

Send photographs of your face from the front and both sides. The surgeon will tell you if a thread lift is unlikely to give the change you want. It is often combined with anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers or skin treatments.

How long to stay, and the flight home

Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short flight to İzmir, and you will need an e-Visa. Most patients are cleared to fly after two to five days, subject to the surgeon’s approval. Because the journey is long relative to the treatment, ask whether combining it with other treatments makes sense in your case, rather than booking a second trip later.

• Mild swelling, bruising or tenderness is normal for a few days
• Avoid pressing on or massaging the treated areas unless told otherwise
• Keep a copy of your treatment notes for your doctor at home

Recovery at home

Most people return to normal daily activities quickly. Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team, and İzmir is only one hour ahead of South Africa. Medical complications arising from the treatment within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee; the guarantee does not cover a wish for a different or longer-lasting result. Plan for the fact that, after 12 to 18 months, you will need to decide whether to repeat the treatment. For other options, see the face surgery guide for South African patients.

What we will not do

We will not recommend a thread lift to someone whose sagging is too advanced for threads to help, and we will not describe it as a permanent or surgical-strength result. We will not confirm a plan before the doctor has reviewed your photographs.

Frequently asked questions

How long do thread lift results last?

Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on your age, skin quality and lifestyle. The threads gradually dissolve while stimulating collagen.

Is a thread lift a substitute for a facelift?

Not for advanced ageing. A thread lift suits mild to moderate sagging and gives a subtle result; a surgical facelift gives a stronger and longer-lasting result for more advanced ageing.

How long after a thread lift can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after two to five days, subject to the surgeon’s approval.

Can a thread lift be combined with other treatments?

Yes. It is often combined with anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers or skin rejuvenation treatments, if the doctor agrees it suits you.

Will my medical aid cover a thread lift in Turkey?

Probably not. South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment abroad. Ask both directly.

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